Audi Bringing Facelifted R8 and RS5 Cabriolet to Detroit

AudiAudiGermany, 1909 > present83 models
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has announced its lineup of new cars for the North American International Auto Show on January 14. Its debuts will be the facelifted 2014 R8Audi R8Germany, 2006 > present44 versions
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and the new RS5 CabrioletAudi RS5 CabrioletGermany, 2013 > present5 photos
. Both cars will go on sale in the spring in North America. 

“Coming off the momentum we’ve built with the launch of the all-new Audi S models, the new Audi R8 and RS 5 Cabriolet further invigorate the next chapter of our Audi performance models. We know that driving enthusiasts are excited to have these cars come to our shores, but they will be even more thrilled to know this is just the beginning," said Scott Keogh, president of Audi of America.

R8

The 2014 R8's major upgrade is a seven-speed DSG transmission that sheds 0.3 seconds off of the 0-60mph time on the top R8 V10 Plus to 3.3 seconds. Slower models will see a lower increase in performance from the new transmission. The gated six-speed transmission is still available as an option. 

The refreshed 2014 car also gets new LED headlights standard on all cars, a single frame grill, new mirrors, new exhaust tops and new rear lights. 

Beyond that, power remains the same with 430hp for the standard R8 V8, 525hp for the R8 V10 and 550hp for the R8 V10 Plus. 

RS5 Cabriolet

The RS5 Cabriolet takes the roof off the RS5 powered by a 4.2-liter V8 with 450hp with an 8,250rpm redline. It takes 4.9 seconds to get to 60 with a 174mph top speed. 

The roof is an insulated cloth top that takes up just 2.12ft³ of the 13.42ft³ trunk. The rear seats fold down to increase rear storage. The top takes 15 seconds to open and 17 seconds to close and works at up to 30mph. 

The RS5 Cabriolet comes standard with LED front running lights and LED taillights. There is a lower front spoiler, honeycomb grill and trunk lid with a carbon fiber spoiler.

Inside, drivers get power, sport seats in either leather or Alcantara in black or lunar silver. Optional, climate control seats are also available.