Convertible top and body

The soft top with the large glass rear window covers the interior like a low curved dome. It is much lighter than a folding steel roof, which reduces overall weight. Available as standard with an acoustic hood, the soft top reduces wind noise to virtually the level of a coupé. A foam layer, which is up to 15 mm (0.59 in) thick, is inserted between the soft top cover and the interior lining. A LED lamp illuminates the rear seating area.

If the driver presses the opening button on the centre tunnel console or on the optional convenience key, a high-pressure hydraulic pump and four servo cylinders are activated. The soft top opens in 15 seconds and closes in 17 seconds, and can be operated at speeds up to 50 km/h (31.07 mph). A central switch activates the four window controls simultaneously.

The opened hood disappears under a solid lid, where it folds compactly. Its roof compartment, made out of a heavy-duty textile mat, takes up just 60 liters (2.12 cubic ft) of luggage compartment capacity – the remaining 320 liters (11.30 cubic ft) constitute a best-in-class figure.

As with any Audi, the body of the RS 5 Cabriolet offers outstanding strength, providing the basis for precise handling, superior crash safety, and peace of mind. Form-hardened steels are used in the passenger cell area – a change in temperature during forming gives the steels extremely high tensile strength coupled with lower weight.

Specially developed reinforcement components compensate for the absence of a metal roof. In the front section, diagonal struts run from the side sills to the subframe; similar components are mounted to the rear section. The side skirts feature ultra-high-strength walls. The tubes, which reinforce the A-pillars, are formed by hydroforming and are extremely rigid.

A solid aluminum frame, which houses the rollover protection, is located between the interior and luggage compartment. In the case of an imminent rollover, pre-tensioned springs instantly push up aluminum supports behind the rear head restraints.

In the event of a side impact, head/thorax side airbags are ready in the seats; airbags protect the driver and the front seat passenger in a frontal impact – the control unit detects the relevant seat positions in this case. Thus the unit can adaptively control the triggering of seat belts and airbags. In a rear-end collision, the integral head restraint system averts the danger of whiplash injuries.

The front fenders of the RS 5 Cabriolet are made of aluminum to reduce weight and to optimize the distribution of axle loads. Sophisticated fine-tuning measures, including a fully covered underbody, improve the airflow and, in turn, acoustics as well as fuel efficiency.

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.