Audi S5



The Audi S5 is a high-performance version of the Audi A5 due to go on show at the 2007 Geneva The Audi S5 hits 60mph in just over 5 seconds

As well as being more powerful the Audi S5 has more aggressive styling than A5, the radiator grille possesses the specific look of an Audi S model - painted in platinum grey and fitted with vertical chrome inlays. The front and rear bumpers have a more pronounced outline and the air inlet grilles are more striking. The aluminum-look exterior mirror housings make an overtly sporty impression, as do the color-keyed door sill trim and the dual-branch exhaust system with four oval tailpipes. Nevertheless, the model's sporty attributes always have a functional aspect: for instance, the more pronounced spoiler in the boot lid yields additional aerodynamic downforce.

Inside the Audi S5, the sports seats, sports steering wheel, instruments with grey dials and aluminum door sill plates provide a dynamic and refined atmosphere. The program does, of course, provide ample scope to fulfil individual interior design wishes: the inlays are one example - here the choice is between carbon, aluminum, stainless steel or wood.

Power for the Audi S5 comes from a 4.2 litre V8 with a rated power output of 260 kW (354 bhp). Its peak torque is 440 Nm, which it delivers at 3,500 rpm. Within just 5.1 seconds the Audi S5 can sprint to 60mph.

The Audi S5's sports suspension is tuned to enhance the coupe's performance with particularly dynamic handling. The special high-performance brakes, recognisable by their black painted brake calipers, always ensure precise deceleration. And finally, the ESP electronic stabilisation program can be deactivated in two stages whenever the driver wishes to exploit the potential of the Audi S5 to the full on a suitable stretch of road.

The 2008 Audi S5 impresses with its combination of sports performance and luxurious exterior and interior design. Its only major downside, however, is its below-average fuel economy. If you're in the market for a luxury sports car, consider the Mercedes-Benz CLK Coupe.

The S5 is quite simply a superb luxury sport car. "There is so much eye candy in the overall design of the Audi S5 coupe that it's easy to overlook what's beneath the sleek shape -- a hard-charging, road gripping German tourer of the first order," says Road and Track. The Detroit News adds, " This machine brings out the best Audi offers: Sophisticated but understated design, superior performance through science and technology and a passion for the open road only truly understood in a country with no speed limits."

Although Car and Driver says the 2008 Audi S5 "splits the difference between its German rivals" -- namely the BMW 3-series and Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class -- it also states, "There's not much to differentiate these three cars in pure speed, refinement, or practicality, although the BMW, being the lightest and most balanced of the trio, feels the sportiest." Nevertheless the S5's Multi-Media Interface system surpasses BMW's iDrive by leaps and bounds.

Though IntelliChoice has yet to rate the 2008 Audi S5, a reviewer for Motor Trend says: "At roughly $55K, it's pricey but not stupid-pricey -- you'll feel well-compensated for your investment. Alas, our test car is already gone. And I'm still hungry for more."

Performance

The S5's 0-60 time of 4.9 seconds is impressive. "But even those figures don't reveal the silkiness and captivating appeal of the S5's powertrain," says Car and Driver. Coupled with outstanding handling dynamics, the S5 is described as a winner. Acceleration and Power

The 2008 Audi S5's 4.2-liter V8 engine receives universal praise. Capable of making 354 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 325 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm, the Detroit News says, "It's a strong, magnificent heart." Edmunds adds: "This long-stroke V8 doesn't have a very sexy reputation, yet it's brilliant in both character and performance. It pulls from very low rpm just like an American-built V8, and then it has another dimension of power that carries you to its 7,000-rpm redline."

According to the Detroit News, "When a new S5 driver asks, 'Really, I was going 98 mph?' or says, 'Yes, I knew I was going fast, but not that fast,' he will be telling the truth." Though top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph, Audi claims that the S5 can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds -- leading Car and Driver to write that the S5 "is a rocket..." Road and Track explains: "The S5 puts the power down with minimal drama, with 60 mph coming up in 4.8 seconds and the quarter mile in 13.3 sec. at 105.2 mph, a testament to the ability of the Quattro awd system to get the car up to speed quickly and efficiently."

