Autoblog

Audi releases special edition S5 on Facebook

Noah Joseph — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 14:30:00 EST

Facebook has rapidly emerged as one of the most visited websites on the internet. So it only makes sense that automakers would launch their new cars there, right?

Audi evidently thinks so. And so it has launched a new special edition U.S. model of its sexy S5 coupe on the popular social media site. The model is characterized by a unique shade of dark silver, special five-spoke wheels, a two-tone white and black leather interior, and of course, special badging.

Only 125 examples will be offered, though specific pricing parameters have not been immediately revealed.

Audi releases special edition S5 on Facebook originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Jan 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi discontinues manual gearbox for S4 and S5 in Europe, U.S. models safe

Zach Bowman — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Performance, Europe, Audi, Luxury

Here's a bit of curiosity. GT Spirit is reporting that Audi has pulled the manual gearbox option for both the S4 and the S5 in Europe. The news comes courtesy of Fourtitude, who spoke with Barry Hoch, the product planning manager for Audi of America. Hoch said that while the sportier Audi models will lose their third pedal in the EU, American buyers will still be able to row their own gears.

Why would Audi abandon the manual transmission? The company's DSG gearbox offers plenty quick shifts with improved fuel economy, constant application of power and a hefty convenience factor, but Europeans have traditionally been more excited about swapping their own gears than their American counterparts.

Of course, if true, this begs the question about the longevity of manual gearboxes on Audi models in the States. While it looks as if they'll hang around on the S4 and S5 for a time longer, we have to imagine that it won't be long before the automaker thins the option sheet for its American wares, as well.

Audi discontinues manual gearbox for S4 and S5 in Europe, U.S. models safe originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Nov 2011 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fifth Gear lines up Audi RS5 vs. Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

The menacing Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG coupe is slowly making its way into dealerships, ready to eat the souls of any driver willing to tame the 451-horsepower super coupe. It's a hardcore two-door with a naturally aspirated V8 powerplant under the hood, and in our recent stint behind the wheel, we fell head-over-heels in love.

But the C63 isn't the only hot super coupe on the block. The Audi RS5 - a model that will soon be available Stateside - offers 444 horsepower but puts that grunt to the ground via all-wheel drive. It's not as outright vicious as the Merc, but it's certainly capable of standing toe-to-toe, particularly on wet tarmac.

That in mind, the folks at Fifth Gear took these two coupes to the Cadwell Park circuit in Lincolnshire, Great Britain to see which German could pull off the quickest lap time. We won't spoil it for you, so follow the jump and watch Tiff Needell and company have a bit of high-horsepower fun.

Continue reading Fifth Gear lines up Audi RS5 vs. Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe

Fifth Gear lines up Audi RS5 vs. Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Nov 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Facelifted 2012 Audi RS5 breaks out before Frankfurt debut

Jeff Glucker — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Coupe, Performance, Audi

A light nip and tuck is often all that a stylish sports car needs as it gets older. The Audi RS5 isn't even old yet, but's gone in to have some work done anyway. With a refreshed face, the RS5 has emerged on the internet ahead of its global debut at this week's 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. The handsome coupe is propelled by way of a 450-horsepower, 4.2-liter V8 engine that revs to over 8,000 rpm. As before, forward momentum is metered out through the Quattro all-wheel-drive system, and helps the RS5 run from 0-62 miles per hour in 4.6 seconds.

Updated for the coming model year, the Audi RS5 wears a new face that features restyled headlamps, new daytime running lamps and a revised lower fascia. (Apparently the RS5 shown above will buck conventional fog light trends and go with a singular lamp - that, or perhaps Audi is rocking some sort of special offset radar-based cruise control sensor). Either way, we're finally looking at the RS5 that will be sold in North American Audi dealerships, and we couldn't be more excited. Check it over in our gallery and then look past the jump for all of the official details.

Continue reading Facelifted 2012 Audi RS5 breaks out before Frankfurt debut

Facelifted 2012 Audi RS5 breaks out before Frankfurt debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Sep 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Audi A5, S5 get a nip/tuck [UPDATE]

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 10:57:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Audi

2012 Audi A5 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Here she is, the refreshed 2012 Audi A5. And while we've always been quite fond of the current model's styling, the subtle touches to the front and rear fascias of the new car make it look even more elegant than ever before. As for the S5, well, it just looks downright mean now. We approve.

