I just spent last week in the
Audi S5 Coupe and fell in love. The only thing that could make the car better, in my opinion, is to have a topless option. My dreams have almost come true this week; I say almost because even though the basic shape, styling and badging are similar, Audi did more than just make the coupe a convertible.
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| I love the solid, low-to-the-ground stance of the S5. (Photo: Lacey Elliott/Auto123.com) |
The S5 Coupe has a 4.2L V8 engine producing 354 horsepower and the ability to move from a standstill to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds. It also has a growl that makes my hairs stand up on end. This beastly engine does not equip the 2011 Audi S5 Cabriolet.
Rather, this topless number gets a supercharged 3.0L V6. It boasts an impressive 333 horsepower and can perform the 0-100 km/h run in a mere 5.3 seconds. Though it was a bit of a jump to go from the V8 to this V6, I am impressed by the 325 lb-ft of torque that delivers incredibly quick response throughout the whole rev range, peaking from 1,500 to 4,200 rpm.
The Cabriolet is also equipped with Audi’s S tronic 7-speed automated transmission. Unlike the Coupe version, no manual gearbox is available, but I do like using the paddle shifters behind the wheel. This engine is more than enough to have some fun with. By day 3, I had completely forgotten about the V8 and was enjoying the S tronic transmission.
Looking like the rest of the Audi family, I love the solid, low-to-the-ground stance of the S5. It seems full and more aggressive looking than the
BMW 3 Series or the
Mercedes E-Class. The signature LED daytime running lights and bi-xenon headlights add a touch of uniqueness to this car; people familiar with this face know that’s an Audi approaching in the rear view mirror.
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| The S5 Cabriolet gets a supercharged 3.0L V6. It boasts an impressive 333 horsepower and can perform the 0-100 km/h run in a mere 5.3 seconds. (Photo: Audi) |