While the S5's acceleration and power astound, its fuel consumption is disappointing. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the 2008 Audi S5 has a city/highway fuel economy of only 14/21 miles per gallon (mpg) -- "which means that buyers must pony up a $1,300 gas-guzzler tax," says the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. A critic for the Detroit News writes, "[A]s much as I admire the Audi, I could never, ever buy a car that gets 14/21 city/highway mileage."

The S5 comes equipped with a highly acclaimed standard six-speed manual transmission -- which the Detroit News says "is silky, clicking through each gear with short, fast throws." A reviewer for Road and Track explains: "The 6-speed manual has a smooth pedal take-up and the shift action and feel are spot-on when hurrying the car through the gears. At lower speeds, however, there was a slight notchiness I didn't notice when pressing the S5 hard." A six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission will be available in the spring of 2008. Handling and Braking

Most agree the 2008 Audi S5 handles magnificently. "Handling is taut and squat-down sure," says the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "Fling the S5 into a tight corner and the tires on all four wheels bite hard, transmit the engine's power and follow the driver's steering inputs." Edmunds adds: "This coupe fits the way real Americans drive. It's meant to travel enormous distances at high speed, undeterred by the character of the road or the nature of the weather."

The 2008 S5 receives cautious praise for its Servotronic speed-sensitive power steering. "The steering effort of the Audi coupe's speed-sensitive system is a little light, and it's overmatched by the quick turn-in from the chassis and tires, yet the car's overall responsiveness inspires complete confidence," says Edmunds. Motor Trend adds, "The steering rack has been relocated for better feel, but there's still not a lot of road feel and kickback is conspicuous." Overall, however, Edmunds says, "Gone is the vague, on-center steering action that has characterized other Audi models." Instead, the Detroit News writes, "The steering is exact, even while accelerating through tight corners, and at high speeds, it's nicely weighted."

While the S5 features a five-link front suspension with upper and lower control arms, the rear suspension is a fully independent trapezoidal-link. Both, however, come equipped with a stabilizer bar, coil springs and gas charged shock absorbers. According to Detroit News, the S5's sport tuned suspension brings about "no kickback in the steering, no pavement twitters ... no jostling oscillations ... overall, the car feels like the fifth face carved in Mount Rushmore. Solid granite." The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel says the suspension "soaks up road imperfections so the ride is more comfortable than punishing." Edmunds explains: "As the sporting version of the Audi coupe, the S5 has had its suspension snubbed down to a fairly tight calibration, a measure to keep the inevitable torque reaction of all-wheel drive from disturbing your sense of command and control through the steering wheel."

Adding to the S5's performance appeal is its Quattro all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, which increases overall traction by channeling 60 percent of the engine's power to the rear wheels. According to the Detroit News, the S5 "has the handling character of a proper rear-drive sport coupe. You can kick the rear end around with the throttle and not bog at the nose, which is more typical of all-wheel-drive cars."

The Audi S5's brake system is composed of ventilated discs in the front and discs in the rear, as well as an Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), and Brake Assist -- which reduces stopping distance by sensing emergency breaking and applying needed force. According to Motor Trend, "Stops from 60 mph take just 105 feet."

Exterior

The Audi S5 looks both sophisticated and edgy. "Clean, chiseled lines flow from the front to the back along the coupe's shoulder. The fenders bulge out slightly, suggesting speed but never giving away its secrets," says the Detroit News.

According to AutoWeek, "The S5 distinguishes itself from the base car [Audi A5] with its more pronounced front and rear bumpers, larger rear decklid spoiler, black brake calipers, platinum-colored grille, aluminum-finish mirror housings and a host of little chrome accents, as on the grille and rimming various air ducts." While Car and Driver says it "delivers the sex appeal that is a coup's major reason for being," Motor Trend calls it "a beauteous piece of road missile" and "elegant but edgy." The Detroit News explains: "Its sophisticated looks hint at power but never boast. It's like an old veteran football player scoring a touchdown and handing the ball to the ref. No showboating, no smack talking, just confidence."

