The Audi S4 name was originally used for the high performance sport version of the Audi 100 car, and has subsequently been used for similar versions of the Audi A4 series. Manufactured at Audi AG’s Ingolstadt plant in Germany, they are, or have been available as a five-door five-seat Avant, Audi’s name for an estate car(station wagon), a four-door five-seat saloon (sedan), and a two-door four-seat Cabriolet (convertible) version. Furthermore, their internal combustion engines are all front-mounted, and are longitudinally orientated.

The new 2010 Audi S5 Cabriolet looks good from any angle. Even from the inside of the back seat with the soft-top snuggly closed. The room isn’t adequate for someone six-foot six, but that’s not the point. Viewed from this slightly cramped vantage, the fact that Audi attends to details in a most exhaustive manner seems abundantly clear. A textured, seemingly mass-less material forms the smooth underside of the multi-layered fabric top. No crossbars or hinged joints show. Set into this impossibly thin material are LED reading lamps intended to benefit both rows of seats. I can’t recall ever having the need to read anything whilst in the back seat of a convertible with the top up, but those Germans from Ingolstadt knew someone else might. The balance of the interior is typically Audi, meaning excellent detailing from the stitched seats to the S-trim only red lines around the gauge pods.

The 2010 S5 replaces the 2009 S4 Cabriolet as the most affordable convertible in the Audi line. It shares the wider and longer stance of the S5 Coupe, as well as many of that car’s most beautiful exterior lines. An elegant detail is the way aluminum trim artfully wraps around the windshield and then rearward around the perimeter of the cabin in an unbroken line. Design magic. The new S4 lacks panache when parked next to its more costly stable mate, but that doesn’t make it an unattractive sedan. The interiors look similar, as do some exterior details, including the handsome LED DRLs and LED taillamps. Audi’s new supercharged 3.0-liter V-6 with direct injection powers both cars. Those who need a V-8 can still find it in the S5 Coupe. With nearly equal power, about the only thing missing from the blown V-6 is the familiar is pleasing exhaust note of the eight.

Pedal buried in the plush carpet, the power comes on in a linear fashion. There are no flat spots or peaks. In fact, the delivery is so smooth that it leaves the more aggressive driver wishing for more power to scare themselves with. Two gearboxes are available, the standard six-speed manual and optional S tonic dual-clutch transmission. Being a fan of what works best, I  heartily recommend the paddle-equipped gearbox.

The S tronic, on the other hand, feels perfect in these two cars. Keep in mind that these are not sports cars, but sporting cars. The difference is important.

While not as boisterous as the turbocharged 2.0-liter in the Audi TTS, it’s still fun. Shifts are nearly instant, with rev-matching on the downshifts.

Top down, rougher roads did excite some shake in the windshield header. The side-to-side movement wasn’t wholly objectionable, and pointed out a compromise the engineers must have made to keep the S5’s weight down (4,350 pounds!) as opposed to adding even more structure.

Top up, the S5 felt tight and capable of being as much of a four-season car as any retractable hard top.

The 2010 Audi S4 and S5 Cabriolet are a two-model attack directed at the BMW 3er and the Mercedes C-Class. Compared on a feature-equalized basis, the Audis present a compelling argument for cross shopping.

]]> http://qtmedia.wordpress.com/2009/11/26/all-new-a5-and-s5-cabriolets/ Thu, 26 Nov 2009 10:32:35 +0000 Q Rehman http://qtmedia.wordpress.com/2009/11/26/all-new-a5-and-s5-cabriolets/

These are the new Audi A5 and S5 Cabriolets – the German car maker’s replacements for the convertible A4.

On sale in the spring, the Audi A5 and S5 Cabriolets will be fitted with a lightweight roof which takes just 15 seconds to open and 17 seconds to shut and can be operated at speeds of up to 31mph.

With the hood up, the Audi’s boot has a 380-litre capacity and this is only reduced to 320-litres when in convertible mode.

The A5 – which is the entry level to convertible ‘5’ ownership – is available with 2-litre and 3.2-litre petrol engines developing 209bhp and 259bhp respectively and a 3-litre diesel with 235bhp.

