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2017 Audi S5 Cabriolet Reveals Bold Front End in 'Ring Spy Photos

While Mercedes has just popped its compact convertible cherry with the C-Class Cabriolet, Audi is getting ready to present a direct rival. We are talking about the second generation of the A5 Cabriolet or, to be more precise, the S5.
2017 Audi S5 Cabriolet Reveals Bold Front End in 'Ring Spy Photos 22 photos
Photo: SB-Medien
2017 Audi S5 Cabriolet Reveals Bold Front End in 'Ring Spy Photos2017 Audi S5 Cabriolet Reveals Bold Front End in 'Ring Spy Photos2017 Audi S5 Cabriolet Reveals Bold Front End in 'Ring Spy Photos2017 Audi S5 Cabriolet Reveals Bold Front End in 'Ring Spy Photos2017 Audi S5 Cabriolet Reveals Bold Front End in 'Ring Spy Photos2017 Audi S5 Cabriolet Reveals Bold Front End in 'Ring Spy Photos2017 Audi S5 Cabriolet Reveals Bold Front End in 'Ring Spy Photos2017 Audi S5 Cabriolet Reveals Bold Front End in 'Ring Spy Photos2017 Audi S5 Cabriolet Reveals Bold Front End in 'Ring Spy Photos2017 Audi S5 Cabriolet Reveals Bold Front End in 'Ring Spy Photos2017 Audi S5 Cabriolet Reveals Bold Front End in 'Ring Spy Photos2017 Audi S5 Cabriolet Reveals Bold Front End in 'Ring Spy Photos2017 Audi S5 Cabriolet Reveals Bold Front End in 'Ring Spy Photos2017 Audi S5 Cabriolet Reveals Bold Front End in 'Ring Spy Photos2017 Audi S5 Cabriolet Reveals Bold Front End in 'Ring Spy Photos2017 Audi S5 Cabriolet Reveals Bold Front End in 'Ring Spy Photos2017 Audi S5 Cabriolet Reveals Bold Front End in 'Ring Spy Photos2017 Audi S5 Cabriolet Reveals Bold Front End in 'Ring Spy Photos2017 Audi S5 Cabriolet Reveals Bold Front End in 'Ring Spy Photos2017 Audi S5 Cabriolet Reveals Bold Front End in 'Ring Spy Photos
A test prototype wearing full production clothing was recently photographed at the Nurburgring. We are more interested in the design of the S5 Cabriolet than anything else, since this car is a 50/50 compromise between speed and luxury.

We could tell you that the S5 is going to be a direct rival for the C43 AMG, but since the Audi model has been around for longer, you already know what to expect. Or do you? S5 models started out with a de-tuned 4.2-liter V8, moved to a supercharged V6 and will now use a 3.0 TFSI with only one turbocharger as opposed to the two employed by AMG.

We still don't know what impact that will have on power delivery, since no reviews of the S4 sedan/Avant have yet been revealed. But nobody seems to complain about the BMW M2, and that has only one turbo as well.

The way we see things, the S5 is more of an A5 S, the only significant difference between it and the 3.0 TDI models being the styling and the height of the suspension. But Audi's new lead designer Marc Lichte has undoubtedly pushed hard to make the A5 entirely different from the A4.

This prototype wears less camouflage than ever, allowing us to see something new: sharp lines on the hood. If that's an aluminum piece, it must have taken at least two steps to stamp out. The headlights are also much bigger than on the sedan, and the grille is squashed, like the one used by the TT.

You don't hear a lot of great things about Audi sports convertibles. By the time you add all-wheel drive and stiffen up the body, you end up with a much heavier, less responsive vehicle. At least that's the case with the S3 and the old R8, but they might surprise us yet.
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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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