The 2011 Audi S5 quattro Auto S-Tronic Cabriolet is the kind of car that garners both attention and respect. When Audi decided to add the cabriolet to the A5 stable, observers crossed their fingers that the car wouldn’t lose its soul. We are here to report that all is well; the S5 cabriolet takes the A5 platform to new heights.
Exterior
The combination of the brilliant red paint and black soft top on our test model 2011 Audi S5 quattro Auto S-Tronic Cabriolet gave a first impression of both class and sport. The 19-inch, double-spoke alloy wheels, high performance tires and dual exhaust with quad tailpipes set the tone for a fun drive. Although hardtop convertibles are all the rage, Audi chose to stick with a fabric roof. The ragtop has classic appeal and folds down in a segment-leading 15 seconds at speeds up to 30 miles per hour. The sharp lines, distinctive front end and sculpted body makes a statement of refinement and luxury. The single frame grille, large air intakes and memorable headlights make an unforgettable impression. Those Audi signature daytime running lights are just the beginning of an intelligently designed 2011 Audi S5 quattro Auto S-Tronic Cabriolet.
Interior
The interior of the 2011 Audi S5 quattro Auto S-Tronic Cabriolet is interesting enough to make this car feel special. Our test model was equipped with Audi navigation system with 3G MMI and color driver information system, rear view camera, rear park sensors, a high performance Bang & Olfsen premium sound system, carbon atlas interior inlays and 3-spoke leather wrapped multi function steering wheel. The sport seating in the S5 Convertible had silk nappa leather upholstery, split folding rear seats with full pass through to trunk, heated and cooled front seats, and power driver and passenger seat adjustment with lumbar support. The dash again was familiar from other Audi vehicles and included three-zone automatic climate control, in-dash CD player with SD card slot, Sirius satellite radio, Audi music interface (iPod integration), Bluetooth hands free phone interface and homelink remote transmitter. The convertible is remarkably quiet and wind noise was clearly addressed when engineering the 2011 Audi S5 quattro Auto S-Tronic Cabriolet. By going with the soft top, Audi was able to retain adequate trunk space that would have been lost to the trendier hard top convertibles.
Performance
A real sports car has to deliver when it comes to performance and the 2011 Audi S5 quattro Auto S-Tronic Cabriolet does just that. Our model had the 3.0-liter TFSI 333 horsepower DOHC supercharged 6-cylinder engine with dual intercoolers and FSI direct injection. The 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission with quattro permanent all wheel drive system gives the driver options. These options include Audi Drive Select vehicle dynamics system, which enables the driver to chose from three different engine maps controlling the characteristics of the fuel feed, the shifting points of the seven-speed S-tronic and multitronic, and the mode of operation of the servotronic steering system per Audi. The Audi Drive Select system is for those particular drivers who can monitor and choose the difference between automatic, dynamic and comfort settings that customize engine mapping, transmission shift characteristics and steering and suspension. The paddle shifters on the backside of the leather steering wheel were smooth but I found myself very satisfied with what Audi delivered in the automatic 7-speed S-Tronic transmission. Our test model S5 came in at 17 mpg city and 26 mpg highway which is what we expected considering the 4000-lb. plus weight of the 2011 Audi S5 quattro Auto S-Tronic Cabriolet.
Overview
Audi has been on a winning streak lately. For those who can afford the 2011 Audi S5 quattro Auto S-Tronic Cabriolet ,the good life can get even better. Our test model had a total sticker price of $64,225, which will narrow the customer base for this loaded Audi S5 Cabriolet, but sometimes you get what you pay for. The supercharged V6 provided plenty of power with 333 horses and a modified rumble that invokes power and sophistication. The ease of opening and closing the fabric top was remarkable – any driver would be especially pleased if the weather suddenly turned for the worse. The 2011 Audi S5 quattro Auto S-Tronic Cabriolet is opulent inside and out and will put a smile on your face whether you are behind the wheel or just admiring her beauty.
