Best Car Models & All About Cars: 2012 Audi S5

2012 Audi S5 Seats

As the A5 Convertible's a lot of sport-oriented brother, the S5 Convertible is designed to straddle the line between sensuous style and track-tuned performance. This topless performer relies on the identical platform that underpins the additional plebeian A4 sedan and wagon, as well because the marginally more butch Q5, but the S5 Convertible serves as the hedonist's flagship of the lineup.

Essentially an open-top version of the S5 Coupe that was initial introduced for 2008, the S5 Convertible shares most of the hardtop's styling within and out, not to say its powertrains.

Powered by a de-tuned version of the 4.2-liter V8 that additionally sees duty within the R8, the S5 Convertible puts out the identical 354 horsepower and 325 lb-ft. of torque because the S5 Coupe.

Like the coupe, the S5 options its engine mounted any back in the engine bay -- behind the front wheels -- than is normally seen in Audis. Designed to assist aid weight distribution, it conjointly provides a a lot of neutral handling feel.

A six-speed manual transmission is standard, as is Audi's latest quattro all-wheel-drive, while a six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddles shows up on the choices list.

Like all of Audi's "S" models, the S5 features a full complement of suspension and styling modifications designed to impart a more sporting feel and appear. Unique back and front fascias facilitate the design outside, whereas the inside gets carbon fiber trim, special seats and a unique steering wheel. Larger brakes and a tightened and lowered suspension help the Z-rated tires deliver the uprated power to the street.

Unlike several competitors, the S5 Convertible gets a light-weight-weight, insulated cloth folding top instead of a additional complicated, but more coupe-like, folding metal hardtop.

The S5 Cabriolet options active roll bars behind the seats, front airbags, knee airbags, seat-mounted facet head/chest airbags, and ESP stability control. The S5 will also be ordered with an on the market head-level heating system engineered into the seats, enabling passengers to drive with the prime down in less-than-ideal weather.

Sirius Satellite Radio connectivity comes commonplace, as does the 3G MMI (Multi Media Interface), that options 3D map graphics, traffic info, and a joystick-based mostly user interface.

A performance-oriented Sports Rear Differential package with torque vectoring is on the market as an option.

2012 Audi S5