Just in time for Spring Audi launches the 2013 RS5 Cabriolet in the United States from April 1, and asks $77,900 for it. You can go up from there, speccing up your RS5, but beware that as with all German cars, the options are terrifyingly expensive. Ceramic brakes, for instance, cost $6,000.

That may sound a bit steep, but there is a lot to like about this car, and to justify the price tag with. For one thing, the RS5 Cabriolet is one of the last of the properly sporty V8-powered Cabrio breed, and that makes it rather special. It is also one of the classiest cars in its segment; it seats four people; it looks amazing; and quattro all-wheel-drive which makes it even more unique.

The powerplant in this car is a naturally-aspirated 4.2 liter V8 developing an M3-busting 450 horsepower and 430NM of torque, channeled to all four wheels via a 7-speed double-clutch S tronic transmission to provide you with a 0 to 60 time of 4.9 seconds, and a top speed of 155mph. Average fuel consumption is 22 mpg.

For nearly $80K, you can buy a special edition BMW M3, which is still by far and away the best driver’s car in this segment. But as mentioned, the Audi is for those who care about the image of the car they are driving. While the M3 makes you look like a yob, this will make you look and feel like a connoisseur.