2008
Audi S5 Coupe 4.2 quattro MT6
One
Beautiful Automobile
Reviewed by Susan Frissell
The
new Audi S5 Coupe is one beautiful automobile equipped with all the
desirable features a performance vehicle owner could hope for. With
a ride and speed to match, the S5 is the latest example of auto excellence
at its best.
It's
impossible not to covet this beauty, with lines that reek sensuality,
a ride that knocks your socks off and acceleration second to none. This
is one of the most friendly performance coupes I've driven. I'd buy
it simply for the seats. The S5's seats are the way automobile seating
should be: Body hugging, form-fitting comfort. Styling cues that set
the S5 apart from its stablemate the A5 include a sleeker, performance-oriented
form, pronounced bumpers, larger spoiler and chrome accents.
What
really sets the S5 apart is Audi's quiet 4.2-liter V8 engine packs 354
horsepower with FSI direct injection technology. This is a detuned version
of the Audi R8 supercar's engine. Teamed with Audi's 6-speed manual
transmission, that shifts like butter, this coupe moves. Quattro permanent
all-wheel drive provides for wet and snowy surfaces so you don't have
to leave the S5 home in the winter.
Standard
transmission on the Audi S5 is a six-speed manual. If you opt for automatic,
you'll have to cough up $1,300, which some may opt to do. Options on
our test Audi included its Phantom Black Pear Effect Paint ($750Šoh,
man), Audi Navigation Plus system (color driver info display and Audi
music interface, $2,390), The Technology Package (Audi Rear Parking
System with rearview camera, Adaptive headlights, Advanced Key, $1,700),
Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System ($850), and Stainless Steel
texture Decorative Inlay ($750).
It's
hard to imagine any options are needed in the Audi S5. Equipped with
just about every modern convenience, the driver has most of what she
needs, including, of course, Bluetooth prep for mobile phones, Anti-lock
braking system, S5 enhanced brakes, S5 sport suspension, tire pressure
monitoring system, power central locking system, etc.
The
sound system in the Audi S5 is beyond exceptional. The powerful Symphony
radio with in-dash 6-CD changer, SIRIUS satellite radio and 10-speaker,
180‹watt sound system blasts your tunes far and wide. The Bang &
Olufsen Premium Sound System option pushes it over the edge. So much
so, you'll never want to leave the comfort of your front seat.
When
tested on the track, the S5 comes to life, turning a 0-to-60 mph time
of 4.95 seconds, and a quarter-mile passing in 13.53 seconds at 102.4
mph. Like watching a tennis match, this beautiful
automobile as it moves past the stands, will turn your head, repeatedly.
Are
there drawbacks to this package of auto excellence? Of course. One,
say driver/owners is the sunroof that only retracts part way, and the
numb feel of the steering (not commonly experienced in performance vehicles).
Some
journalists have called the Audi S5 "the best car they have ever penned."
Others have had emotional reactions to its good looks; beautiful and
stunning aptly describe the S5. With lines that distinguish it, the
Audi S5's "top-tier" interior calls to all, with the outstanding audio
system, comfortable and plush seating, this is a beautiful piece of
auto excellence.
SPECS
MSRP: $50,500; total vehicle price $59,015; destination $775; gas guzzler
tax $1,300
Engine: 4.2 quattro, DOHC V8, 354 horsepower, FSI direct injection technology
Transmission: 6-speed manual, Quattro permanent all-wheel drive
Wheelbase: 108.3 in.
Height: 53.9 in.
Length: 182.5 in.
Width: 78.0 in.
Weight: 3,891 lbs.
Tires: High performance summer
tires 255/35ZR-19
Wheels: 19-inch twin-spoke alloy
EPA
Fuel Economy: 17 mpg. Overall
Warranty:
4 yr./50,000-mile new vehicle limited; 12-yr./limited against corrosion
perforation; 12 mth./5,000-mile NO Charge first scheduled maintenance,
4 yr./Roadside Assistance