2014 Audi RS5 Cabriolet Starts at $78,795

Today Audi released pricing for its complete lineup for 2014, and while we’ve already covered this information for the A6, A7, and Q5 TDI models and the R8 supercar, pricing also was announced for the RS5 cabriolet, the topless version of the mighty RS5 coupe. The cost for the no-roof option is $78,795, which is $8300 more than its fixed-roof counterpart.

Introduced at last year’s Paris auto show, the RS5 cabriolet shares all of the high-performance goodness of the coupe—except for the steel roof, of course. Under the hood is the same naturally aspirated 450-hp, 4.2-liter V-8; with the top down, expect the roar of its mechanical exertions to wash over you in unfettered waves of aural delight. That top goes down in 15 seconds and closes in 17 seconds at speeds of up to 30 mph.

The V-8 will match up with Audi’s S tronic seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, driving all four wheels with a front-rear torque split of 40:60. If necessary, the center differential can send up to 70 percent of the power to the front wheels or up to 85 percent to the rears. As on the coupe, Audi’s “wave”-edged brake rotors are on hand for stopping duties; eight-piston calipers are featured up front. With their scalloped design, Audi claims they reduce rotating and unsprung mass by about 2 pounds per corner. Compared with the regular A5 cabriolet, the RS5 cab has a sport-tuned suspension and rides 0.8 inch lower. Special reinforcements help to bolster the cabriolet’s structural rigidity, while aluminum front fenders offset some of the added weight of the reinforcements. For increased usability, there is a pass-through hatch from the trunk to the rear seating area; the rear seatbacks also can be folded over individually. Nineteen-inch forged aluminum wheels are standard, while 20-inchers are optional ($1000).