New AUDI A5

 

The Audi A5 coupe and cabriolet, as well as their powerful S5 derivatives, are among the most beautiful cars on the road today, and they still look fresh more than four years after their debut. Yet it’s time for a mid-cycle face lift that freshens not only the cars’ styling, but also their technology.
Unfortunately, in this renewal, the S5 coupe gets a new engine. The previous 354-hp, naturally aspirated 4.2-liter V-8 goes away, making room for the 333-hp, 3.0-liter supercharged V-6 already found in the S5 cabrio. Torque stands pat at 325 lb-ft. This swap comes as no surprise, and will improve fuel economy significantly. While the supercharged six is a great engine, we will miss the marvelous sound of the V-8.
A splendid 211-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder remains the base engine in the A5, which is fine with us. For those who lament the passing of the V-8–powered S5, Audi offers special consolation with the upcoming RS5. This model—on sale in Europe already—is powered by a thoroughly reworked version of the 4.2-liter V-8 producing an awesome 450 hp. We hear that the RS5 will arrive in the U.S. in early 2012. Meanwhile, the S5 receives an upgraded Quattro all-wheel-drive system with a crown-gear center differential that allows for variable torque splits.