Audi A5 to get S line treatment
Audi S5 (A5 S line package photos not yet released)
We're big fans of Audi's S line packages for its non-S/RS passenger cars. Sure, while they may not boast the full-on sports models' monstrous power, they look great, and for most drivers, the array of standard factory powertrain choices offer plenty of fun. Never mind the fact that the S line packages still keep the cars' sticker prices well south of their high-performance kin.
The latest machinery wheeled out by Audi is the delicious-looking A5, along with its fierce, V8-powered S5 sibling. The A5 is plenty nice, however, and it's set to be even better with the addition of the just-announced S line packages. A sport suspension featuring a 10mm drop is standard, and new 18" 5-spoke or 19" 7-spoke rolling stock is also part of the deal. Quattro Gmbh, which is responsible for the S line goodies, will add a 20" wheel later on.
As we've seen on other S line vehicles, the front and rear bumpers are upgraded to feature new aerodynamics, including a diffuser insert at the rear and side vents up front. Said new bodywork can be coated in Misano Red and Avus Silver paint finishes. Inside, buyers can choose from three different interior trims, ranging from a cloth/leather combo to a leather/Alcantara setup. S line embroidery and badging are part of the deal, of course. Unfortunately, Audi hasn't released any photos of the new goodies yet. Galleries of both the A5 and S5 are linked below, and we'll post S line photos as soon as Audi releases them. The official press release is pasted after the jump.
[Source: Audi]
Gallery: Audi A5
Gallery: Audi S5
PRESS RELEASE
Audi A5
S line for even more sportiness
The Audi A5, the brand's powerful and elegant new coupé, can now enjoy even greater dynamism thanks to two striking S line packages from quattro GmbH. Both comprise numerous visually attractive and functional optional extras, which add additional sporty nuances in terms of driveability and design.
To ensure even more agile handling, the S line sports package plus combines a sports suspension (with ride height lowered by 10 millimetres) and 18-inch alloy wheels of 5-spoke design or, alternatively, 19-inch alloys of 20-spoke design. quattro GmbH will add a 20-inch wheel of 7-twin-spoke design to the range in the middle of the year.
In the interior, sports seats with an electrically adjustable lumbar support afford optimal lateral restraint. The seats are upholstered in a cloth/leather combination or in Fine Nappa leather, both of which feature an embossed S line logo. Available for the first time in the A5 is the new perforated Alcantara/leather upholstery, with the perforations in the seat centre section backed in contrasting silver. The otherwise black interior is further enhanced by silver stitching. Other typical S line items in the A5: the S line 3-spoke leather-covered sports steering wheel, inlays in matte brushed aluminium and the S line logo on the door sill trims and front wings. Within the sports package, the exclusive body colours Misano Red and Avus Silver can be ordered at the same price as metallic or pearl effect paint finishes.
Characteristic features of the S line exterior package are distinctive front and rear bumpers and side ventilation grilles at the front. The diffuser insert at the rear and the central bar on the lower side of the front bumper are in contrasting platinum grey. Prices: € 2,040 (sports package plus) and € 1,440 (exterior package).
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Jake 3:35PM (4/11/2007)
I don't understand the S-Line. If I want an Audi to commute in, but don't need or want a V8 and a hard suspension, I'd just buy an A5 Standard. If I want a V8 and a hard suspension, I'd buy an S5. Who are these middle people who want just a pinch of sport but can't make the full commitment? Obviously I am not in their target demographic.
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G Money 3:53PM (4/11/2007)
The people this caters to are the people like me who think a base 328i/a4/insert any other entry level luxo car here look like ass, and give you the look of a poser.
Hmm yes, everyone loves buying a 328 with 16" wheels, leatherette, and no sunroof for 299 a month with 3999 due at signing.
I would love the look of an M3 without the powertrain or pricetag of one. Same for audi, looks of an s/RS series without the price of one. Not becuase I want people to THINK I have an M/S/RS Series but becuase i genuinly think they look better.