The A5's new nose now uses styling cues found elsewhere in the Audi lineup, specifically, the new-for-2012 A6. Unlike the A6, however, the A5 and S5 do not get Audi's adaptive LED lighting treatment, instead relying on an attractive wraparound LED running lamp combined with a standard projector-beam xenon unit. Out back, the taillamps are only slightly different than the ones found on the current car, save for a larger, thicker running lamp right through the center of the light cluster.

Powertrain options don't change much for 2012, with the A5 coming standard with Audi's turbocharged 2.0-liter, 211-horsepower inline-four. The big news for the new car, however, is that the S5 Coupe will no longer be available with the excellent, free-flowing 4.2-liter V8 - the supercharged 3.0-liter V6 is the only powerplant available. In the S5, it carries over unchanged, rated at 333 hp, though a new, 272-hp version of the 3.0-liter engine will be offered up in the A5, as well.

Look for the refreshed A5 and S5 to go on sale later this year, with prices only expected to increase very slightly. Follow the jump for Audi's official press release.

UPDATE: Audi is telling us that these model changes are for Europe only, at least for the 2012 model year. Here in the U.S. we'll have the same A5/S5 as last year, which means we get to enjoy that 4.2L V8 one year longer.

Continue reading 2012 Audi A5, S5 get a nip/tuck [UPDATE]

2012 Audi A5, S5 get a nip/tuck [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Jul 2011 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SR Auto Group shows off Audi S5 Typhön

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 11 Sep 2010 12:41:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Audi, Canada, Luxury

SR Auto Group Audi S5 Typhön - Click above for high-res image gallery

Canada's SR Autos' formula appears to be as follows: Drape cars in light-swallowing shades of black, add some performance to the package and then hang a military-operation codename on it.

This is the Audi S5 Typhön, a former beauty queen turned Black Ops mission leader. Underneath the Leios matte black wrap are a tuned ECM; Milltek downpipe and sport exhaust; Reiger carbon fiber aero mods front and back; H&R coilover suspension and ADV 5.1 wheels in 20 inches of complementary matte ebony. If Bruce Wayne ever decides to go with something a little more subtle, this'd fit the bill. Have a look at the high-res gallery of photos below.

Gallery: SR Autos Audi S5 Typhon

[Source: SR Auto Group]

SR Auto Group shows off Audi S5 Typhön originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 11 Sep 2010 12:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi won't build you an RS5 Cabrio, but Senner will sell you the next best thing

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Convertible, Performance, Europe, Audi

Senner Tuning Audi A5 Cabriolet - Click above for high-res image gallery

Audi's full-bore RS5 treatment may only be available in coupe form, but that doesn't mean droptop enthusiasts can't join in on some of the fun. Senner AG, a company known for its Audi upgrades, now offers its RS design package for the A5 Cabriolet, and while it doesn't boast the outrageous power numbers of the RS5, it certainly has the look, with a couple of eccentric one-off touches, to boot.

Starting with an A5 2.0T Cabriolet, Senner has bumped engine output from 211 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque up to a more palatable 275 hp and 317 lb-ft through the use of sport air filters and ECU recalibration. An all-new exhaust system has also been fitted, as well, giving the A5 a louder, angrier sound - something even the S5 Cabriolet could benefit from.

Visually, Senner has added larger front air intakes similar to those on the RS5, though the A5's foglamps have been kept intact. Filling out the wheel wells are silver-chrome 20-inch wheels, wrapped in low-profile tires (245/30 in front, 295/25 out back), and a new rear diffuser has been added to round off the host of exterior upgrades. The interior has largely been left alone, save the addition of carbon fiber trim throughout the cabin.

Senner's kit retails for a healthy €19,900 (roughly $25k USD), and when added to the €55,000 cost of a new A5 Cabriolet, that brings the whole package to €74,900, or $95,150 USD based on current exchange rates. Scroll through the gallery below to see the handsome Senner A5 from all angles, and hit the jump for the full details in the press release.

Gallery: Senner Tuning Audi A5 Cabriolet

[Source: Senner AG]

Continue reading Audi won't build you an RS5 Cabrio, but Senner will sell you the next best thing

Audi won't build you an RS5 Cabrio, but Senner will sell you the next best thing originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Sep 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Audi launching Titanium Package for most models

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Performance, Wagon, Audi, Luxury

Now here's an option box we'd gladly check. Audi will be offering its Titanium Package on A4 (both sedan and Avant), A5 Coupe, S4 and S5 Coupe models for the 2011 model year. Essentially, this removes the bright chrome trim on the grille surround and window treatment, and adds some large, attractive wheels and some sportier interior touches. Hot stuff.

