Audi S5

Manufacturer	Audi AG
Production	2007–present
Assembly	Ingolstadt, Germany Neckarsulm, Germany
Predecessor	No direct predecessor
Class	Compact executive car
Body style	2-door coupé 2-door convertible 5-door liftback
Layout	longitudinal front engine, front-wheel drive / quattro permanent four-wheel drive
Platform	MLB/MLP
Engine	4.2L V8 FSI (coupé, 2007-2012) 3.0 L V6 24v TFSI (coupé, 2013- ; cabriolet 2007-)
Transmission	6-speed manual, 6-speed Tiptronic automatic 7-speed S tronic semi-automatic
Wheelbase	Coupe & Convertible: 2,751 mm (108.3 in) Sportback: 2,810 mm (110.6 in)
Length	Coupe & Convertible: 4,635 mm (182.5 in)
Width	Coupe & Convertible: 2,020 mm (79.5 in)
Height	Coupe: 1,369 mm (53.9 in) Convertible: 1,380 mm (54.3 in)
Kerb weight	Coupe: 1,750 kg (3,858 lb) Convertible: 1,955 kg (4,310 lb)
Designer(s)	Walter Maria de'Silva

The Audi S5 is the high-performance variant of Audi's A5. It is also the coupé, cabriolet, and five-door fastback versions of the fourth generation (B8) Audi S4 saloon and estate models.

Like all Audi "S" cars, they are only available as standard with Audi's quattro four-wheel drive (4WD) system, here in S5 using a Torsen-based centre diff system.

Most versions of the S5 are manufactured at Audi's plant in Ingolstadt, Germany; they are available as a coupé, cabriolet, and five-door fastback (the latter not available in North America). The cabriolets are built at Audi's factory in Neckarsulm, Germany.

S5 (2007-2012)

The Audi S5 was released in coupé form to the public at the same time as the A5. The Audi S5 Sportback was unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, and went on sale in the spring of 2010 with a MSRP of €57,900.

The Audi S5, in comparison to the A5, features a more aggressive fascia (typical design for Audi S and RS models), including a string of LED daytime running lights around the bi-Xenon headlamps and a vertically striped chrome grille. In many markets, the S5 includes as standard, 19" alloy wheels with a five-parallel spoke design, bigger brakes, heated leather sport seats, and other convenience features, some of which are available only as an option on the A5. Changes for 2010 model year include LED tail lamps, the introduction of Premium Plus and Prestige trim levels and new optional equipment such as Leather/Alcantara seats.

Despite sharing the same nameplate, the powertrains were different between the coupé and the Cabriolet/Sportback for the 2010-12 model years. The 2010-12 Audi S5 coupé had a 4.2 litre Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI) V8 engine that produces 260 kW (349 hp), while the S5 Cabriolet and Sportback have a supercharged 3.0 litre TFSI V6 engine producing 245 kW (329 hp) which is shared with the 2010 Audi S4 3.0 TFSI quattro sedan and avant. The coupé had a choice of either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed Tiptronic, while the Cabriolet/Sportback have the 7-speed S-tronic dual-clutch transmission. Despite minor differences in peak power output, both the V8 and the supercharged V6 provide very much similar performance. While the V8 benefits from the smooth power delivery the V6 is more frugal. The only Audi S5 with the V8 engine is the pre-facelift Coupe version.

S5 Facelift (2012- )

The Audi S5 Coupé uses the 3.0L Supercharged V6 TFSI engine producing 245 kW, previously used in the S5 Cabriolet and S4 Sedan/Avant since the 2010 model year. The other major change under the bonnet is the introduction of stop-start technology for better fuel efficiency. Audi claims an average fuel economy of 8.9 litres/100 km (compared to the current 12.6 litres/100 km in the V8 coupe and 10.7 litres/100 km in the Cabriolet).

As part of the mid-generational refresh, the S5 undergoes some major front-end changes including a complete redesign of the headlights - this means new DRL's, a brand new grill loosely based on the 2012 Audi A6 grill, new fog lamps. Audi has also introduced a new rear diffuser that appears to be more cosmetic than the one found on previous models.

Inside, the S5 receives some new features. Dials in the center console get the chrome treatment along with the edges of the buttons for the windows and the 4 MMI control buttons. Audi has brought the shift knob from the RS5 to the S5. There is a shift from having four buttons down each side of the console, to just two with the addition of a Menu and Car buttons below the MMI control dial (Audi has removed the skip forward / backward buttons that previously occupied the space on either side of the back button). Lastly, a revised steering wheel will have a new circular airbag cover as well as piano black trim.

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