Chassis

All the important wheel suspension components consist of aluminum, which substantially reduces unsprung masses. The five-link front suspension processes the longitudinal and lateral forces that act on the vehicle separately. The aluminum frame to which it is linked makes the front end extremely rigid. The springs and dampers of the self-tracking trapezoidal link rear suspension are independent, which improves their response. The links are mounted on a steel subframe.

The electromechanical power steering conveys differentiated feedback to the driver. Power assistance is adapted to the road speed; the ratio of 16.3:1 is sporty and direct. The steering system works closely together with the optional Audi active lane assist system. When braking on a surface that is slippery on one side, it assists the driver by increasing power assist to support the proper steering corrections and prevent incorrect steering inputs.

In straight-line driving, the electric motor of the steering system in the RS 5 Cabriolet does not consume any energy, reducing fuel consumption by up to 0.3 liters (0.08 US gallons) per 100 kilometers (62.14 miles). Thanks to its concentric design with the rack and pinion, the steering gear is very compact.

Decidedly firm: the setup
The RS 5 Cabriolet will launch with dynamic tuning; the body has been lowered by 20 millimeters (0.79 in). The shock absorbers are stiff, taut springs ensure sporty elasto-kinematics, and the tubular anti-roll bars are larger and stronger than on standard production models.

Audi offers the sport suspension plus with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) as an option – the compact, lightweight system minimizes body movements by pure hydromechanical means without delays. Each pair of shock absorbers is interconnected diagonally via hydraulic lines and to one central valve each.

When cornering at speed, the valves send more oil flow to the shock absorber of the deflected outside front wheel to increase its support and reduce lateral tilt. The shock absorbers can be adjusted in three stages via the standard Audi drive select.

Audi drive select takes dynamic handling to new heights on the RS 5 Cabriolet. In addition to the sport suspension plus and the sport differential, both of which are optional, Audi drive select also incorporates the power steering system, seven-speed S tronic, engine throttle valves and the sound flaps of the exhaust system. The driver can vary the functionality of these systems at the push of a button between the modes comfort, auto and dynamic. And if the car is equipped with an MMI navigation system, there is also a customizable fourth mode which offers the driver a wide range of configuration options.

Another optional component is dynamic steering which uses a superposition gear in the steering column. It steplessly varies the steering ratio as a function of speed - from very direct when maneuvering to indirect on the highway. At cornering performance limits, dynamic steering countersteers with minimal pulses, making handling even more dynamic, fluid and safe. It prevents the car from pulling when braking on a surface that is slippery on one side.

Large and elegant: wheels
The new Audi RS 5 Cabriolet is equipped with ten-spoke machine-polished aluminum forged wheels, size 9J x 19 with 265/35 tires. 20-inch wheels with 275/30 tires in three designs are available as options. 19-inch tires, size 8J x 19 with 235/40 R19 tires, are offered for winter use. All of the tires exhibit low rolling resistance without any compromises in handling or braking performance.

Effective: the brakes
Large wave-design brake discs are mounted on the wheels. Discs measuring 365 millimeters (14.37 in) in diameter and 34 millimeters (1.34 in) thick are mounted on the front axle; the rear axle features discs measuring 324 x 22 milli-meters (12.76 x 0.87 in). The discs are internally ventilated and perforated; their wave-shaped outer contour reduces weight by about three kilograms (6.61 lb). Stainless steel pins connect the steel friction rings to the aluminum brake pots. This concept, which has its origins in car racing, reduces loads and quickly dissipates heat.

The monoblock callipers painted in high-sheen black with RS logo are also manufactured from aluminum. The front callipers each have eight pistons; single-piston floating callipers are mounted on the rear axle.

For the front axle, Audi offers the option of 380 millimeters (14.96 in) perforated carbon fiber ceramic discs paired with six-piston callipers in Anthracite Gray. The base material is silicon carbide, a material with a diamond-like crystalline structure that integrates high-strength carbon fibers. Titanium bolts join the friction rings with the pots made out of forged aluminum. The ceramic discs do not fade, and they are extremely strong, powerful, and durable. All in all, they weigh four kilograms (8.82 lb) less than the steel discs, despite their larger dimensions.

The ESC stabilization control is tuned to the dynamic character of the Audi RS 5 Cabriolet. In Sport mode, which can be selected at the push of a button, the engine interventions are deactivated, providing spectacular yet safe drifts when accelerating. The optional hill start assist, a subfunction of the system, makes it easier to drive off on grades by maintaining brake system pressure after the brake pedal is released.

The equipment and data specified in this document refer to the model range offered in Germany. Subject to change without notice; errors and omissions excepted.