Audi: A5, S5, RS5 News
#241
Originally Posted by oonowindoo
But 335>S5 performance wise.
I'm not completely down on this car however. I really like the looks; the interior is simply gorgeous. The performance will be nothing to sneeze at, but honestly the only thing that will be directly comparable to the M3 is price. Again, I just don't get that...
#242
Pro
The cars aren't even out, what's the point of arguing who's better. Seems the AWD version will be rear based, so I'd expect it run very well.
A5 and G37 are surely going to have a lot of fans... although the 3.1L engine in A5 seems a bit low.
A5 and G37 are surely going to have a lot of fans... although the 3.1L engine in A5 seems a bit low.
#244
Originally Posted by theslik1
Both in handling and quickness. M3 competitor? No f'n way. Performance-wise it will compare more directly with the soon-to-be-released 335xi. The new M3...even with substantially lower torque numbers...will eat the S5 for lunch. Make no mistake, the S5 will be a front-heavy piggy ("Weight lb (kg): n.a." haha). And Audi's pricing structure continues to mystify me...
I'm not completely down on this car however. I really like the looks; the interior is simply gorgeous. The performance will be nothing to sneeze at, but honestly the only thing that will be directly comparable to the M3 is price. Again, I just don't get that...
I'm not completely down on this car however. I really like the looks; the interior is simply gorgeous. The performance will be nothing to sneeze at, but honestly the only thing that will be directly comparable to the M3 is price. Again, I just don't get that...
My bet the RS5 will be a good tug of war with the E92 M3 with most comparisons being very close BUT my guess is the RS5 will be more bucks than the M3 and given Audi's reliability reputation and the BMWs resell reputation and the legendary M3 moniker the BMW will be the one the cogniscenti buy.
I do like the look of the car, and Audi interiors are PIMP and even with the fond memories of the Audis I have owned I must admit the 335 would be my choice (albeit without having driven the S5) and unless the RS5 had a significant overall performance advantage over the M3 and priced similarly I would pick the M3 if nothing else but loyalty. My guess is it will have the same engine as the R8 and RS4 leaving it with near equal HP and higher weight but a torque advantage.
#247
Senior Moderator
iTrader: (5)
Originally Posted by Beltfed
The S5 is going to be pricey (I'm betting $60k nicely loaded) and if the the current residuals/rates in the lineup are any indication.....this car is going to lease out like complete shit.
So what do you do? Buy an expensive Audi that I'm sure will suffer the historical steep depreciation that most Audi's suffer from.
Or lease it and get a terrible deal?
So what do you do? Buy an expensive Audi that I'm sure will suffer the historical steep depreciation that most Audi's suffer from.
Or lease it and get a terrible deal?
We are eyeing up the A5 as an A4 replacement... so hopefully it delivers everything it appears it will. No S5 for us though... probably just the S-Line upgrades. We'll see. She's never owned a coupe before, so she may not like it. No biggie, then we'll just wait for the A7
#248
Audi's new coupe adds 2+2
http://www.wheels.ca/article/26301
NOTE - prices shown in CAD
http://www.wheels.ca/article/26301
NOTE - prices shown in CAD
Audi A5/S5 combines mid-size handling with high performance to Audi lineup
John LeBlanc
May 03, 2007
VERONA, Italy--The tease started more than four years ago at the Geneva Motor Show.
That’s when the father of Audi’s recent design language, Walter de’Silva, taunted us with the idea of a large, Audi coupe.
In concept, it was the Nuvolari Grand Touring coupe. In production form, it is the 2008 Audi A5 2+2 GT and its requisite sporting variation, the S5.
Since then, de’Silva, now Volkswagen group’s head of design, has launched various Audis with their softer styling, dominated by that front grille. Nonetheless, he claims the A5 is the most beautiful car he has ever designed.
For that you will pay at least $55,000, with prices still to be set.
If the past decade’s Audis looked like they were machined from a single piece of aluminum billet, in contrast, the new Audi big coupe looks like it was chiseled out of the slabs of marble found near this Italian city of Verona, where Audi recently previewed its two new 2+2 GTs.
Audi’s first two-door hardtop since the Type 89 Coupe S2 of 1996, the A5 comes with seats for four and 455 litres of trunk space. BMW’s benchmark 3 Series Coupe and Infiniti’s upcoming G37 seem as immediate competitors. In dimension, the A5 is actually a little bigger than both of them and Mercedes-Benz’s CLK.
