Tag: soft-top

Categories
Audi

Audi S5 / A5 Cabrio show

Audi S5 Cabriolet

Audi has lifted the lid on its S5 and A5 models. From Audi’s press blurb, is this rather quaint opening line: “Dynamic and wonderful to look at, the new A5 Cabriolet is a real Audi, and an especially exciting one at that.”

What is exciting is the new 3-litre supercharged V6 in the S5, which offers 245kW of power and 440Nm of torque to the driver. Oddly enough, this new engine is badged as a V6T. The blown V6 takes the roofless S5 from rest to 100.km/h in 5.6 seconds, but, amazingly, when driven conservatively, can achieve fuel consumption of 9.6l/100km. At least, that’s the claim.

The new Cabriolet models conform to Audi’s softtop philosophy, and are able to open in 15 seconds. Closing the roof takes 17 seconds. A basic animated GIF of the roof opening on the S5 Cabriolet is shown after jump (not time accurate). Audi say the benefits of the lighter softop help improve handling over hardtop designs through a lower centre of gravity. They also reckon their use of foam inside the roof lining makes interior noise almost on par with a folding metal roof.

The use of high strength steel and strategic reinforcements in the chassis are said to complete the strengthening required after removing the roof. Rollover bars pop up from behind the rear seat in the event of an accident and there are also head and chest air bags mounted in the doors to aid side impact protection.

A full complement of engines and transmissions are on offer for the A5, including a new seven speed S-tronic on selected models. The S-tronic box is standard on the S5.

Audi’s full international press statement in shown below.

Continue reading “Audi S5 / A5 Cabrio show”
Categories
MINI

The new MINI Cabrio

R57 MINI Cooper S Cabrio

This is the new MINI Cabrio. Shown here in 128kW turbo Cooper S guise, the roofless MINI will strike a fashionable pose at your favourite café—if you’re into that sort of thing.

The R57 Cabrio will reach Australian shores in the second quarter of 2009. It features a completely redesigned rollover hoop system, and the slightly awkward rear hinges from the old model have been deleted, resulting in a cleaner design for the hatch compartment. In the unlikely event that you do decide to roll your new MINI Cabrio, the rollbars will activate in a mere 150 milliseconds. Providing you protection when you need it, and staying out of your vision when you don’t. Neat, huh.

The automatic soft top roof opens in 15 seconds and can be activated at speeds up to 30km/h. Other features include standard Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) across the range, hands-free Bluetooth  phone capability (including iPhone), MP3 player compatibility and, oddly enough, an automatic air conditioning system that adjusts accordingly even when your roof is down.

In an ever so MINI way, there is also an optional Always-Open Timer that sits next to the tachometer on the steering column. This little dial keep tally of the number of hours your MINI Cabrio’s roof has been down. Fair enough, I suppose.

More images and words after the jump.

Continue reading “The new MINI Cabrio”
Categories
Audi

Audi R8 Spider seen unmasked at Nürburgring

Audi R8 Targa

NextAutos is reporting sightings of an Audi R8 Spider on roads near Germany’s famed Nürburgring. The Spider—although naming has not been confirmed—is believed to be available with the existing 4.2 litre V8 engine as well as the 5.0 litre V10, as the large tailpipes on these shots would indicate. The familiar side blades of the R8 hard top have been removed in the conversion to the soft top roof, but this certainly hasn’t lessened the eye candy appeal of the stunning R8. Expect to see an official release from Audi at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2009. Make sure you follow the link below to the NextAutos article, which has more images for your visual pleasure!

Source: NextAutos via autoblog

Categories
Audi

Audi adds new cab to its ranks

Audi A3 Cabriolet

Audi Australia has just launched its newest addition to the A3 range—the all-new A3 Cabriolet—and they’re pretty chuffed, by the looks.

Audi Australia’s managing director, Joerg Hofmann, says “The A3 Cabriolet clearly reflects Audi’s brand values of sporty, progressive and sophisticated—with two dynamic turbocharged direct injection engines, Audi achieves the seemingly opposite goals of excellent performance combined with fuel efficiency, matched with an elegant design which is equally attractive in roof-up or roof-down modes. We expect the A3 Cabriolet to be extremely successful in Australia because it offers a multitude of flexible features—from the fun of driving with the roof down, to space for four people, excellent safety features, plenty of luggage space and genuine good looks.”

Well, he has to say all those nice things doesn’t he. I do agree, however, that the A3 Cabrio looks great—it is a stunning car—although I’m not sure how well it will sell down under. Though, I expect Audi Australia has realistic expectations on that front.

At launch, the A3 Cabriolet is available with two turbocharged 4-cylinder engines. Pricing starts at $49,900 for the 118kW 1.8 TFSI Attraction, fitted with Audi’s 6-speed double clutch S tronic transmission. The Ambition models, featuring the 147kW 2.0 TFSI, start at $54,900 for the 6-speed manual and $57,500 for the S tronic. The first sign of cost saving with the A3 Cabriolet is evident with the roof being soft top only. The second, and most likely the last, is that the standard roof is semi-automatic only, although it does open in an impressive 9 seconds. However, for an extra $1300 a fully automatic soft top is available, and your extra cash also gets you a bit more sound proofing.

Continue reading “Audi adds new cab to its ranks”