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Don 3:56PM (4/11/2007)
This is supposed to compete against the M3?
Riiiiiiight.
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G Money 3:59PM (4/11/2007)
#3 S-Line is just an appearance package. Sort of like the M-Package for the old 330's
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Keith 4:03PM (4/11/2007)
Don,
You confused man. Here is the break down.
A4 vs. 325i/xi
S4 vs. 330i/xi
A5 vs. 328i/xi
S5 vs. 335i/xi
RS4/RS5 vs. M3
Really when the RS5 comes out it would be the real compeditor to the M3 because the RS4 is a sedan...and the RS5 is the coupe. I'm not sure really where this would put the RS4 vs??? That's my only problem with audi's line-up. I love the RS4 though ;-P
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Jason 4:11PM (4/11/2007)
Would it not be Audi A5 / S5 / RS5 vs BMW 650i and M6?
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ZenFrog 4:18PM (4/11/2007)
350hp and AWD that new torqueless M3 would have a problem handling this Audi
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JK1 4:31PM (4/11/2007)
I can assist the confused - as I have a 2006 A4 S-line 3.2 Quattro with 6 spd manual. There are appearance differences but they are subtle...The REASON for S-line vs. a S4 is really the SUSPENSION and wheels - the spring rates are 30% stiffer and it sits 0.8 inches lower in the A4 S-line. It makes a huge difference vs. a "standard" A4. I get the handling I want with decent hwy comfort and a decent size 255 hp V6 for power vs. a V8 I don't need for driving in suburbia...It stills goes like hell and 110 mph feels like 40 with the S-line set up...As the yutes would say..."It's sweet"
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aure 5:52PM (4/11/2007)
the style is a little boring... like the audi's of the '90s. but it's cute. I think this car competes more with the infiniti g35 or perhaps a clk. I highly doubt someone will pick this over a bmw
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Matt 5:54PM (4/11/2007)
Keith, the S4 is not a 330i competitor. Period.
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chewy 7:13PM (4/11/2007)
The red S5 looks hella good. Much better than the 3 series coupe and the M3.
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SOhp101 9:48PM (4/11/2007)
Sounds like Keith has it right... compare the way the 335i performs vs. the S4 and it makes perfect sense. simply stating something with the word 'period' at the end doesn't mean what you say is true.
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Jay 7:39AM (4/12/2007)
Why am I seeing a redline of 4500 rpm's??? Even if that is wrong the tach only goes up to 6000....I dont get it.
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nagmashot 8:02AM (4/12/2007)
# that is a diesel rpm clock...the A5 is avaible in europe with two diesel engines.
the correct BMW Audi lineup compare
BMW Audi
3series A4
335i sedan S4
335i Coupe S5
M3 sedan* RS4
M3 Coupe RS5*
M3 convertible* RS4 convertible
*planed
after the E36 4door M3 the new E92 gets a foor door version again... placed vs the RS4.
Hopefully Audi realy bring out a 420hp version called RS5
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nagmashot 8:06AM (4/12/2007)
#6 the A5/S5 is based on the next generation A4 ... that is the class of the A4 and 3series not the 6series extrem expansive luxury class... for that Audi brings the A7 in the near future.. or if you like... the R8 vs the M6 Coupe
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Jay 8:27AM (4/12/2007)
Hey nagmashot, thanks for clearing that up for me brotha! I forgot about the diesel models.
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leo 2:07PM (4/27/2007)
If you cover the front - the car look like a 2 door Toyota Camry.
maybe Audi is slipping, cause their recent cars are begining to look like a bar-of-soap, woops wait, their cars always looked like that.
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JSB 7:58AM (7/25/2007)
I like the understated look of the Audis. BMWs emit an air of common chavish character. Mechanically they're not bad cars, but I'd never want to own one.
The new M3 doesn't even keep up with the RS4 which is no longer in production. The RS5 and new RS4 will completely destroy any remaining threads of credibility that the M3 chav mobile may have left.
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