Motor Authority - blog Category: S5

Unlike many of their competitors, the designers at Senner Tuning don't do the European version of tacky, flashy tuner cars. Instead, they focus on adding minor enhancements that give the owner a unique look without clamoring for attention.

The design program for the Audi A5 offers a range of front and rear fascias, side skirts and a roof spoiler. The new pieces are designed to fit and enhance the stylish coupe, with special pieces for the high-performance S5 model.

An exhaust kit is also available, but only on non-quattro models, while the two-piece front spoiler kit only works on non-S-line models. Wheels in both 20 and 21in sizes are... Unlike many of their competitors, the designers at Senner Tuning don't do the European version of tacky, flashy tuner cars. Instead, they focus on adding minor enhancements that give the owner a unique look without clamoring for attention. The design program for the Audi A5 offers a range of front and rear fascias, side skirts and a roof spoiler. The new pieces are designed to fit and enhance the stylish coupe, with special pieces for the high-performance S5 model. An exhaust kit is also available, but only on non-quattro models, while the two-piece front spoiler kit only works on non-S-line models. Wheels in both 20 and 21in sizes are available as part of the program, though since it's a piecemeal system, you can always opt for your own if Senner’s designs don't suit your tastes. Other available mods include a fully adjustable Bilstein B16 PSS10 coilover suspension and a new stainless steel exhaust system with quad tailpipes. Overall, the result is surprisingly tasteful, and a definite step outside the norm for the latest round of German car body kits. For more of Senner’s work, check out the firm's design program for the Audi A5 TDI Coupe by clicking here.Senner Tuning Audi a5 Coupe Read More

Unlike many of their competitors, the Belgians at Caractere don't do the European version of tacky, flashy tuner cars. Instead, they focus on adding minor enhancements that give the owner a unique look without clamoring for attention.

The design program for the Audi A5 Cabrio offers a range of front and rear fascias, side skirts and a roof spoiler. The new pieces are designed to fit and enhance the newly introduced drop-top, with special pieces for the high-performance S5 model.

An exhaust kit is also available, but only on non-quattro models, while the two-piece front spoiler kit only works on non-S-line models. Wheels in both 19 and 20in... Unlike many of their competitors, the Belgians at Caractere don't do the European version of tacky, flashy tuner cars. Instead, they focus on adding minor enhancements that give the owner a unique look without clamoring for attention. The design program for the Audi A5 Cabrio offers a range of front and rear fascias, side skirts and a roof spoiler. The new pieces are designed to fit and enhance the newly introduced drop-top, with special pieces for the high-performance S5 model. An exhaust kit is also available, but only on non-quattro models, while the two-piece front spoiler kit only works on non-S-line models. Wheels in both 19 and 20in sizes are available as part of the program, though since it's a piecemeal system, you can always opt for your own if Caractere's designs don't suit your tastes. Overall, the result is surprisingly tasteful, and a definite step outside the norm for the latest round of German car body kits. For more of Caractere's work, check out the firm's design program for the Audi A5 and S5 Coupes by clicking here.Audi A5 by CaractereCaractere Audi A5 and S5 Cabrios Read More

Audi took the risky step of replacing the V8 engine in its sporty S5 range with a new supercharged V6. Sure the six-cylinder mill is lighter and more fuel-efficient but what about the prestige of a V8, not to mention the smoothness and aural delight? Audi believes its customers, current and future, will favor a smaller engine and will see this trend of downsizing carry over for its next-generation models.

Speaking with Car and Driver, Audi's global head of product engineering Michael Dick revealed plans for even more extreme downsizing. Dick explained that the company’s newly introduced 3.0L supercharged V6 TFSI engine is actually an... Audi took the risky step of replacing the V8 engine in its sporty S5 range with a new supercharged V6. Sure the six-cylinder mill is lighter and more fuel-efficient but what about the prestige of a V8, not to mention the smoothness and aural delight? Audi believes its customers, current and future, will favor a smaller engine and will see this trend of downsizing carry over for its next-generation models. Speaking with Car and Driver, Audi's global head of product engineering Michael Dick revealed plans for even more extreme downsizing. Dick explained that the company’s newly introduced 3.0L supercharged V6 TFSI engine is actually an "intermediate step" between the former 4.2L V8 and a new range of turbocharged four-cylinder engines. Future versions of the S4 and S5 will be 20% more fuel-efficient but will offer similar performance to the outgoing V8 models. Smaller engine displacement isn’t the only avenue Audi is investigating as weight reduction is equally important for Audi. Take the new S5, the coupe weighs in at a hefty 3,800 pounds (1,723kg) while the Cabrio tips the scales at 4,300 pounds (1,950kg). According to Dick, Audi’s weight reduction goal for the next-generation of cars is 30%. To reach this goal, Audi will employ more aluminum, magnesium, and high-strength steel in the construction of the cars. A prototype for the next S5 is already in testing and weighs up to 880 pounds (400kg) less than the current model. Styling of the car is expected to be similar to the A7 Sportback but overall size and proportions will be smaller. Unfortunately, we’ll have to wait until 2014 to see the debut of the new car.2010 Audi A5 Cabriolet2010 Audi S5 Cabriolet Read More

