2014 Audi RS 5 Cabriolet and 2014 R8 to debut in Detroit

By Nick Jaynes January 4, 2013

Audi RS 5 Cabriolet — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Good news, everyone! We here in the states might not ever see the wondrous new Audi RS 6 Avant, but we will be seeing the RS 5 Cabriolet.

Audi announced this morning that it plans to unveil the 2014 RS 5 Cabriolet alongside the 2014 R8 at the Detroit Auto Ahow in a few weeks.

Excitingly, the RS 5 Cabriolet will have nearly the same stats as the coupe version but with a soft-top for warm weather fun. Powered by a normally aspirated 4.2-liter V8, the RS 5 Cabriolet produces 450 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. This convertible designed to dominate both at the track and on the roads will make a 0-60 run in 4.9 seconds and onto an electronically limited top speed of 174 MPH. Audi brags that the RS 5 Cabriolet is also relatively fuel-efficient and isn’t susceptible to the gas-guzzler tax. Fuel economy estimates stand at 16 MPG in the city, 22 highway, with a combined score of 18. Sure, these numbers aren’t great. But for a 450-horsepower V8, they’re really quite good.

The fold soft top will rise in 15 seconds and lower in 17. This is the first time in many years that we can recall the convertible top operation times differed, which is perplexing. The top can be activated up to speeds of 30 MPH. So even if the urge to drop the top strikes while on the open road, you can indulge yourself.

Beyond that, the RS 5 Cabriolet differs only slightly from the coupe version. Seats are covered in leather and Alcantara. The rear bumper has a higher than normal diffuser and a honeycomb screen frames the dual exhaust pipes.

Audi R8 V10 Plus — Image used with permission by copyright holder

On the R8 side of things, not a whole lot has changed, that is, except the transmission and the 0-60 times, which has improved by 0.3 seconds. With the new S tronic double-clutch transmission, the 2014 R8 can make the 0-60 run in 3.3 seconds and onto a top speed of 196 miles per hour.

We will be covering the Detroit auto show later this month. Should any more info be announced about the RS 5 Cabriolet or the R8, we’ll be sure to bring it to you.

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Former Digital Trends Contributor

Nick Jaynes is the Automotive Editor for Digital Trends. He developed a passion for writing about cars working his way…

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