Audi does elegant understated design better than any one else in the world. Anyone that feels differently need only to look at the company’s accessory catalog to be convinced otherwise. Their designers attention to detail is astonishing from their cars all the way to a set of shirt cuffs, or a pen. Everything is designed just so, with the utmost care.

So it is no surprise to see that with their latest cabriolets Audi have once again pushed understatement and fluid luxury design to new heights. The new A5 cabriolet takes advantage of the A5 coupes already gorgeous exterior and amplifies the level of beauty in the original design. While other manufactures insist on pushing their folding hard-tops, Audi has chosen to keep the tradition of the soft top alive, quite what we would expect from a car maker of such elegant cars. A three layer piece with built in acoustic insulation, this isn’t your average rag-top roof.

Power will come courtesy of Audi’s awesome 2.0-liter turbocharged four cylinder with direct injection, as well as from an optional 3.2-liter V6. Both engines will be rated at 211hp and 265hp respectively. The S5 version will get more of everything. More luxury, more looks, more brakes and suspension, and of course that soulful 4.2-liter V8 generating 354hp under the hood doesn’t hurt now does it? Quattro will be standard on the S5 and V6 models, but an option on the 2.0T version which will come front-wheel drive as standard.

All A5/S5 models will be available in the fall of 2009, probably as 2010 models. While pricing has yet to be announced, expect the party to start at $40k and end at around $55-60K for a fully loaded S model. Cheap they’re not, but Audi’s newest cabriolets can make you easily forget the price the minute you drop the top on a sunny day and press the throttle. Beautiful, just beautiful…

Source: Inside Line

Photos: Audi AG