A convertible version of Audi’s scalding 450-hp RS5 was unceremoniously revealed in images the company filed last fall with Europe’s design patent office, and documents we’ve just obtained from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) show that this model is being prepared for U.S. sales.
CARB certifies vehicles as being compliant with the state’s stringent emissions standards, and is required for any vehicles that will be sold there. Automakers can and do get vehicles approved before a decision to sell the car in the U.S. has been made, and in some instances never offer the cars they submit for approval. In the case of the RS5 cabriolet, it likely will cost Audi nothing extra to get it certified in addition to the coupe—which has been confirmed for U.S. sales.