Both petrol models are front-wheel drive while the diesel gets the Quattro 4WD treatment with 60 per cent of the pulling power sent to the rear wheels

New Car Photos for the Audi S5
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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.

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Harder wou die echt niet!!!

La firma de los cuatro aros ha decidido presentar nuevos motores para sus modelos A3 y A4 durante el Salón Internacional del Automóvil de Frankfurt. Continúa en la línea de añadir motorizaciones a la gama existente. Hace escasos días, la alemana presentó un motor 3.0 TSI para su modelo S5 Sportback, que ofrece nada despreciable cantidad de 333 cv con un consumo mixto homologado en 9,7 litros a los cien.

Pero vayamos por partes. El nuevo propulsor del A3 continúa la tendencia actual de incorporar motores de baja cilindrada con turbo. La denominación de la nueva mecánica será 1.2 TSI. Se trata de un motor de 1,2 litros que genera 105 cv y realiza el 0-100 km/h en 11,1 segundos para la versión de 3 puertas, y 11,3 segundos para la versión Sportback -5 puertas-. Ambas versiones tendrán una velocidad máxima de 190 km/h y un consumo de 5,5 litros a los 100 kilómetros.

Tanto el A3 como el A3 Sportback, con motorización 1.2 TSI, comenzarán a comercializarse en los primeros meses de 2010.

Audi A3. Fuente: http://img.mundoautomotor.com/web/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/audi_a3_2009_00.jpg

Vayamos ahora con el Audi A4. La nueva motorización de denominará 3.0 TDI Clean Diesel Quattro. Su revolucionario sistema de escape conseguirá que sus emisiones se reduzcan bastante. Esta nueva motorización cumple con los requisitos de la normativa Euro 6, que comenzará a ser obligatoria a partir del año 2014. Para la versión de 4 puertas, el consumo homologado se sitúa en 6,7 litros a los 100. La versión Avant penaliza ligeramente el consumo, situándose este en 6,8 litros cada 100 kilómetros recorridos.

El nuevo propulsor del A4 contará con una transmisión automática de 6 velocidades que permitirá a esta berlina de Audi alcanzar los 100 kilómetros por hora en 6,2 segundos. La versión familiar será un poco más lenta, necesitando una décima más para alcanzar los 100. En ambas versiones del A4, la velocidad será capada por un dispositivo electrónico a los 250 kilómetros por hora.

Audi A4. Fuente: http://www.autodescuento.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/audi-a4-027.jpg

Fuente> Carscoop, Carscoop

Audi mostrará novo S5 esporivo com motor V6 (fotos: divulgação)

A Audi não terá grandes lançamentos no próximo Salão de Frankfurt, de 17 a 27 de setembro. A fabricante alemã informou hoje que preparou três novidades para o evento.

A mais importante delas é a apresentação do S5 Sportback, versão esportiva do cupê A5. O carro ganhou um motor 3.0 V6 turboalimentado, capaz de gerar 333 cv e um torque de 44,9 kgfm. O esportivo terá a velocidade máxima limitada em 250 km/h e deve acelerar de 0 a 100 km/h em 5,4 segundos.

Interior terá bancos esportivos em couro com tons em duas cores

Mesmo com toda essa potência, a Audi anuncia um consumo médio de combustível de 10,3 km/l. O câmbio será o S-tronic, de dupla embreagem, e sete marchas.

Além do S5, a marca terá o A4 com um novo motor a diesel 3.0V6 e um A3 com motorização menos poluente e de 1.2l. Menor até do que o motor do Pálio.

E só. Muito pouco para uma fábrica que pretende desbancar Mercedes-Benz e BMW, não acham?

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Audi postanowiło odchudzić swoje modele, dzięki zastosowaniu lekkich kompozytów. Firma postanowiła także zastosować mniejsze silniki. A wszystko to z myślą o naszej kochanej Matce Ziemi. Pierwszym modelem testowym tego typu zostało Audi S5, które Niemcy przetestowali na Nurburgringu. W owym aucie zastosowano silnik R4 o pojemności 2.0l z turbiną o mocy 230 koni. Jak wiadomo w normalnym S5  znajduje się silnik 4.2 V8 o mocy 354 koni. Oba samochody wykęciły czas na tym torze i okazało się , że chudzielec jest szybszy, co utwierdziło inżynierów w przekonaniu, że tok ich myślenia jest dobry. Miejmy jednak nadzieje, że V10-ki i V8-ki nie znikną całkowicie z oferty.

