Following news on the market launch of Audi’s next A5 Coupe in 2017, our spies nabbed the convertible version of the renewed series undergoing tests in Europe.
Whereas BMW insists (for the time being) on a trick folding hardtop for its competing 4-Series Convertible, Audi sticks with its predecessor’s tried and tested fabric top solution that is lighter, offers more trunk space and faster speeds of operation, all while being less complex and costly to manufacture – even though consumers might never actually see those savings…
Audi’s A5 series has been the more sophisticated and elegant looking offering in the category and this won’t change with the second generation, as Ingolstadt stays true to its evolutionary approach gifting the mid-size model with slightly crisper lines along with a bolder and lower front end packing slimmer headlamps equipped with the company’s latest tech.
A few months back, we scooped the inside of the 2017 A5 Coupe’s interior that is based on that of the new A4 sedan gaining more or less the same dashboard, including the option of Audi’s impressive Virtual Cockpit digital instrument panel.
Both the next A5 Coupe and Convertible are built on the same MLB platform architecture as the new A4 Sedan and Avant that’s stiffer, and at the same time, lighter, with reports suggesting that the new models will benefit from weight savings of around 100kg or 220 pounds. A slightly longer wheelbase will bring improvements in rear passenger space.
Front and all-wheel drive versions will be available, with the new A5 Cabriolet to borrow its powertrains from the new A4, including an entry-level 252PS (249hp) 2.0-liter TFSI for North America and the S5 with a 349hp (354PS) and 368 lb-ft of peak torque 3.0-liter turbocharged V6.
The new A5 Cabrio is expected to reach showrooms in 2017.
Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoops
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