This is the 450hp Audi RS5 Cabriolet - Ingolstadt's answer to the almost over the hill, but still great BMW M3 Convertible.

Audi RS5 Cabriolet at the 2012 Paris Motor Show

The RS5 Coupé has been on sale for over a year now, so it's time to peel off the roof. This is the 450hp Audi RS5 Cabriolet - Ingolstadt's answer to the almost over the hill, but still great BMW M3 Convertible.

Paris Motor Show 2012 - live

What is it?

It's the usual Audi RS recipe of rapid, grippy performance, but this time served al-fresco. The RS5 Cabriolet uses the same 4.2-litre naturally aspirated V8 as its fixed-roof brother, meaning high-revving aural drama is assured. It channels the power through a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox.

What's hot?

Considering the performance on offer, economy isn't too bad - Audi claims 25.9mpg on the combined cycle. It'll also seat four and rocket to 62mph in 4.9 seconds - making it more hot-rod than boulevard cruiser. And it looks quite tough with those muscular wheel arches and huge oval exhaust pipes...

What's not?

Chopping the roof off a performance car never pleases the purists - chassis wobbles and scuttle-shake being the go-to criticisms. But there's enough demand for a soft-top RS5, so Audi is unlikely to struggle when it comes to shifting the Cabriolet.

How much and when?

Audi's roofless M3 rival is expected early next year, with prices in Germany confirmed at €88,500.That's just over £70,000, although UK showroom prices haven't been firmed up yet.

Anything else I should know?

Yes - the new RS5 Cabriolet can be ordered with a more vocal sports exhaust to help those twin howitzer-sized pipes really sing. The usual raft of technology features inside, including Internet connectivity and a seven-inch touchscreen sat-nav system. Oh and there's a lap-timer too...

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