The exact Titanium specs vary from model to model, but they include things like 19-inch RS-style wheels, piano black interior trim, sport suspension and sport seats. Exact pricing hasn't been released just yet, but customers will soon be able to order these sexier Audis from dealerships in the near future, with the first examples hitting the streets in the near future. For the full details on what each Titanium package includes, head over to Fourtitude for the complete listing.

[Source: Fourtitude]

Report: Audi launching Titanium Package for most models originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Jun 2010 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi S5 Sportback tuneathon begins with Senner AG

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Audi

Senner AG Audi S5 Sportback - Click above for high-res image gallery

First, Audi debuts the A5 Sportback and says that it won't be coming to America. Then the automaker goes and gives it the S5 treatment and reminds us that, no, it isn't coming to America. Fine. But now the onslaught of aftermarket S5 Sportback tunings have started, and this first one from Senner Tuning AG is pretty darn hot. We surrender.

Senner starts by upping the output from the S5's 3.0-liter supercharged V6 to 375 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque - gains of 42 and 41, respectively. A new sport exhaust system was also created specifically for this S5, and it now uses quad-exhaust tips out back. We'd love to hear what this thing sounds like at full throttle, especially since we've noted on many occasions that the current supercharged S5 could stand to be a bit more vocal out on the street.

From there, the car is painted in a special diamond black finish, and new 20-inch wheels have been added, wrapped in 245/30-series rubber up front and 295/25 low-profile treads out back. Senner has also fitted different springs and lowered the S5 by about 35 millimeters. The interior gets the standard carbon fiber trim upgrades, and the whole package is super stealth.

This, friends, is what jealousy feels like. Be sure to see the Senner S5 for yourself in the gallery below, and hit the jump to read the official press release (translated from German).

Gallery: Senner AG Audi S5 Sportback

[Source: Senner AG]

Continue reading Audi S5 Sportback tuneathon begins with Senner AG

Audi S5 Sportback tuneathon begins with Senner AG originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Jun 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2010 Audi S5 Cabriolet speaks too softly, but carries a big stick

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Audi, New Car Reviews, Luxury

2010 Audi S5 Cabriolet - Click above for high-res image gallery

Taking a great looking performance car and chopping off its roof is risky business - compromises are inevitable. That's especially true in this modern age of unibody structures. Removing a big chunk of a vehicle's architecture without adequately reinforcing what's left can yield a chassis incapable of managing the position of the wheels, let alone result in a vehicle that loses its level of driver engagement and enthusiasm. On the other hand, reinforcements add mass - often lots of it. It's a treacherous path, as both flaccid body control and weight are the mortal enemy of performance.

You can understand our trepidation, then, upon learning that Audi was planning on introducing its S5 Cabriolet at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show. By our reckoning, the German debutante's rollout was cause for both consternation and celebration. When the A5 and S5 coupes arrived in 2007, they were hailed as being among the best looking cars ever to wear the brand's Four Rings. The new Cabriolet models would bring with them the euphoria of open-air motoring, but we had to wonder - would Audi's rakish new hardtop be turned into a floppy flier just by giving it a roofectomy? Equally as important, would the model's newly downsized engine drop the performance? There was only one thing to do: Put the range-topping S5 Cabriolet through a week-long test.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Audi S5 Cabriolet

Continue reading Review: 2010 Audi S5 Cabriolet speaks too softly, but carries a big stick

Review: 2010 Audi S5 Cabriolet speaks too softly, but carries a big stick originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Apr 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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White Beast: Senner Tuning AG takes on Audi S5

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 19:19:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Audi

Senner Tuning AG Audi S5 - Click above for high-res image gallery

"White Beast" is quite a fitting name for this tuned-up version of the Audi S5 coupe. It isn't just an aerodynamic package - oh, no - Germany-based Senner Tuning AG has given the S5 a bit more grunt from its 4.2-liter V8 mill, as well as slightly revised suspension geometry and a daub of upgraded interior refinement.