One look at the A5’s new formal wear and you can see where Audi is boastful of its emotional qualities.
More important, this new GT’s chassis addresses the more clinical driving characteristics critics have had of nose-heavy Audi’s from the past. To stay ahead of the above-mentioned rear-drive competition, Audi’s solution arguably makes the A5 the company’s most important model to date.
Essentially, the A5’s new architecture moves the axle forward. This not only makes it possible to have a long wheelbase with short front overhangs for the proportions that de’Silva likes, but it also optimizes weight distribution. To achieve this, engineers used a trick adopted from the Audi A8: the front axle differential is located in front of the clutch.
Despite this radical alteration, Audi ensures the A5 has all of Audi’s core qualities. Which starts with the usual high standard of interior ergonomics build quality.
Room for two up front is generous. Nonetheless, anyone asked to hop in the new Audi 2+2’s back seats may start the “Are we there yet?” chant early if they’ve already hit puberty.
One example of Audi’s constant ergonomic improvements can be found in the door panel trim. It’s there that inlays, armrest and stowage compartment combine to form a single form. And instead of an intimidating wall of dash buttons, Audi did a good job segregating features in the A5’s cockpit. All very encouraging except for the surprisingly retrograde electronic emergency brake that removes the more useful hand brake.
When the A5 and S5 arrive here later in the year, look for the A5 to be priced between the A4 (which tops at $49,500 with the 3.2 L V6) and A6, and the S5 between the S4 (which takes you over $70,000) and S6.
They both initially will be equipped with Audi’s new rear-biased (40:60) all-wheel-drive and six-speed manual transmissions. The automatic Tiptronic versions arrive four months later.
Under the hood, the A5 will come exclusively with a 265 hp 3.2 L V6-cylinder engine, producing 243 lb.-ft. torque. The sportier S5 will house a 4.2 L V8 engine with 354 hp and 325 lb.-ft. torque under its lid.
In addition to the expected-for-this-class luxury kit on the A5, the S5 will gain subtle exterior styling, one-inch bigger wheels, high-performance brakes and calipers, sport-tuned suspension and interior details like specific sport seats.
Befitting its GT mission to a tee, immediate first impressions driving the A5 on the mountain roads northwest of Verona are that Audi’s done a nice job.
The new coupe’s quiet cabin, controlled ride and lively handling combine with excellent directional stability when you get up to higher speeds.
Keeping up with the fast-moving traffic on the autostrada was easy as well. The V6 never felt underpowered. Its broad rev band delivers a limited top speed of to 250 km/h and Audi quotes standstill to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds; one second behind the new S5.
The A5’s compact turning circle was certainly appreciated on some of the tighter switchbacks. The 225/45 R17 European-model tires were more geared for a smooth ride, but the new chassis allowed them to hang on while cornering longer than anticipated.
Overall, the A5 had a hard time putting a wheel wrong.
In both coupes, Audi is touting its new trapezoidal-link rear suspension. At both the front and rear, the main pieces are aluminum. With completely new kinematics, turn-in is very neat, with the A5’s back end following obediently along.
Jumping into the S5, its mellifluous sounding V8 is ever present. With such broad access to its substantial amount of torque, one can leave the easy shifting six-speed in third gear and use it like an automatic.
On our coffee run up to Casa degli Spirit at the crest of Monte Baldo overlooking Lake Garda, passing the climbing cyclists and Fiat Puntos, the “whoop, whoop” of running the S5 through the gears garnered plenty of “molto benes” from the car crazy locals.
There’s plenty of grip from the S5’s 255/35 R19 rubber. Predictably, though, when cornering, the S5’s additional weight makes itself known. It causes the suspension to take a moment to compose itself, unlike the lighter A5.
Audi continues to tease, as you’ll have to wait until November for the all-new Audi A5 and S5 to join the just released TT coupe and roadster and R8 sports car as the more mature Audi two-door.
Eventually, one can expect a convertible A5 and S5.
Beyond other A5 models, what’s even more important is that Audi’s long awaited 2+2 GT’s new architecture and engines suggest good things for Audi’s higher volume A4 compact coming this fall at the biennial Frankfurt auto show.
