Audi A5, S5 Cabriolet to Make US Debut in New York

The Cabriolet flavors of both Audi A5 and S5 will officially make their US debut at the upcoming New York Auto Show, the German manufacturer announced in a press statement today.

As you probably know from our previous reports, the A5 Cabriolet comes with a lightweight fabric top that opens in approximately 15 seconds and provides provides a "large pass-through" between the trunk and the car interior. Thanks to this fact, the overall boot capacity was increased to 750 liters (26.49 cubic ft), Audi added in the statement.

A permanent all-wheel drive system comes as standard on both the 3.2-liter FSI Tiptronic and S5 S tronic versions, with a sport differential specifically addressed to the S5 Cabriolet. It "variably distributes power between the rear wheels for even greater dynamics and driving pleasure," Audi explains.

"The perfect addition to this technology is the optional Audi drive select vehicle dynamics system, which enables the driver to customize the characteristics of the vehicle’s steering, suspension, and engine/throttle and transmission mapping."

The European version of both Audi A5 and S5 Convertible saw daylight at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show and will be offered in a choice of five engine configurations: 1.8-liter TSI 160 horsepower, a 2.0-liter TFSI with two different outputs -180 and 211 horsepower-, a 3.2-liter FSI V6 265 horsepower, a 3.0-liter TDI 240 horsepower plus a 2.7-liter 190 horsepower.

The S5 Convertible will also boast a more powerful unit, a 3.0-liter V6 that brings out a maximum output of 333 horsepower. However, the US market will likely get less engine version with exteriors slightly modified to comply with local regulations.
More images in the gallery below.