The new A5 and S5 Cabriolet range was quietly revealed late last year during the holiday period between the Los Angeles and Detroit Auto Shows, but with production of the handsome duo kicking off in Germany this month Audi has released a flood of new images and details.

The most exciting variant, the S5 Cabriolet, gets a new supercharged 3.0L TFSI V6 engine with direct injection, good for 333hp (245kW) and 324lb-ft (440Nm) of torque. Quattro all-wheel drive, a sport suspension and 18in wheels plus a range of special equipment features peg the S5 Cabrio as the clear head of the new range. The car vaults from a stop to 62mph (100km/h) in... The new A5 and S5 Cabriolet range was quietly revealed late last year during the holiday period between the Los Angeles and Detroit Auto Shows, but with production of the handsome duo kicking off in Germany this month Audi has released a flood of new images and details. The most exciting variant, the S5 Cabriolet, gets a new supercharged 3.0L TFSI V6 engine with direct injection, good for 333hp (245kW) and 324lb-ft (440Nm) of torque. Quattro all-wheel drive, a sport suspension and 18in wheels plus a range of special equipment features peg the S5 Cabrio as the clear head of the new range. The car vaults from a stop to 62mph (100km/h) in just 5.6 seconds, carries on to an electronically limited top speed of 155mph (250km/h) and still manages fuel efficiency of 24.5mpg (9.6L/100km). Pricing for the S5 variant hasn't yet been released. Base A5 Cabrios will feature a 1.8L TFSI engine rated at 160hp (118kW) and will come with a manual transmission as standard, for a base price of €37,500 ($47,625) in Europe. There's no word yet on when the first models will arrive in U.S. showrooms. Performance figures for the mid-range 265hp (195kW) 3.2L FSI V6 rate at 6.9 seconds for the 0-62mph (100km/h) sprint, with a top speed of 153mph (246km/h). The standard 2.0L TFSI manages 8.9 seconds 0-62mph with its 180hp (132kW) engine and a top speed of 136mph (219km/h), while the uprated 2.0L TFSI unit, rated at 211hp (155kW) cuts acceleration time by 1.4 seconds and raises top speed to 150mph (241km/h). Fuel efficiency of the petrol range is respectable, starting at 27.3mpg (8.6L/100km) for the standard 3.2L V6 FSI, rising to 31.8mpg (7.4L/100km) for the standard 2.0L TFSI and - somewhat counterintuitively - 34.5mpg (6.8L/100km) for the more powerful variant. A pair of V6 TDIs are also available, featuring 240hp (176kW) in 3.0L guise and 190hp (140kW) in 2.7L form, and both are suitably efficient, rating 34.6mpg (6.8L/100km) for the larger of the two, and 37.3mpg (6.3L/100km) for the smaller. Unlike many of its competitors, the A5/S5 cabrio won't come with a folding hard top, instead favoring the traditional Audi soft top, which requires just 15 seconds to open and 17 seconds to close. An acoustic top, which reduces wind noise to near-hardtop levels is available as an option. The automatic raising or lowering functions can be triggered whether moving or stopped as long as speeds are below 31mph (50km/h), obviating the need to pull over to change between open and closed modes. When the top is down, it folds into an area at the top of the rear luggage area, absorbing 2.12cu ft (60L) of the 13.4cu ft (380L) available space, leaving 11.3cu ft (320L) for gear, placing near the front of the class of its competitors. Other standard features of the A5 cabrio include 17in alloy wheels, automatic climate control, and CD stereo system with the third-generation MMI operating system, offering a range of navigation and entertainment functions. In terms of exterior design, the new A5 Cabriolet gets most of the familiar cues of the hardtop sister car, plus a slightly redesigned rear deck to accommodate the folding top. The overall length of the car is 15.2ft (4.6m) and width is 6.1ft (1.85m) while it sits satisfyingly low at 4.5ft (1.4m) tall. A trunklid spoiler lip is standard. Rigidity has been preserved, though likely at the cost of some additional weight, as is usually the case with open-top cars made from hardtops. A range of three transmissions are available: the six-speed manual, which can be had with the 211hp 2.0 TFSI; the multitronic continuously variable automatic available as an option on 2.0L and 3.2L FSI variants; and the seven-speed S tronic which is standard on the 3.0L TDI model, and optional on the 2.0L TFSI and 3.2L V6 FSI.2010 Audi A5 Cabriolet2010 Audi S5 Cabriolet2010 Audi A5 Cabrio driving footage Read More