The tuning starts under the hood, where a performance air filter and exhaust system have been added, managing to churn out a claimed additional 25 horsepower and 25 pound-feet of torque, bringing the overall output numbers to 379 and 350, respectively. On top of that, Senner has raised the S5's electronically limited top speed from the standard 155 miles-per-hour to an Autobahn-friendly 177 mph. What's more, the four-pipe exhaust now include sport silencers, and we assume the aural grunt from this S5 is quite a treat for the ears. (White Beast, indeed.)

Visually, Senner has added a new front fascia, mimicking that of the Audi RS5, as well as a rear lip spoiler, LED taillamps and a new rear apron. Large 21-inch wheels better fill out the wells, and the suspension has been lowered (40 millimeters in front, 35 in back) to give the car a more aggressive road stance. Inside, a carbon fiber interior trim package has been added, as well as a new tachometer display screen.

The cost of the White Beast tuning kit? €18,990 (about $25,500 USD). Click through the post to read the full press release and have a look for yourself in the gallery below.

Gallery: Senner Tuning AG Audi S5

[Source: Senner Tuning]

Continue reading White Beast: Senner Tuning AG takes on Audi S5

White Beast: Senner Tuning AG takes on Audi S5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Mar 2010 19:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Mirror-finish Audi S5 in Moscow parking garage [w/POLL]

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 12:56:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Russia

All Dubai'd out Audi S5 in Moscow - click above image to watch the video

When we were in Frankfurt last week and saw the mirror-finish Audi R8 we thought we were so darn clever because we came up with the phrase, "All Dubai'd out" to describe its shiny, reflective surfaces. A little etymology if you will. The phrase, "All murdered out" has recently entered the car bloggin' lexicon to describe cars that are black-on-black-on-black. In that case, one might say, "Dang, the Brabus Black Baron is all murdered out." And we thought we had a sure fire meme/trope on our hands with "all Dubai'd out." Only we forgot one little thing: Moscow.

Yes, this most certainly is a video of a chrome-look Audi S5 sitting in an underground parking lot. But is it all Dubai'd out, or all Moscow'd out? It's these kind of thoughts that kept us out of the really good schools. Anyhow, the reflective Audi eventually leaves the garage, cruises around Moscow blasting Russian gangsta rap (which is admittedly kinda cool) before stopping to get ogled by some leather jacket wearin', G-Wagon drivin' Russian mobster types. Then, of course by the end, the mirrored S5 can be seen drag racing a solid gold M5. No, really. Full video and poll after the jump.

[Source: Smotra.ru]

Continue reading VIDEO: Mirror-finish Audi S5 in Moscow parking garage [w/POLL]

VIDEO: Mirror-finish Audi S5 in Moscow parking garage [w/POLL] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 12:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt 2009: Audi A5 Sportback earns believers

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 16:59:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Sedan, Performance, Audi, Luxury

2010 Audi A5 Sportback - Click above for high-res image gallery

Although the U.S. market won't be getting the Audi A5 Sportback, based on the reaction here on the floor in Frankfurt, Audi won't have any problem moving them in Europe. It took us longer to get clear shots of the A5 than any other car at Audi (even the R8 Spyder), and when we returned at the end of the day there were still numerous fascinated Euro types examining the car like it was CSI evidence.

The A5 is so beautiful on its own we weren't sure how the Sportback appellation might distort, but like the BMW 5 Series GT, it makes friends with the eyes in person -- and in fact, it's better. The S5 is the top of the heap model, and it will sport a supercharged, 3.0-liter V6 with 333 hp and 325 lb-ft. Just 5.4 seconds takes you to the 60, but whatever speed you travel, you shouldn't be disappointed with how you look doing it. At least, if you're not in the U.S...

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Audi A5 Sportback

Continue reading Frankfurt 2009: Audi A5 Sportback earns believers

Frankfurt 2009: Audi A5 Sportback earns believers originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt 2009: Audi S5 Sportback unveiled. No, you can't have this one, either.

Alex Nunez — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 19:29:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Audi

Audi S5 Sportback - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you're annoyed that the Audi A5 Sportback isn't going to be made available in the U.S., you might as well stop reading now, because this will probably be upsetting to you. Audi has just formally announced the S5 Sportback, which, as you likely gathered, kicks things up with the blown 3.0L V6 that's standard kit in the S4, available in the A6, and will shortly replace the V8 as the motivator under the S5 coupe's hood. Quattro is standard, as is the seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch gearbox; a sport differential can be added at extra cost.

