2008 Audi S5

Elegance and Dynamism: The New Audi S5

Among the high-performance coupes, the Audi S5 with its combination of V8 FSI technology and quattro permanent all-wheel drive truly stands alone. The eight-cylinder engine with superb power potential is well matched with the specially tuned sports suspension and high-performance brakes.

Design und interior

Unobtrusive but unmistakable design elements inside and out give this athlete among Audi models its unique image. The Audi S5 looks at you with poised power: Its radiator grill is platinum gray and has vertical chrome inlays. Front as well as rear bumpers have a more pronounced outline and an aluminum blade emphasizes the air intake grills.

The aluminum-look outside mirror housings leave no doubt of the S5's personality, and neither do the color-matched door sill trims and the exhaust system with four oval tailpipes. The more strongly pronounced trunk lid spoiler edge provides increased aerodynamic downforce.

But the design of the S5 interior also emphasizes its dynamic character: The S sports seats and sports steering wheel, instruments with gray dials and special aluminum door sill plates create an atmosphere of refined power. The interior leaves a great deal of space for the realization of personal ideas: Audi makes available a wide scope of special materials and colors.

Drivetrain

260 kW (354 hp) is the output of the 4.2-liter eight-cylinder engine in the Audi S5, with a maximum torque of 440 Nm (324.53 lb-ft) already available at 3,500 rpm. In no more than 5.1 seconds, the powerful coupe sprints to 100 km/h (62.14 mph), showing exceptional liveliness, spontaneous response, a continuous power curve and an exhilarating sound. The V8 derives its enormous power potential from the innovative FSI direct injection technology.

It takes only sparing motions to operate the six-speed transmission. The clutch was relocated to behind the differential - a swap which allowed to move the front axle further up and thus achieved a more ideal weight balance. As an option, the sporty six-speed tiptronic is available. The quattro permanent all-wheel drive of course provides perfect traction with variable torque distribution and a basic split of 40 percent to the front and 60 percent to the rear axle.

Chassis

The S sports suspension supports the Audi S5's performance through its dynamic tuning. The high-performance brakes, recognizable by their black painted brake calipers, ensure reliable deceleration. The ESP stabilization system can be suspended in two steps if the driver wishes to investigate the potential of her Audi S5 on a suitable course. The 18-inch wheels are matched to tires of the size 245/40 R 18.

As an option, Audi fits the S5 with the dynamic high-tech drive system, Audi drive select. It allows the driver to shift the characteristics of the throttle, of the tiptronic shift points, and of the power steering support in three modes; and if the navigation system plus is installed as well, the driver can even design their own personal drive program.

As additional components, there are the adaptive shock absorbers and the new Audi dynamic steering system. With its override differential drive it varies the steering ratio depending on driving speed; and in fast turns, the system keeps the S5 safely and dynamically on the road by small, automatically performed corrections.

Equipment

Among the S5 standard equipment there are the xenon plus headlights with their impressive strip of LED daytime running lights and electrically adjustable S sports seats fitted with attractive fabric/leather coverings. As a member of the A5 family, this high-performance coupe can be equipped with state-of-the-art communication and entertainment devices, from the Bang & Olufsen sound system and the intelligent iPod interface to the Bluetooth car telephone.

The S5 can also be equipped with high-tech systems such as adaptive cruise control, Audi side assist, Audi lane assist and Audi parking system advanced. They help maintain distance to the car ahead, assist in changing and maintaining lanes, and make reverse-parking easier by using a camera. For some of the further, highly attractive upgrades, there are 19- and 20-inch wheels as well as the keyless entry system advanced key.

The Audi S5 at a glance:

Engine: displacement 4,163 cc, power output 260 kW (354 hp) at 7,000 rpm, maximum torque 440 Nm (324.53 lb-ft) at 3,500 rpm. Performance and fuel consumption: 0 - 100 km/h (0 - 62.14 mph) in 5.1 s, top speed 250 km/h (155.34 mph, governed), consumption (combined) 12.4 liters/100 km (18.97 mpg) with Super Plus gasoline. Drivetrain combination: quattro drive with six-speed transmission.

The equipment, specifications and prices stated herein refer to the model line offered for sale in Germany. Subject to change without notice; errors and omissions excepted.

2008 Audi S5 Specifications

Chassis
Brakes F/R:	ABS, vented disc/vented disc
Tires F-R:	245/40 R18
Driveline:	All Wheel Drive
Engine
Type:	V8
Displacement cu in (cc):	254 (4163)
Power bhp (kW) at RPM:	354(260) / 7000
Torque lb-ft (Nm) at RPM:	325(440) / 3500
Performance
Acceleration 0-62 mph s:	5.1