Co można powiedzieć o samochodzie, którego projektant stwierdził, że to jego najwspanialsze dzieło? A tak stwierdził Walter Maria de’Silva. Audi A5 jest jednym z niewielu samochodów, które zachwycają i będą zachwycać za 10/15/20 lat. Dlatego nie dziwi, że Audi wprowadza wersję kolekcjonerską. Niestety, zawita ona tylko da Kraju Kwitnącej Wiśni. S5 Coupe Exclusive posiada nowe lakiery i kolorystykę wnętrza auta. Producent oferuje 19 calowe felgi na oponach o rozmiarze 255/35. Auto jest niemalże niedostępne, gdyż zostanie wyprodukowane jedynie w 15 egzemplarzach.

The first time we see our new Audi S5

So I finally got the car… the wait is FINALLY over.  Maria and I took the train down to New Market on 3 May (the day of the horse races, the same day as the Kentucky Derby).  There we met up with Paul, our Audi sales rep.  He took us over to the show room to sign some paperwork and pick up the car.   When I first saw it, I was definitely smiling from ear to ear.  I am sooooo glad I pulled the trigger bought the S5.  It’s really a nice looking ride.

Maria and I drove around Lakenheath and Mildenhall running errands the rest of the day.  We were staying down there overnight and then heading to Alconbury about an hour away for a softball tournament on Sunday.  It was killing me not having anywhere to get out and open the car up.  I would turn onto this one road, about two miles long and drive about 40-50 mph in a 60 mph zone.  That way the cars in front of me could get way ahead and then I could drop down a gear and get on it for a bit.  I just wanted to go fast in that thing and that was all I could do for the first day.

However, on day two I opened her up on the A11 and A14 on the way to Alconbury.  She flies.  All 354 hp of her.

Love those LEDs

After the softball tourney on Sunday we began the 130 mile drive home.  It was really funny, the S5 is pretty well liked in Europe and the daytime runing lights are so unique, tons of people were rubber necking on the trip home.  We had several people stop us in parking lots and ask about the car.  We even had a 7-series BMW blow by us doing at least 110+ mph.  He hit his brakes and swerved into the center lane of the A-1/M.  We had no idea what the hell he was doing until we got up behind him and saw all the guys in the car turning around to check out the S5.  They were going so slow I had no choice but to go around them, which is what they wanted I guess.  Then I promptly dropped into 4th and gunned it.  I watched in the rearview mirror as the idiots in the 7-series just about had a 30 car pile up trying to swerve in and out of traffic to catch back up to us.  That was the end of the racing.

Anyway, we finally got the S5 and are every bit as happy and satisfied as we’d hoped.  The damn thing is has a reverse camera system built in, it’s awesome… just look at that grill and headlight setup.

It may still be early spring on the calendar, but it’s never too early to begin planning for the inevitable summer road trips. Gone are the days of packing the kids and dog into the family station wagon. In this era of mini-vans that serve as living rooms on wheels, road tripping is all about style, speed, safety, and saving money. Kelley Blue Book recently released their top ten road trippers list for the 2009 season. Here are the models they included.

   1. Audi S5: Noted for its 354-horsepower V8 engine, and Quattro all-wheel drive, this car also has an incredibly well-tuned suspension, and provides both excellent comfort and superior performance.

   2.Bugatti Veyron: Yes, this car comes with a price tag of $1.5 million, but it’s also got a 1,001-hp, 16-cylinder, quad-turbo power system capable of speeds up to 250 miles per hour – though at top speed, the 26 gallons of fuel it takes to fill the gas tank will be gone in about twelve minutes.

