Debuting in 2008 to much fanfare, Audi’s S5 coupe has set new standards in the once staid "personal luxury car" market. By combining the chiseled, elegant styling of the A5 with the rip-snorting power of a 354-hp V8, Audi has created a worthy competitor to the legendary BMW M3. For 2010 the bar is raised even higher with the addition of the voluptuous S5 Cabriolet.

While the S5 coupe carries over for 2010 with much of the same equipment (why mess with success?), the new drop-top model features a completely different powertrain, including Audi’s 3.0-liter Supercharged V6. Producing 333 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, the new V6 is nearly as powerful as the coupe’s 4.2-liter V8, yet weighs less and consumes less fuel. Also exclusive to the cabriolet is Audi’s dual-clutch, seven-speed transmission, which offers lightning-fast shifts and seamless power delivery; the coupe carries over with the option of a traditional six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic. The new engine is likely to offer a different, yet equally thrilling, driving experience complemented by a howling supercharged soundtrack.

Styling has been the S5’s ace in the hole, and the new cabriolet is even sexier than its coupe stablemate. As is often the case, chopping the top endows the new model with classically beautiful proportions. The fully lined cloth soft top features full power operation, and a standard wind stopper keeps buffeting to a minimum.

Pricing for both models is competitive, especially given their generous specifications. Coupes start at $52,400, and the new cabriolet checks in at $58,250, a fair price for such a stylish package.