Other standard S-car bits include the metallic-finished mirrors, quad pipes, snazzy S-design wheels (dubs are optional), and polished vertical grille slats. Basically, it's the S5 with two extra doors and a hatchback. It's probably a blast to drive, and it demonstrates that you can turn a standard model into a sporty hatch without going all Crosstour.

Power from the six is 333 horses and 324 lb-ft - good for a 5.4-second run to 62 mph (100 km/h) and an electro-nannied 155-mph top end. Audi says that the powertrain's good a smidge over 24 mpg - with whose grandmother behind the wheel, we have no idea. Inside? You know the deal - it's nice. Starting price when it lands in Deutschland Audi stores this spring will be €57,900, demonstrating that more sensible fun doesn't necessarily come on the cheap. Check out a slew of additional pics in the gallery below, and the official flowery-language press release after the jump.

Gallery: Audi S5 Sportback

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Frankfurt 2009: Audi S5 Sportback unveiled. No, you can't have this one, either.

Frankfurt 2009: Audi S5 Sportback unveiled. No, you can't have this one, either. originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Sep 2009 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Forbes names 12 hardest new cars to find

Chris Tutor — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Hybrid, Plants/Manufacturing, Audi, Chevrolet, Ford, Infiniti, Lexus, Mini, Toyota, Luxury

2010 Audi Q5 - click above for high-res gallery

With many automakers scaling back production to better balance supply with demand, it's not surprising there are several hard-to-find models right now. Forbes Magazine made some calls and did a little research and turned up what they say is the top 12 most difficult to find cars. After the run on high-mileage cars recently, you'd expect to see hybrid models like the Toyota Prius at No. 2 on the list. Tied for second is a car on the other extreme, the Chevrolet Camaro. Both model are spending an average of 18.5 days on dealer lots.

But Forbes says the hardest to find new car recently is actually the Audi Q5. The Four-Ringed crossover sat around in showrooms an average of only 16.8 days in June and July. Audi had another hit on the list with its S5, which tied for 12th place with the Mini Cooper.

Only one other American nameplate showed up as a hot seller, and that was Ford's Escape and Escape Hybrid, slipping in at No. 10. Toyota had a whopping five vehicles on the list, including the Prius and the Lexus RX 350/RX Hybrid. The Matrix was No. 4, the FJ Cruiser No. 8, and the RAV4 was No. 9. Said another way, "Thanks, Cash for Clunkers!"

Oddly, the Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen TDI didn't show up on Forbes' list. From our personal experience and reports from readers, the car is almost impossible to find due to production issues and demand -presumably that's because the study calculated days on lots for the entire Jetta lineup, not just specific models therein.

Gallery: Beijing '08: 2009 Audi Q5

[Source: Forbes]

Forbes names 12 hardest new cars to find originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Sep 2009 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi 4.2-liter V8 could continue in S5 through 2011 and beyond

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 14:03:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Audi

2009 Audi S5 - Click above for high-res image gallery

With the introduction of the supercharged 3.0-liter V6 in the all-new S5 Cabrio, S4 and A6, it was assumed Audi would be dropping the FSI 4.2-liter V8 as an option on its hotter sedans and coupes. However, Audi is actively considering keeping the FSI V8 into the 2011 model year and possibly beyond.

According to our sources inside Audi, the reason for the decision is the 4.2-liter's continued popularity, both with enthusiasts and everyday consumers who enjoy its output and entertaining audio. If Audi decides to keep the V8 around, expect it to be used primarily in the S5 coupe, with the S5 cabrio using the all-new supercharged six.

Audi 4.2-liter V8 could continue in S5 through 2011 and beyond originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Aug 2009 14:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: Audi to resurrect Ur-Quattro with lightweight twin-turbo A5?

Noah Joseph — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 14:40:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Audi, Rendered Speculation, Rumormill

As far as classic Audi models go, nothing is as iconic as the legendary "Ur-Quattro". The 1985 Audi Quattro was a beast of a car in its day, even if it only had 160 horsepower. When the new Audi S5 hit the roads, the Ingolstadt fanatics over at Fourtitude stacked the two of them up against each other, but if the latest products of the ever-churning rumormill are to be believed, Audi may be cooking one up a successor of their own.

A report from German car magazine Autobild suggests that the lightweight sport-coupe could carry the "A5 quattro sport" designation and pack a 425-horsepower V6, placing it in between the current S5 and the upcoming RS5. Sounds enticing, if a bit far-fetched. But if Audi wants to build another monster coupe, who are we to complain? Sources peg the revival to take to the streets by 2012.