Past the A4, and all of its variants, Audi’s goal is to have the A5’s new architecture in the next generation A6 and A8 as well.
John LeBlanc
May 03, 2007
VERONA, Italy--The tease started more than four years ago at the Geneva Motor Show.
That’s when the father of Audi’s recent design language, Walter de’Silva, taunted us with the idea of a large, Audi coupe.
In concept, it was the Nuvolari Grand Touring coupe. In production form, it is the 2008 Audi A5 2+2 GT and its requisite sporting variation, the S5.
Since then, de’Silva, now Volkswagen group’s head of design, has launched various Audis with their softer styling, dominated by that front grille. Nonetheless, he claims the A5 is the most beautiful car he has ever designed.
For that you will pay at least $55,000, with prices still to be set.
If the past decade’s Audis looked like they were machined from a single piece of aluminum billet, in contrast, the new Audi big coupe looks like it was chiseled out of the slabs of marble found near this Italian city of Verona, where Audi recently previewed its two new 2+2 GTs.
Audi’s first two-door hardtop since the Type 89 Coupe S2 of 1996, the A5 comes with seats for four and 455 litres of trunk space. BMW’s benchmark 3 Series Coupe and Infiniti’s upcoming G37 seem as immediate competitors. In dimension, the A5 is actually a little bigger than both of them and Mercedes-Benz’s CLK.
One look at the A5’s new formal wear and you can see where Audi is boastful of its emotional qualities.
More important, this new GT’s chassis addresses the more clinical driving characteristics critics have had of nose-heavy Audi’s from the past. To stay ahead of the above-mentioned rear-drive competition, Audi’s solution arguably makes the A5 the company’s most important model to date.
Essentially, the A5’s new architecture moves the axle forward. This not only makes it possible to have a long wheelbase with short front overhangs for the proportions that de’Silva likes, but it also optimizes weight distribution. To achieve this, engineers used a trick adopted from the Audi A8: the front axle differential is located in front of the clutch.
Despite this radical alteration, Audi ensures the A5 has all of Audi’s core qualities. Which starts with the usual high standard of interior ergonomics build quality.
Room for two up front is generous. Nonetheless, anyone asked to hop in the new Audi 2+2’s back seats may start the “Are we there yet?” chant early if they’ve already hit puberty.
One example of Audi’s constant ergonomic improvements can be found in the door panel trim. It’s there that inlays, armrest and stowage compartment combine to form a single form. And instead of an intimidating wall of dash buttons, Audi did a good job segregating features in the A5’s cockpit. All very encouraging except for the surprisingly retrograde electronic emergency brake that removes the more useful hand brake.
When the A5 and S5 arrive here later in the year, look for the A5 to be priced between the A4 (which tops at $49,500 with the 3.2 L V6) and A6, and the S5 between the S4 (which takes you over $70,000) and S6.
They both initially will be equipped with Audi’s new rear-biased (40:60) all-wheel-drive and six-speed manual transmissions. The automatic Tiptronic versions arrive four months later.
Under the hood, the A5 will come exclusively with a 265 hp 3.2 L V6-cylinder engine, producing 243 lb.-ft. torque. The sportier S5 will house a 4.2 L V8 engine with 354 hp and 325 lb.-ft. torque under its lid.
In addition to the expected-for-this-class luxury kit on the A5, the S5 will gain subtle exterior styling, one-inch bigger wheels, high-performance brakes and calipers, sport-tuned suspension and interior details like specific sport seats.
Befitting its GT mission to a tee, immediate first impressions driving the A5 on the mountain roads northwest of Verona are that Audi’s done a nice job.
The new coupe’s quiet cabin, controlled ride and lively handling combine with excellent directional stability when you get up to higher speeds.
Keeping up with the fast-moving traffic on the autostrada was easy as well. The V6 never felt underpowered. Its broad rev band delivers a limited top speed of to 250 km/h and Audi quotes standstill to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds; one second behind the new S5.
The A5’s compact turning circle was certainly appreciated on some of the tighter switchbacks. The 225/45 R17 European-model tires were more geared for a smooth ride, but the new chassis allowed them to hang on while cornering longer than anticipated.
Overall, the A5 had a hard time putting a wheel wrong.