   3.Chevrolet Malibu: It’s good to see a classic road-tripper still making the list. This year’s model is one of a very few mid-sized sedans to offer both a six-speed automatic transmission and a four-cylinder engine that’s pretty easy on gas (32 mpg highway). Add it t the smooth, quiet ride, and you’ve got a winner. With the current economic issues, it should be easy to secure auto loans for one of these.

   4.Dodge Grand Caravan: This is what family road trips look like. Its entertainment options include multiple DVD players, inputs for video games, two overhead video screens, and SIRIUS satellite television and radio, as well as second-row seats that swivel to the rear.

   5.Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid: At 22 mpg highway, its fuel economy is only 2 mpg better than the gas-only Tahoe, but it’s still the most fuel-friendly full-sized SUV available, and it has a variety of cargo options, the ability to tow trailers or boats, and seating for eight as well.

   6.Ford Flex: This new full-sized three-row crossover vehicle isn’t even available until this summer, but Kelley thought it was pretty spectacular anyway, especially since it has a refrigerated console.

   7.Infiniti EX35: If staying within the lines is a difficult prospect for you, the EX35 may be your cup of tea. One of its features is a “Lane Departure Prevention System,” which combines a camera to detect lane markers with a braking system that nudges the car back in line. (Never forget a turn signal again!)

   8.Mini Cooper Clubman: This car is more cool than cute, despite its low profile, and it has excellent fuel economy as well. Unlike the regular Mini Cooper, the Clubman has more passenger and luggage space, earning it a place in the top-list of road trippers for the second year in a row.

   9.Toyota Prius: It’s the poster child for the best highway mileage ever, but a road trip car? Actually yes, thank to its spiffy hatchback and the requisite interior volume to be classed as a mid-size vehicle.

  10.Volkswagen Eos: Sport, sexy, and surprisingly affordable, this convertible coupe has a retractable hardtop and a glass sunroof, so you can choose how much open air you really want.

These are just some of the great cars available for road trips, whether they’re long family vacations, or short day-hops to the beach or lake. Kelley publishes their list annually, helping you choose the best vehicle for you.

Hey Ladies and Gents. It’s that time of year again, I’ll give my assessment of this year’s show soon, but fist the photos…

2010 Camaro

Volkswagen GTI

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Porsche Cayman S

Nissan NISMO 370Z

Mercedes E-class

The Transformers cast

Porsche GT3

Hyundai Genesis Coupe

2010 Shelby GT500

Pontiac Solstice Coupe

Corvette ZR1

Nissan 370Z

Acura ZDX

Porsche 911 GT3 Cup

Nissan 370Z cabrio

This is how I want my garage to look like

Audi S5 cabrio

Mercedes E63 AMG

Audi V10

GMC Terrain

Mazda 3

Bentley Continental Supersports

-Alex K.-

]]> http://officialmdub.wordpress.com/2009/04/09/social-networking-stupidity/ Thu, 09 Apr 2009 15:42:46 +0000 Official M-Dub http://officialmdub.wordpress.com/2009/04/09/social-networking-stupidity/

ABT Audi AS5 (courtesy of Keno Zache Photograpy)

I suppose I’m having one of those weeks.  One of those weeks usually starts out with one significant event that causes me to question what I’m really doing with my life, what my purpose in life is, and what path I need to travel toward contentment.  In this particular case it was triggered by reflecting on my deep and infinite love of women and cars.  As a result, I’ve spent my last few days trying to figure out how to fill that void.

It’s during these moments that my patience and tolerance become short.  Everything is up for scrutiny, reevaluation, and in some cases being done away with altogether.  This week it’s Facebook and Twitter.  I’m a Twitter subscriber.  I’ve tried using it on 3 different occasions.  Each time I’m faced with the same question.  What’s the point?  I don’t see the point of following people around to read about them buying yellow shoe laces, putting the gas pump into their car, or that they’re sitting on the toilet.

Is this what the world has come to?  Are we that bored, and lack enough meaningful things to do, that we feel a need to tell the world about every little thing we do? Who cares?  ‘The Official’ not excluded.  I can assure you, however, that I won’t be writing chronicles about me sitting on the toilet or walking up my stairs to sit on the sofa.