Standard on every 2008 S5 are automatically dimming power adjustable exterior mirrors, bi-xenon headlights with automatic self leveling, retractable headlight washers, and 19-inch five-twin-spoke alloy wheels. "Overall, this is a car that makes its luxury statement with color and chrome, a look that sets it apart from its German counterparts, the BMW 6 Series and Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class," says Edmunds.

Interior

The Audi S5's interior receives accolades for its high-quality trim, spacious cabin room and long list of modern features. "Audi continues to outshine other luxury sports cars with well-designed and executed interiors," says the Detroit News.

Similar to its exterior design, the S5's overall fit and finish is both luxurious and edgy. "The car's exterior beauty carries over inside," says Road and Track. "Audi has been rightly lauded as a leader in automotive interiors, and it doesn't disappoint with the S5. The materials, fit and finish are luxurious and high-tech at the same time, a difficult feat as usually technology trumps taste when it comes to cars with serious sporting intent." Best of all, Motor Trend explains the S5's interior "can be tailored to suit individual tastes with an impressive array of optional colors, fabrics, and textures that are attainable without cracking Audi Exclusive's custom-order book." Seating

The 2008 Audi S5's cabin features seating for four, and come equipped with heated front sport seats, Silk Nappa leather upholstery, and enough passenger room to satisfy most critics. Still, some contest just how roomy its backseat really is.

According to Motor Trend, the S5's eight-way power adjustable front seats "embrace occupants as securely as a hug from Dr. Heimlich." The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel explains, "The front seats offer support for long-distance driving comfort along with prominent seatback bolsters to hold the torso in place during hard cornering." While both front seats feature four-way power lumbar adjustment, only the driver's seat comes equipped with two-position memory.

"The back seat is also fairly roomy for a coupe," says Car and Driver of the S5's 60/40 split-fold lockable rear seat, "although a six-footer will be touching knees and head when sitting behind another six-footer." While the Detroit News says it "feels cramped and lacks head room because of the sloping roof," and is therefore better for children, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel writes it "can actually accommodate a couple of adults as long as they're of small stature and the front seats are moved forward to provide knee room." Getting back there, however, will be the real challenge says Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, as it "requires a contortionist's skills." Interior Features

According to Edmunds, "Audi has also managed the transition to mobile electronics with far more flair and good sense than its competitors." Among the many standard interior comfort and convenience features equipped in the 2008 Audi S5 are fade-in/fade-out interior lights, a five-function trip computer, multi-function steering wheel, and an Audi Symphony AM/FM stereo with six-disc in-dash CD changer, a ten-speaker 180-watt sound system including subwoofer and center fill speaker, and SIRIUS Satellite Radio.

Audi's Multi-Media Interface (MMI) system -- which combines all of the S5's advanced technology system in a single easy-to-use interface -- receives much praise. "The MMI system governs various functions -- including the navigation system - with a central knob behind the gearshift," explains Cars.com. "Thanks to more than a dozen shortcut buttons surrounding the knob, it's easier to use than BMW's similar iDrive, but uninitiated drivers may find it confusing." Edmunds says the MMI system "continues to be the best of these systems, as the central control knob and its surrounding buttons create and interface that quickly becomes intuitive."

While most of the S5's interior features receive rave reviews, its tilting glass panoramic sunroof doesn't. The Detroit News explains: "It only tilts ajar instead of actually opening. Audi decided to do this because it would have had to either make the roof thicker or have an ugly piece of glass hanging next to an open hole." Still, Car and Driver -- disappointed with its inability to slide -- asks, "Why bother?" Cargo

The S5 offers 16.1 cubic feet of cargo space -- which Car and Driver calls "impressive" and "prodigious." However, if more space is required, the rear seatbacks fold flat. Other storage areas include an illuminated glove box and full-length center console.