The Audi RS 5 Cabriolet

The engine alone is a marvel; the high-revving unit displaces 4.2 liters and delivers a peak of 450 horsepower at a lofty 8,250 rpm and 430 Nm of torque between 4,000 and 6,000 revs.

It’s matched to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and quattro all-wheel drive, with the latter featuring a compact and lightweight crown-gear center differential that can vary the distribution of torque between the front and rear axles quickly and over a wide range--up to 70 percent to the front and up to 85 percent to the rear, as necessary. The default is a 40:60 front to rear split.

Note, the crown-gear center differential works together with an additional torque-vectoring system that acts on all four wheels. If the load on the inside wheel is reduced too much, that wheel is braked slightly before it can begin to slip. If that’s not enough, Audi also offers its sport differential as an option. This feature actively distributes the power between the rear wheels.

All of this does add weight, however, with the RS 5 Cabriolet tipping the scales at over 4,400 pounds. Nevertheless, the vehicle can still sprint to 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds and easily reach its limited top speed of 280 km/h.

To help save weight, the RS 5 Cabriolet makes do with a simple automated folding soft-top. This spans a well-appointed four-seat cabin and can be lowered in just 15 seconds, even when driving at speeds of up to 50 km/h.

Special reinforcements contribute to the car’s high rigidity, and aluminum front fenders compensate for some of the added weight of the reinforcements.

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