Review: Audi 8F7 S5 Cabriolet (2009-16)

Review: Audi 8F7.I S5 Cabriolet (2009-11)

Overview

Released in December 2009, the Audi 8F7 S5 Cabriolet was a two-door, four-seat convertible with a power-operated soft-top roof. The Audi S5 Cabriolet was powered by a 3.0-litre supercharged V6 petrol engine mated to a seven-speed double clutch transmission (Audi’s ‘S-Tronic’) with steering wheel gearshift paddles.

3.0 TFSI V6 engine

The S5 Sportback’s 3.0-litre CAKA TFSI V6 engine had an aluminium-silicon alloy crankcase, a die-forged steel crankshaft, a cast aluminium cylinder head, chain-driven double overhead camshafts, variable intake camshaft timing over a range of 42 degrees, four valves per cylinder (including chrome plated exhaust valves with sodium-filled stems), direct fuel injection (Audi’s ‘Fuel Stratified Injection’ or FSI) and a compression ratio of 10.3:1.

The 3.0 TFSI V6 engine featured a Roots-type positive displacement supercharger – produced by Eaton – that was positioned in the ‘V’ of the cylinder banks. The supercharger had twin four-lobe rotors and could force intake air into the combustion chambers at a maximum boost pressure of up to 0.8 bar.

Dimensions and suspension

Compared to the Audi A5 Cabriolet on which it was based, the S5 Cabriolet was 10 mm longer (at 4635 mm), the same width (1854 mm), 3 mm lower (1380 mm) and had the same length wheelbase (2751 mm). The S5 Cabriolet had five-link front suspension with upper and lower wishbones and trapezoidal link rear suspension.

quattro and electronic differential locks

The Audi S5 Cabriolet’s quattro system utilised a third-generation Torsen T-3 centre differential which provided a default front to rear torque split of 40:60. If traction was lost, however, up to 80 per cent of the engine’s torque could be directed to the front or rear axle.

The S5 Cabriolet was also fitted with front and rear electronic differential locks which could brake individual wheels to transfer torque across the open differential to the opposing wheel (i.e. cross-axle torque transfer).

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Audi S5 Cabriolet included dual front airbags, front side (thorax/pelvis) airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Features

Standard features for the Audi S5 Cabriolet included 18-inch alloy wheels with 245/40 tyres, a Multi Media Interface (Audi’s ‘MMI’) with a seven-inch display, ten speaker 180 watt stereo, a six-disc CD player, MP3-compatibility and auxiliary inputs (MP3/USB), DVD player, satellite navigation and park assist display, three-zone climate control air conditioning, combination Alcantara/leather front seats with power adjustment and heating, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity, directional bi-xenon headlights with washers, LED daytime running lights, front and rear fog lights, front and rear parking sensors, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, split and folding rear seats, remote central locking with proximity key, power windows and heated mirrors, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, ambient lighting, tyre pressure monitoring, a trip computer, an alarm and immobiliser.

Compared to the A5 Cabriolet, the S5 Cabriolet’s roof had additional sound proofing material (14 mm thick). Furthermore, the power-operated soft-top roof could be opened in 15 seconds, closed in 17 seconds and operated at speeds of up to 50 km/h.

Related links

• Specifications: Audi 8F7.I S5 Cabriolet (December 2009)
• Technical data: Audi 8F7.I S5 Cabriolet (December 2009)

Review: Audi 8F7.II S5 Cabriolet (2012-16)

Overview

Released in February 2012, the Audi 8F7 Series II (8F7.II) S5 Cabriolet introduced fuel-saving technologies such as start-stop (i.e. engine shutdown in traffic), brake energy recuperation and an electro-mechanical power steering system. Other changes included revised rear suspension bearings and damper tuning and a crown gear centre differential for the quattro system.

Visually, the Audi 8F7.II S5 Cabriolet could be identified by its sharper bonnet edges, redesigned head- and tail-lights, larger front air intakes, sharper bonnet edges and new headlights with LED running lights. Inside, there new materials, a new multi-function steering wheel, white instrument illumination and revised switchgear.

Safety equipment

Compared to its 8F7.I predecessor, standard safety equipment for the 8F7.II S5 Cabriolet was unchanged.

Features

As part of the 8F7.II update, the six-disc CD player was replaced by a single-disc player and standard features were extended to include a USB input, memory card reader, Bluetooth audio streaming, a 10GB hard drive for music storage and voice recognition.

Related links

• Specifications: Audi 8F7.II S5 Coupe, Cabriolet and Sportback (February 2012)
• Wikipedia.org: Audi S5