Our British sources are reporting that Audi is working on a cabriolet version of the Q5. Even though the details of the Q5 cabrio are slim at the moment, one thing's obvious. It will be based on the Audi Cross Cabriolet Quattro concept premiered at the Frankfurt Auto Show back in 2007. The Audi Q5 cabriolet will keep the two-door configuration of the concept, and it will feature a soft canvas roof. The driver will be able to open and close the roof with the help of an electric motor.
Company insiders admit that the Audi Q5 cabrio will not be a driver's car, but more a fashion accessory for style seekers. It will feature a luxurious interior, with various bespoke styling cues and high quality materials. Expect all those
features to drive up the price quite considerably.
The Audi Q5 cabriolet will be heavier than a regular Q5, due to the added weight of the extra stiffening elements, required by the removal of the hard-top. This means that Audi will have to put powerful engines under its hood. We expect Audi will offer the Q5 cabriolet with both TFSI petrol and TDI diesel engines.
The Audi Q5 cabriolet is expected to hit the market before 2013, with a price tag of around 45,000 EUR.
If Audi goes ahead and builds the Q5 cabriolet, it will be the second manufacturer to offer a cabrio crossover after Nissan. The Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet was revealed in November 2010, and it still has to confirm its market appeal.
[Source: AutoExpress]