Two of my friends, who are on Fb, managed to push the right buttons.  She set a status update apologizing to her significant other over her attitude the night before.  The other posted a status about cleaning the house while her children are napping….

WHO CARES?!?

If it’s not that, then it’s someone who’s emotionally distraught over being single.  Or, it’s the silly, and usually cryptic, Twitter updates, with some silly link attached to it.  I really don’t care that you’re “Tweeting” about how pollen can cause aggressive behavior in small dogs.  You, the Twitter-er, Tweeter, Twit, or whatever the term is, shouldn’t care either.  Do you know why?  Because it shows you have no life.  Seriously, go get one.  They can actually be quite fun!

Facebook High

Facebook High School

I graduated High School long ago.  But, being on Fb has become very reminiscent of being in high school.  It’s who said what about whom?  Or, did you see what she wrote on his wall?  Guess what he said to her?  Guess what happened between them?  How did they become friends?  Or, he defriended me. Come on people, really.  I’ve had my share of Fb incidents.  I honestly don’t know what people call themselves trying to do.  But, it’s just not that serious.  We’re adults.  Do we really need the high school antics across Fb.

True story

A friend of mine took issue with something I wrote here.  Nothing wrong with that.  Everyone is entitled to their opinion. I don’t expect anyone who reads ‘The Official’ to agree with, or even like, anything I have to say.  I don’t write to please people.  I write because it’s simply what I have on my mind; right, wrong or indifferent.

Terms and Conditions

This friend pointed out the specific issue, from their perspective, on my Fb. My attitude, “Okay, sorry you feel that way.  But, it’s simply my perspective.”  My friend then added a disclaimer their commentary saying they are only making the remarks because I am interesting to them.  If I weren’t, they’d just opt to quietly remove me from their Facebook friends list.

Oh, Okay!

Oh no, I'll save you the trouble. Let me help you to the door!

Never being one who hesitates to oblige a threat, insult, ultimatum, dare, or any other type of provocation, perceived or implied, I decided to relieve my friend from any further debate as to what qualifies me to be on their list of Facebook friends.  So, upon reading her disclaimer, I promptly showed her the exit from my list of Fb friends; so unfortunate!  To my friend, it’s nothing personal.  It really isn’t!

Love Fest

Need I say more.  Really?  Write a letter, hump each other’s leg, lick each other’s noses… just save us all from it.  Wait, how about writing these professions in Facebook e-mail?  So, you’re still on Facebook, and you get to make your silly professions to your significant other.  What a novel idea!

Why does the whole world need to see public professions of pure silliness, and in many cases disgustingness?  Actually, I’m certain that people like Romeo & Juliet here make such professions to each other far less frequently in private.

Instigators and Point Makers

These are the individuals who I believe roam Fb looking for the one conversation to completely blow out of context.  A friend posted a subject about a rapper, who shall remain nameless, because he’s not worthy of direct reference in ‘The Official’. Anyway, said rapper is doing jail time.  My reply to the news my friend posted was “Wow, he really needs to get it together.’  Another friend comes along and says “So, are you saying that he shouldn’t do jail time for his crime?”

My reply… crickets chirping… crickets chirping… pause… crickets chirping… crickets chirping…

“Where is there any direct or implied reference that he should not do jail time?” Stay on message, or just observe from the sidelines.  Or, if you want to spark a debate, just say “I want to spark a debate.”

The "stellar" Star Jones

And of course, I’m bound to cross paths with some (cough) “lovely” young lady who takes issue with the fact that I “don’t need ‘em”.  Seriously, they’re mad at me because they have no man and I wouldn’t consider giving someone like them the time of day.  Honestly, why would I want an abrasive, overbearing, mouthy and tactless girl… who isn’t even all that attractive?  Take a hike!

What’s the point?

I’m fed up with both Facebook and Twitter.  It has become very apparent to me that there are better uses of my time.  There are also far more meaningful things I can be doing with my life.  The stuff that flies across Facebook is beyond ridiculous.  Sure, people have the freedom of expression.  Facebook and Twitter obviously provide the platform for that.  That doesn’t mean that people should disregard discretion or common sense.  Should I be polite and ignore obvious stupidity?  Probably!

