We would never kick a 450-horsepower convertible out of bed, especially one as pretty as the 2013 Audi RS5 Cabriolet. We’ll admit, the chrome wheels aren’t really doing it for us – we much prefer the standard alloys – but nevertheless, there’s a lot to like about this topless Audi.
Most importantly, the RS5 Cabriolet still uses Audi’s naturally aspirated 4.2-liter V8 that’s being discontinued elsewhere in the company’s lineup. We adore this high-revving, fire-breathing engine, though we’d like it more if it were mated to a six-speed manual transmission rather than the car’s standard seven-speed S-tronic gearbox. Still, the all-wheel-drive convertible can sprint to 62 miles per hour in just under five seconds on its way to a top speed of 155 mph (or 174 mph if you ask Audi nicely to remove the limiter).
While speaking with Autoblog at the Paris Motor Show, Scott Koegh, President of Audi’s U.S. operations, confirmed the Cabriolet will arrive Stateside in the first quarter of 2013 as the newest member of the RS5 family.
“That car is a no-brainer,” Koegh said. “We think our RS strategy fills the brand. We think adding this high-performance attribute is huge. TT RS is a classic example. The car sold out and rock-and-rolled extremely well.”
The car goes on sale in Germany next summer, priced from €88,500, or about $111,500 based on current exchange rates. At this point, it’s unclear whether the convertible will carry a 2013 or a 2014 model year designation, but we’re banking on the latter as the Coupe model is already on sale here as a 2013. We’re also guessing it’ll be lot cheaper when it comes to America, however – the Coupe, which is already on sale, retails for under $70,000.
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