[Source: Autobild via German Car Scene]

Rendered Speculation: Audi to resurrect Ur-Quattro with lightweight twin-turbo A5? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Retro Comparo: Fourtitude puts S5 against Ur-Quattro

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Audi

Fourtitude has conjured up an original, red 1985 Audi Quattro and yoked it next to a 2009 S5 to see how the two pull their loads. Of course, with 160 hp, a curb weight of 3,115 pounds (U.S. spec) and 58/42 weight distribution, the original Quattro and its Road & Track-timed run of 8.3 seconds from 0-60 can't compare straight-up with the S5. But historically, the Quattro was the beast that has made the S5 - and perhaps even the RS4 and R8 - a natural progression over Audi's last 27 years.

The handmade Quattro cost $5,000 more than a Porsche when it was new, and the few who own them would tell you it was worth it. Yet while the $56,840 S5 has the Quattro beat on numbers, it will be another two decades before we find out if it still has anywhere near the cachet of its ancestor. Click the link for the rest of the story.

[Source: Fourtitude]

Retro Comparo: Fourtitude puts S5 against Ur-Quattro originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Mar 2009 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2014 Audi S4 and S5 to get turbo'd four-pots, massive weight reduction

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Wagon, Audi

Audi Sportback Concept - Click above for a high-res gallery

Car and Driver sat down with Audi's global head of product engineering, Michael Dick, to discuss the future of the automaker's offerings and how it plans to tackle the ongoing issue of weight. While all automakers cite consumer demand and government regulation as one of the major reasons overall vehicle weight has skyrocketed in the last 20 years, Audi is actively pursuing its "smaller-is-better credo." To that end, the automaker currently has a next-generation A5 prototype running around that's 880 pounds lighter than the current car. Dick told C&D that the mule is using an increased amount of aluminum, magnesium and high-strength steel to reduce mass, and says while the current TT is 69% aluminum, the next A6 (due in 2011 or 2012) will have even more, and the next A4/A5/S4/S5 will feature more still when they arrive in 2014.

Dick went on to say that the down-sizing of the current S4 and S5's engine from a V8 to a supercharged V6 is the first step, and its possible that the next generation Ss will be 20% lighter, pack 30% less displacement and will likely come with turbocharged four-cylinder engines (think TT, TT S and TT RS mills).

On the topic of styling, expect the next generation of Audis to take cues from the Sportback concept shown at the Detroit Auto Show. The Audi A7 will arrive in production form later this year, and while the overall shape won't disseminate throughout the Audi line-up, the headlamps, tail-lights and refined single-frame grille will carry over to the rest of the range. Dick claims that the A7 is already eight seconds faster than the current S5 around the Nurburgring, thanks primarily to its curb weight, which is expected to come in at around 3,000 pounds. We won't believe that until we see it on an official spec sheet, but it's comforting to know that at least one luxury automaker gets "it" and there's no doubt it will pay dividends in the marketplace if all these initiatives come to fruition.

Gallery: Audi Sportback Concept

[Source: Car and Driver]

2014 Audi S4 and S5 to get turbo'd four-pots, massive weight reduction originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Mar 2009 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pics Aplenty: Audi A5, S5 Cabriolet

Alex Nunez — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Europe, Audi

Click above for a hi-res gallery of the Audi S5 Cabriolet (A5 Cabriolet gallery here)

With the cars' European launch looming in Q2 '09, Audi has flooded its media site with new glamour shots of the Audi A5 and S5 cabriolets. The press release detailing the Euro-market lineup is pasted after the jump. Across the pond, the A5 range will include a 160-horsepower 1.8 TSI; two flavors of the 2.0 TFSI (180 and 211 horsepower); the 265-horsepower 3.2 FSI V6; a 240-horsepower 3.0 TDI; and a 190-horsepower 2.7 TDI. The S5 gets the new, supercharged 3.0 V6 making 333 horses. Other Cabrio-specific touches include an optional head-level heating system and leather that's specially coated to help keep the ladies from scorching their gams in the summer. The U.S. models arrive in Fall '09 with fewer engine selections. Same sexy bodywork, though.

Gallery: 2010 Audi A5 Cabriolet

Gallery: 2010 Audi S5 Cabriolet

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Pics Aplenty: Audi A5, S5 Cabriolet

Pics Aplenty: Audi A5, S5 Cabriolet originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 22 Feb 2009 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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