In both coupes, Audi is touting its new trapezoidal-link rear suspension. At both the front and rear, the main pieces are aluminum. With completely new kinematics, turn-in is very neat, with the A5’s back end following obediently along.
Jumping into the S5, its mellifluous sounding V8 is ever present. With such broad access to its substantial amount of torque, one can leave the easy shifting six-speed in third gear and use it like an automatic.
On our coffee run up to Casa degli Spirit at the crest of Monte Baldo overlooking Lake Garda, passing the climbing cyclists and Fiat Puntos, the “whoop, whoop” of running the S5 through the gears garnered plenty of “molto benes” from the car crazy locals.
There’s plenty of grip from the S5’s 255/35 R19 rubber. Predictably, though, when cornering, the S5’s additional weight makes itself known. It causes the suspension to take a moment to compose itself, unlike the lighter A5.
Audi continues to tease, as you’ll have to wait until November for the all-new Audi A5 and S5 to join the just released TT coupe and roadster and R8 sports car as the more mature Audi two-door.
Eventually, one can expect a convertible A5 and S5.
Beyond other A5 models, what’s even more important is that Audi’s long awaited 2+2 GT’s new architecture and engines suggest good things for Audi’s higher volume A4 compact coming this fall at the biennial Frankfurt auto show.
Past the A4, and all of its variants, Audi’s goal is to have the A5’s new architecture in the next generation A6 and A8 as well.
#255
The sizzle in the Steak
Soooooooooooooooo beautiful!!!!!!!!!
#258
Three Wheelin'
Originally Posted by mr5parkle
the side profile reminds me of the current 3coupes.
but the exterior and interior beats the 3 in every way.... now they just need to make a comparable motor.
but the exterior and interior beats the 3 in every way.... now they just need to make a comparable motor.
I think Audi's covered with the motor, tranny (DSG), and styling. As long as they've nailed the chassis dynamics, this car is gonna cause one helluva stir.
#259
Burning Brakes
iTrader: (1)
Originally Posted by vishnus11
I'm sure Audi's 4.2 FSI is more than upto the task of challenging BMW's new V8. It currently holds the record for the highest piston speeds in a production car engine and serves duty in the R8 supercar.
I think Audi's covered with the motor, tranny (DSG), and styling. As long as they've nailed the chassis dynamics, this car is gonna cause one helluva stir.
I think Audi's covered with the motor, tranny (DSG), and styling. As long as they've nailed the chassis dynamics, this car is gonna cause one helluva stir.
#260
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Originally Posted by mr5parkle
is the 4.2 gonna be in the a5? i'm too poor to afford the s5 or rs5...
#267
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Originally Posted by cTLgo
although this car is fricken sweet, in comparison, the 335i coupe is a better value
Personallly I think the exterior and interior of the A5 beats the 3 series interior by far. the only thing lacking is the motor int he base A5. It could probably do with at least 30 more hp and 20 more ft-lbs of torque. Other than that, I think it's perfect.
#268
Senior Moderator
^ yep, even i think the A5 looks better inside and out compared to the 3series.
Its more luxurious but is it sportier? Im guessing no since that 3.2 engine is nothing to rave about compared to the N54 motor in the 335.
Am curious to see how the A5 handles though.
Its more luxurious but is it sportier? Im guessing no since that 3.2 engine is nothing to rave about compared to the N54 motor in the 335.
Am curious to see how the A5 handles though.
#273
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Originally Posted by CGTSX2004
I'm actually somewhat surprised that there hasn't been talk of adding the 3.6L motor that the Passat is getting to this car. The extra displacement and resulting power and torque boost would be much appreciated, I imagine.
#275
so...
a4 3.2- Max Output 255 @ 6500 hp
Torque 243 @ 3250 lb-ft
s4- Max Output 340 @ 7000 hp
Torque 302 @ 3500 lb-ft
rs4- Max Output 420 @ 7500 hp
Torque 317 @ 6000 lb-ft
a5 3.2- Max Output 265 hp
Torque 243 lb-ft
s5- Max Output 354 hp
Torque 325 lb-ft
rs5- Max Output 435 hp
Torque 327 lb-ft
my
a4 3.2- Max Output 255 @ 6500 hp
Torque 243 @ 3250 lb-ft
s4- Max Output 340 @ 7000 hp
Torque 302 @ 3500 lb-ft
rs4- Max Output 420 @ 7500 hp
Torque 317 @ 6000 lb-ft
a5 3.2- Max Output 265 hp
Torque 243 lb-ft
s5- Max Output 354 hp
Torque 325 lb-ft
rs5- Max Output 435 hp
Torque 327 lb-ft
my
Last edited by Soverighn; 07-30-2007 at 09:56 PM.
