After being introduced into the market back in 2007, the Audi A5->ke1188 line-up is entering the 2012 model year with new, advanced technologies and an updated design. These type of mid-cycle refreshes are to be expected, but the one modified feature that brought some minor confusion to the automotive world is the downgraded engine found under the hood.

The previous Audi S5->ke2297 came packing a 4.2 liter V8 engine that cranked out 354 HP, but the 2012 model will only get a supercharged 3.0 liter TFSI engine with a total output of 333 HP. This may leave a few people shaking their heads, but greener is leaner and this new engine will provide an improved fuel consumption of about 20% (getting it to 29.04 US mpg). If the environmental aspect isn't enough, then rest assured that the 2012 Audi S5 Convertible will still deliver impressive performance numbers.

Hit the jump to read more about the 2012 Audi S5 Convertible.

Exterior

Like with all the other models in the line-up, the Audi S5 Cabriolet has received subtle changes to both the exterior and interior. The most obvious change can be found in the new headlights and taillights with LED bulbs. Other changes include a redefined glossy black upper grille, a new and slightly more contoured hood, larger air intakes on the bumper, and new crystal-effect paint finishes. Finishing off the exterior is a new set of standard 18" wheels combined with an S sport suspension.

Interior

Minor changes also find their way inside of the vehicle with a new steering wheel, new paint covers, revised center console buttons, and an updated ignition key. The selector lever for the automatic transmission is also new, as is the button for the optional Audi drive select system and the controls for the high-efficiency air conditioning system, the multifunction steering wheel, and the white illumination on the car's display units.

Engine

The biggest update for the 2012 Audi S5 can be found under the hood. In a surprising turn of events, Audi->ke14 has dropped the car's standard 4.2-liter V8 engine in favor of a new supercharged 3.0 TFSI V6 engine that delivers a total of 333 HP. This decrease of power does come with a bonus, however. The Audi S5's fuel economy has gotten a jumpstart of about 20%, allowing it to climb to 29.04 US mpg.

Despite the fact that the S5 will now deliver less power than the previous model, the performance numbers are still impressive. The sprint from 0 to 60 mph will be made in 4.9 seconds, while top speed is still electronically limited to 155 mph.

The most important technical updates for the Audi S5 are quattro drive with the crown-gear center differential and electromechanical power steering. When combined with S tronic, the quattro drivetrain uses the crown-gear center differential and torque vectoring; the sport differential is the perfect complement.

Prices

Despite the significant improvements made for the 2012 model year, prices for the Audi S5 remain almost unchanged. In Germany, the starting price will only climb by about €200 (about $284 at the current rates) from the previous year, settling in at about €33,350 ($46,933 at the current rates).

Competition

The list of competitors for the Audi S5 Convertible will include models like the BMW 3-Series Convertible and the Infiniti G37 Convertible. With the minor improvements made for the 2012 S5, we may even dare to say that the S5 remains the most elegant model of all. And even with the downgrade in power to 333 HP, the S5 is even the most powerful.

The Infiniti G37 Convertible is powered by a 3.7-liter V6 engine with VVEL (for Variable Valve Event and Lift), rated at 325 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. The BMW model gets a twin turbocharged six cylinder engines good for 300 HP and 300 lb-ft of torque thanks to the twin scroll turbine and the integration of Valvetronic engine technology.