I could suppress the countless people who are posting such moronic and pointless nonsense.  But, with the new Fb layout, it’s hard to ignore.  I’m bound to run across it again… and again.  So, why not go on the offensive and just let people know how stupid and moronic they are.  Then again, they probably won’t care.  Most morons and stupid people aren’t aware that they are just those things.

Sedan A5 lanserades har det tuffat på relativt bra för Audi. De har lyckats nå ut till en lite yngre och medvetnare publik och framförallt lyckats plocka en och annan andel från BMW 3-serie coupé. Det har legat ute i ett tag att Audi ska släppa en ny, cab-version av A5:an (och S5:an) och nu på senaste tiden har de bombaderat sin mediasida med nya bilder på den kommande modellen, som förövrigt kommer till försäljning under 2009’s andra kvartal. För den som är sugen på en A5:a finns det en rad olika motoralternativ, i bensinserien kommer följande alternativ finnas till buds i Europa; en 1.8 TSI på 160 hk, två varianter av 2.0 TFSI på 180 respektive 211 hk samt en 3.2 FSI V6 på 265 hk. På dieselsidan finns en 2.7 TDI på 190 hk och en 3.0 TDI på 240 hk. Slutligen S5:an som får Audis nya supercharged 3 liters V6:a på 333 hk.  Som notis kan vi meddela att modellen kommer till USA under hösten, dock med färre motoralternativ.

Källa: Audi

[ PRESS RELEASE ]
Audi A5 and S5 Cabriolet – the joy of open-top driving

Dynamic, confident and stunning – the new A5 Cabriolet from Audi is emotionally evocative. The four-seater with the fabric top combines a distinctly sporty character with the fascination of open-top driving, refined comfort and a great everyday utility. Five efficient engines, an agile suspension and a wide range of high-end options make the new Audi the most attractive convertible in the mid-sized segment.

Delivery will begin in the second quarter of 2009. Prices start at 37,300 euros for the entry-level 1.8 TFSI model with 118 kW (160 hp), which will follow somewhat later.

Crowning the new model series is the S5 Cabriolet. The letter “S” traditionally stands for supreme sportiness – for dynamics, performance and power, but also for amazing efficiency. Powering the S5 Cabriolet is a newly developed, supercharged three-liter V6 that pumps out 245 kW (333 hp) for superior performance.

Like all Audi convertibles, the open-top A5 also has a lightweight fabric top that endows it with a silhouette of dynamic elegance. The fully automatic top opens in just 15 seconds. Audi also offers an optional acoustic top with an intermediate layer of insulating foam that reduces wind noise almost to the sedan level.

When opened, the Audi A5 Cabriolet top folds down so effectively that very little trunk space is used up – leaving 320 liters (11.30 cubic ft) of unused storage volume, clearly the best value in its field of competitors. The soft top compartment lowers automatically when the top is opened. Equally useful is the fold-down rear seat backrest and the large pass-through between the luggage compartment and the interior, which increases the storage volume to a generous 750 liters (26.49 cubic ft).

Rounding out the comfortable character of the four-seater’s interior are automatic seatbelt extenders for the front seats and the optionally available head-level heating. A special coating on the optional leather seats reduces solar heating. The A5 Cabriolet seats four comfortably. The refined ambience combines with perfect ergonomics to convey an atmosphere of sporty elegance. Ultra-high-strength steels and selective reinforcements of the body ensure high rigidity and crash safety.

The A5 Cabriolet is being launched with three gasoline engines and two diesel engines ranging between 132 kW (180 hp) and 195 kW (265 hp). All five power plants are fueled via direct fuel injection; four of them use turbocharging. Available powertrains include a six-speed manual, the continuously variable multitronic and the new, lightning-fast seven-speed S tronic. In addition to front-wheel drive, Audi also offers quattro permanent all-wheel drive for the higher-power engines. The innovative sport differential, which variably distributes power between the rear wheels, is optionally available for even greater dynamics and driving pleasure.

