There is a reason most sports cars have a fixed roof
Usually removing the roof doesn't improve rigidity
Still Audi claims you can turn the A5 convertible into a full-blooded RS model
This is supposed to be more than a big engine and an open roof
And it better be because this costs €20.000 more than an RS5 Coupé
Then again, here in Monaco money isn't a problem
So let's see what's what with this RS5 Convertible
Fortunately Audi has chosen a soft top roof for the A5 range and this RS is no exception
It looks better but also weighs less
And weight is something this RS5 already has plenty of
Audi says every horsepower has to carry 4.27 kilograms
Sounds great but since it has 450 horsepower
A quick calculation puts it at 1.921 kilograms
That's just 30 kilos shy of an S8
So it's no featherweight
But an open roof means you can better hear ... this
Let's face it: the V8 is the most attractive feature of the RS5
4.2 litres and 450 hp mean that despite it's weight it will go from 0-100 km/h in under 5 seconds
And it really is very, very quick
Moreover it sounds incredible
Dark at low revs and because it's naturally aspirated it will scream and growl all the way up to 8.500 rpm
It's mated to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission which may be less pure than a manual
But just listen to those downshifts!
Sounds good doesn't it? And when you put your foot down
Really quite sensational
When driving fast you do notice the weight of course
Especially under braking you feel the car ploughing on
And when cornering it feels heavy you can sense the car struggling
On the other hand it does have Audi's latest Quattro taken from the new RS4 Avant
Which means you feel more power goes to the rear
So when you apply power in the corners you can make it oversteer slightly
This makes it more exciting and more fun
It isn't the best sports car but you don't buy a convertible for that
But considering it's a soft top, it is very good and more importantly: very fun indeed
So, the RS5 convertible then it's is a sensational device for sure
It's certainly no hardcore sports car there are competitors who do things better
However, it is a thrilling car
it's almost as if the V8 sounds even better with the roof removed
And that really is very impressive indeed
It's €135.000 price tag means this won't sell well in our country
Since it's old-fashioned naturally aspirated V8 produces a lot of CO2
Still, I think we're gonna miss that in the future
BMW M3 will go back to six cilinders and I imagine Audi will follow suit
And that's a shame really Because one day this ...
Will really be missed