The new RS 5 Cabriolet joins its four high-performance siblings in the range, namely the RS 4 Avant, RS 5 Coupé, TT RS Coupé and TT RS Roadster.

Audi RS 5 Cabriolet

The German automaker's new Audi RS 5 Cabriolet is a four-seat convertible that is able to let the sunlight in during those sunny afternoons. It is also being capable of delivering an exhilarating drive in the twisty mountain pathways or narrow, bending, rain-soaked city streets.

This is mainly due to its high-revving (limiter only cuts in at a glorious 8500 RPM), naturally aspirated 4.2 litre V8 FSI engine that churns out 331 kW at 8250 RPM and 430 Nm of torque between 4000 and 6000 RPM.

The powerplant of the RS 5 Cabriolet is able to rocket this luxury car to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds at sea-level, and go on to gallop to 250 km/h before being reigned in by the electronic speed limiter. Despite being capable of this level of performance, Audi claims that drivers should see a combined-cycle (town and highway driving) fuel consumption figure of around 10.7 litres per 100 km.

Audi's RS 5 drops its top to become available in Cabriolet form for locals craving that wind in your hair feeling. 

Audi RS 7 Sportback and RS Q3

During Q4 2013, Ingolstadt fans will have more choice when it comes to the RS model range as Audi South Africa plans to introduce two new RS models in the form of the RS 7 Sportback and the RS Q3. This will boost the model range tally to seven RS vehicles, with the RS 7 Sportback being powered by a more compact (3993 cc) twin-turbo V8 which develops 412 kW between 5700 and 6700 RPM, along with a whopping 700 Nm of torque within a wide rev range of between 1750 and 5500 RPM. This sees the Sportback bringing up 100 km/h in a blistering 3.9 seconds, whilst the terminal velocity can be 305 km/h if the buyer opts to have the speed governor deactivated.

Besides being much quicker than the RS 5 Cabriolet, the RS 7 Sportback also puts a bigger smile on your face at the petrol station since it will consume about 9.8 litres per 100 km on average according to Audi. This is due to its smaller capacity, as well as standard start-stop system, thermal management and some innovative cylinder-on-demand engine technology.

Audi’s RS Q3 will be the first SUV performance model introduced in the range and will be powered by Ingolstadt’s three-time ‘International Engine of the Year’ 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbo powerplant. This engine develops 228 kW and 420 Nm of torque, launching the SUV to 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds, with more fuel efficient minded drivers obtaining an average fuel consumption figure of approximately 8.8 litres per 100 km.

Audi stated that additional details on the RS7 Sportback and RS Q3 will be made available closer to these cars’ local launch later this year.

Currently available RS model range pricing (incl. VAT and all other taxes)

Audi RS 4 Avant             R893 000

Audi RS 5 Coupé            R926 000

Audi RS 5 Cabriolet        R986 000

Audi TT RS Coupé         R 748 000

Audi TT RS Roadster      R 783 500

These prices further includes Audi’s standard five-year or 100 000 km Freeway Plan (maintenance and servicing costs).

In other motoring related news, boardroom movers and shakers can check out our Top 5 large executive saloon choices here.