Fascinating dynamics: Audi drive select
The perfect addition to this technology package is the Audi drive select vehicle dynamics system, which enables the driver to chose among three different engine maps controlling the characteristics of the fuel feed, the shifting points of the seven-speed S tronic or the multitronic, and the boost provided by the servotronic steering system. If the car is equipped with the MMI operating interface, a fourth, freely programmable map is available. Additional technologies available include adaptive control of the shock absorbers and variable-ratio dynamic steering.

The new Audi A5 Cabriolet features a rich array of equipment in addition to the fully automatic top, including an automatic climate-control system and a CD audio system. Highlights from the long list of options include the innovative driver assist systems and the latest generation MMI operating interface, which offers many attractive navigation and entertainment features.

As the dynamic top-of-the-line model of the new production series, the S5 Cabriolet occupies a very special position. Its three-liter TFSI – a V6 with mechanical supercharger – unfolds its 245 kW (333 hp) and 440 Nm (324.53 lb-ft) of torque with impressive results: It responds tenaciously to the throttle and delivers excellent driving performance. The quattro drivetrain, a sport suspension with 18-inch wheels and a number of special equipment details underscore the athletic character of the Audi S5 Cabriolet.

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

I’m being lazy in regards to actually writing the test drive, so I thought I’d talk a bit about the shoot.

this car was red, but it was cold.

The weather is a random factor in the scheduling of test drives and it is hard to plan around them. What good is a performance car if the weather is shit and you spend the whole test period going 30mph? the review then turns into how much you liked the interior. Indeed, it’s even hard to get test drives this early in the year because PR figures logically it would be a waste of time to send their 500+mph  RWD supercar to the northeast in January.

V walks the plank.

Fortunately, the weather was forgiving when we had the Audi, and it worked out quite well for both the shoot and the test that it snowed late in the week. I got to drive the car in a variety of conditions, and during one of the heavier snow storms, we had a gorgeous natural setting for a shoot.

moving for the plow again...

We took the Audi to a remote part of the neck and took as many shots as we could before we froze. Driving though the back roads in such fresh snow, the area didn’t seem real. I felt like driving through a stunning Macy’s christmas window display.

The spot we picked was by the water and out of the way. It’s remote location and the weather made thing easy as far as traffic or interruptions, save for a couple times we had to move for a plow. ( which plowed our scenery away…) and the times we had to wipe down the car.

We ended up with a great number of shots and it was hard to narrow down the best ones. I’ve been spending time photoshopping towels and footprints out.

-Alex K.-

Mercedes have just released  the first official photos of their new E-Class coupe. And all The Guide can say is “what a mess!”

Curves, swoops, straight lines, cut lines – and all in no discernible order or proportion. We think even Chris Bangle could have done better. No, we’re sorry to report that this new E-Class looks a terrible, confused mess.

The new car is due to makes its debut at the Geneva motor show. Evo is reporting that it comes loaded with a bunch of features that make it a more sporting drive than the outgoing CLK that it replaces. This may well be true but The Guide just can’t tear itself away from thinking about how ugly this poor little mutt is long enough to care.

Actually, does anyone else have the word Hyundai involuntarily popping into their heads as they stare at this photo?

Mercedes, gentlemen, this is how to design a Prodigal looking sports coupe.

Off season’s officially over, kids. stay tuned….

The Audi S5 is the spiritual successor to the quattro of the 1980s. The rapid, svelte two-door coupe is a handsome beast that cuts quite a dash on the road.

It would be easy to write the S5 – and the whole Audi A5 range – off as simply a two door Audi A4, but it should be much more than that.

The ride is good; firm, but never uncomfortable and only the biggest bumps cause a fluster in the cabin.

All this adds up to an accomplished grand tourer, rather than an out-and-out sports car. The Audi RS5 should see to that when it launches.

It’s frustrating, because as a drivers’ car, the Audi S5 could easily be a match for the excellent BMW 3 Series Coupe

Running costs aren’t far off the faster BMW M3, which although costs £10,000 more new, matches the Audi S5 for fuel consumption (22.8mpg).

In many ways the Audi S5 is a worthy successor to the original quattro coupe from the 80s. Both are very good, but have flaws. While the quattro was heinously complicated, the S5 just doesn’t have the level of driver involvement we’d hoped for.

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