#276
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by Sly Raskal
what makes the 335 a better value in your opinion?
Personallly I think the exterior and interior of the A5 beats the 3 series interior by far. the only thing lacking is the motor int he base A5. It could probably do with at least 30 more hp and 20 more ft-lbs of torque. Other than that, I think it's perfect.
Personallly I think the exterior and interior of the A5 beats the 3 series interior by far. the only thing lacking is the motor int he base A5. It could probably do with at least 30 more hp and 20 more ft-lbs of torque. Other than that, I think it's perfect.
All around. The motor on the 335 beats the A5 and is priced better. I can't speak for handling since I haven't driven an A5 but apparently BMWs are kings in handling no? I agree visually the exterior and interior of the A5 wins hands down, but the 335 isn't all that bad to look at. I was disappointed with the engine numbers, I thought Audi would do better. E92 M3 to S5 is pretty much the same situation, BMW wins with the motor. I mean if I'm going to drop that much change on a performance car, I better be getting the most HP for my money.
#277
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Originally Posted by Soverighn
so..
a5 3.6- Max Output 305 hp
Torque 265 lb-ft
s5- Max Output 375 hp
Torque 350 lb-ft
rs5- Max Output 425hp
Torque 370 lb-ft
my
a5 3.6- Max Output 305 hp
Torque 265 lb-ft
s5- Max Output 375 hp
Torque 350 lb-ft
rs5- Max Output 425hp
Torque 370 lb-ft
my
(they shoulda targeted that for the numbers to make it really competitive.
#278
Three Wheelin'
Originally Posted by cTLgo
All around. The motor on the 335 beats the A5 and is priced better. I can't speak for handling since I haven't driven an A5 but apparently BMWs are kings in handling no? I agree visually the exterior and interior of the A5 wins hands down, but the 335 isn't all that bad to look at. I was disappointed with the engine numbers, I thought Audi would do better. E92 M3 to S5 is pretty much the same situation, BMW wins with the motor. I mean if I'm going to drop that much change on a performance car, I better be getting the most HP for my money.
However there's more to it than hp. The A5/S5 has BMW SPANKED in terms of exterior and interior looks. The handling is apparently markedly improved, and the 4.2 FSI in the RS5 is more than a match for BMW's V8.
#279
Three Wheelin'
Originally Posted by CGTSX2004
I'm actually somewhat surprised that there hasn't been talk of adding the 3.6L motor that the Passat is getting to this car. The extra displacement and resulting power and torque boost would be much appreciated, I imagine.
#280
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by vishnus11
if hp was all that mattered, no one would buy a 335i - the would flock to the is350 and the g35....cars with more hp for less money.
However there's more to it than hp. The A5/S5 has BMW SPANKED in terms of exterior and interior looks. The handling is apparently markedly improved, and the 4.2 FSI in the RS5 is more than a match for BMW's V8.
However there's more to it than hp. The A5/S5 has BMW SPANKED in terms of exterior and interior looks. The handling is apparently markedly improved, and the 4.2 FSI in the RS5 is more than a match for BMW's V8.
Lets not forget that the IS and the G35 have less torque than the 335i. Have you seen the torque curve on a 335i? Its almost a straight line.
The BMW brochure says it best, the 335i coupe "Takes your breath away, even before you drive it." The IS was exciting at first but now is easily mistaken for the new Lancer. The G35 hasn't had a significant change since its inception and even the new coupe doesn't look significantly different.
We'll see how the A5/S5 does when it is released, but in respect to the IS350 and the G35, can you explain to me why BMW dealers can't even keep a 335i in stock because they are selling so fast or why people are buying the car and waiting months for a car they can't even test drive? Cause the 335i is very niiiiiiiiiiice :borat:
How is the S5 more than matched for BMW's V8? The new M3 is marked at 414 HP, the S5 is 354 HP? I'm not sure the S5's 30 lbs more trq makes up for the 60 HP difference the M3 has over the S5.
I've turned into a BMW Fanboy