Audi’s decision to downsize the engine in the recently revealed S4 range from a naturally-aspirated V8 in the previous model to a forced-induction V6 is set to be repeated for a number of important performance models from the Germany luxury carmaker. According to latest reports the facelifted S5 sports coupe, due next year, will drop its current 349hp (260kW) 4.2L V8 mill in favor of a 329hp (245kW) supercharged 3.0L V6.

It doesn’t end there as the next-generation Audi S6, due early next decade, will reportedly drop the current model’s V10 mill in favor of a newly developed twin-turbocharged version of the current 4.2L V8.... Audi’s decision to downsize the engine in the recently revealed S4 range from a naturally-aspirated V8 in the previous model to a forced-induction V6 is set to be repeated for a number of important performance models from the Germany luxury carmaker. According to latest reports the facelifted S5 sports coupe, due next year, will drop its current 349hp (260kW) 4.2L V8 mill in favor of a 329hp (245kW) supercharged 3.0L V6. It doesn’t end there as the next-generation Audi S6, due early next decade, will reportedly drop the current model’s V10 mill in favor of a newly developed twin-turbocharged version of the current 4.2L V8. The information comes from an inside source at Audi, who revealed to Edmunds that the high-performance twin-turbocharged engines would be reserved for the exclusive RS models and a new R8 GT3 race car seen in spy shots. "Not only does this new engine get nearly the same horsepower and more torque," said the source, in reference to the supercharged V6 TFSI. "The fuel efficiency with the V6T improves by 30% over the V8." This same engine is also pegged for the long-rumored R4 mid-engine roadster model, and is expected to filter across to more models in Audi’s lineup, including the next-generation A8 flagship and upcoming A7 four-door coupe. Read More

While the likes of MTM and other German tuning houses are well known for their performance upgrading exploits, Stasis, an Audi-focused tuning house that specializes in chassis and engine upgrades, has managed to fly under the radar for some time now. However, the Californian-based tuner’s latest creation may just be the car that puts it on the map.

Named the Signature Series S5, the offering from Stasis comes in either 'Touring' or 'Challenge' guise, both of which offer a variety of chassis and engine upgrades.

In Touring trim, the S5 comes with custom 20in alloys, a T-304 stainless steel exhaust and Ohlins dampers to improve... While the likes of MTM and other German tuning houses are well known for their performance upgrading exploits, Stasis, an Audi-focused tuning house that specializes in chassis and engine upgrades, has managed to fly under the radar for some time now. However, the Californian-based tuner’s latest creation may just be the car that puts it on the map. Named the Signature Series S5, the offering from Stasis comes in either 'Touring' or 'Challenge' guise, both of which offer a variety of chassis and engine upgrades. In Touring trim, the S5 comes with custom 20in alloys, a T-304 stainless steel exhaust and Ohlins dampers to improve handling. The touring package costs just under $10,000 but if you’re willing to put up another $4,000 you can opt for the Challenge package which adds upgraded front brakes, an anti-roll bar, a center differential, a minor ECU upgrade that ups power by around 15hp (11kW), and sport tires from Yokohama. With the 0-60mph coming in just 4.6 seconds, the Signature Series S5 accelerates faster than a BMW 650i, Mercedes CLK 550 and Lexus IS-F. Around the skidpad, the Challenge Edition S5 pulls off an impressive .99g, which bests the Porsche Carrera 4S, Lotus Elise SC and Chevrolet Corvette Z06. The package is available from select Audi dealerships and other Stasis locations around the U.S., and comes with a four year/ 50,000 mile warranty. Stasis also has a range of similar upgrades for a number of Audi models including the A3, A4, S4 and TT.Stasis Audi S5 Read More