In the heart of the 90s, the Audi Cabriolet established itself as an emblem of automotive refinement, combining elegance and driving pleasure. With its design that is both understated and timeless, this convertible has managed to seduce enthusiasts of thrills and sunny drives, like a sweet melody behind the wheel of a roadster on a winding road. Let’s see what makes this beautiful Italian so special.
The Birth of a Legend
Unveiled in Europe as the 1991 model, the Audi Cabriolet represented the triumphant return of the brand with the rings to the world of convertibles. Before it, the last production of this type at Audi was the 1000 SP roadster, a work of art that had not seen the light of day since the 60s. At a time when convertibles were beginning to attract motorists once again, Audi saw an opportunity to stand out with its model, while capitalising on the wealth influx of the 80s.
Solid Technical Origins
The Audi Cabriolet shared its base with the B3 coupe, but its design was meticulously studied to offer optimal comfort. Indeed, the chassis was reinforced to ensure rigidity and structural integrity worthy of Audi standards. Imagine an airbag in case of a rollover: the windscreen was strong enough to protect its occupants without the need for a roll bar. Who would have thought a convertible could be so safe?
A Careful Aesthetic
The Cabriolet, in all its glory, stands out with an elegant line and superior quality finishes. The hood, available in manual or electric fabric depending on the chosen options, cleverly stored under a hard tonneau cover, thus offering a streamlined look. American customers even benefited from a version with an electric roof, although this required some safety checks before being able to raise or lower the roof. Sometimes, compromises must be made to enjoy the great outdoors!
A Luxurious Interior
Inside, the Audi Cabriolet did not do things by halves. Sumptuous Kodiak leather adorned the seats, while walnut accents added a touch of elegance. With standard equipment such as air conditioning, an automatic transmission, and a premium audio system, there was no question of compromising on comfort. Some models even offered an all-weather package including heated seats and heated windscreen washers. What more could you ask for?
Performance and Engine
At its launch, the Cabriolet was powered by a 2.3-litre I5 petrol engine developing 131 horsepower. Over the years, engine options diversified to include engines up to a 2.8-litre V6 (172 horsepower) for North American markets. However, it was impossible to benefit from the Quattro system here; after all, this convertible already weighed nearly 1,600 kg, and adding an all-wheel drive system would have been too weighty.
The Charm of a Classic
Although the Audi Cabriolet was launched at a time when competition was starting to get fierce — think BMW 3 Series or Mercedes-Benz C-Class — it managed to retain its charm. Critics often praised its exemplary road behaviour and superior comfort for a convertible. This model has become rare on American roads, with only 5,445 units sold in the United States during its short career.
A Lasting Legacy
And even when the model retired in the United States after the 1995 season to make way for the Audi A4, it continued to charm in Europe until 2001. With few notable evolutions — just a slight facelift in 1998 — the Cabriolet showed that elegance never really goes out of style. If you are one of those who dream of driving in the open air with style, this Audi could well be the key to your automotive aspirations.
Photographed in Falmouth, Massachusetts – September 2019
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