With all the focus on fuel economy, there's little room in today's automotive headlines for a mention of any other trends save the ones that save gas.
Beneath the gas fumes, one trend in particular remains fairly undetected. Coupes, it appears, are making a comeback. From the newest wave of muscle cars, to some sportier models, two-doors are here again.
Audi launched its A5 and S5 coupes for the 2008 model year and what a lovely silhouette they make. The focus in this review, however, is the sportier S5.
One half of an all-new series for Audi, the S5 offers not so subtle design cues to distinguish itself from its sibling. Its athletic profile derives from color-keyed door sill trim, a dual-branch exhaust with four oval tailpipes, larger air inlet grilles, pronounced front and rear bumpers, and an enlarged rear spoiler (which also functions to add aerodynamic downforce).
Located in the rear of the vehicle for better weight distribution, a 4.2-liter V8 Fuel Straight Injection (FSI) engine produces 354 horsepower and 325 lbs.-ft. of torque at 3,500 rpm. Matched to the six-speed gearbox, it accelerates from zero-60 mph in 5.1 seconds. The Tiptronic six-speed automatic is optional.
Considering its nature, the S5 achieves an EPA fuel economy of 14 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 21 mpg on the highway.
Like all Audi "S" models, the S5 has a sportier suspension as well as 19-inch performance wheels and brakes, carbon fiber interior elements, bolstered seating, grey dials, and aluminum accents.
Adding to the S5's road confidence is the quattro permanent all-wheel drive with variable torque distribution. It begins delivering torque with 40 percent to the front and 60 percent to the rear. As it monitors the driver and road conditions, it adjusts to deliver the ideal distribution of drive torque so that the less aggressive driver gains confidence and the aggressive driver can push for a little more performance.
On a real-world drive test that included some highway as well as city driving, the quattro's subtlety elicits more than one goofy grin, i.e. it's fun to drive.
The S5, however, includes technology that also increases its road readiness, like the electronic stabilizaton program (which can be deactivated), with a slew of features including the anti-lock braking system, electronic brake pressure distribution, and traction control.
Other standard safety features include seat mounted side and curtain airbags, side LED turn signal indicators, bi-xenon lamps with a self-leveling feature, and the advanced anti-theft vehicle alarm system.
Standard comfort features, like three-zone air conditioning, a tilt and telescopic manually adjustable steering wheel, a panoramic sunroof that tilts to let in air but does not retract and has a manually adjustable sunshade, and an AM/FM stereo with a CD player and satellite radio (still a bit twitchy to program, however), add to the S5's panache.
The S5 version we received had the manual transmission as well as three options, the Bang and Olufsen premium stereo ($850.00) surround sound system with 14 speakers and 505 digitally amplified watts, the Audi Navigation Plus package ($2,300) and the best option for the money, the Technology Package ($1,700) with a rear parking system with a rearview camera.
Changes for 2009 include available shift paddles and new options like adaptive cruise control. Audi side assist is now part of the technology package, new leather seating with silver stitching is available, and the navigation package includes the Voice Control System.
Pricing for the 2008 Audi S5 as tested is $57,515. Pricing for the 2009 S5 begins at $50,900.
Inside and out, the S5, like all Audi's, wins points on design. It performs like a sports car, on curves as well as fuel efficiency, but at this price, potential owners would rather give it the gas than conserve it.
