[s-cars] Audi S5

[Phil Mische]

Prose like that always reminds me of Blazing Saddles, when Slim Pickens said 
to Harvey Korman, "you talk purdier than a French whore."

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Brian Armstead" <barmstea at IBB.GOV>
To: "Taka Mizutani" <t44tqtro at gmail.com>
Cc: "s-car-list" <s-car-list at audifans.com>
Sent: Wednesday, February 28, 2007 8:08 AM
Subject: Re: [s-cars] Audi S5


Here's info from Audi's press site:

Regards,

Brian


INGOLSTADT, Germany - Audi is launching a fascinating new model series
for its entry into a highly emotionally charged segment of the market:
the A5 successfully unites the acclaimed Audi design language and
thrilling dynamic driving performance, and combines generous refinement
with the brand's characteristic quality and sophistication. Its
progressive design gives the new coupé an appearance that is both
elegant and dynamic. With its muscular FSI and TDI engines, its entirely
newly developed high-precision running gear, and a raft of innovative,
luxury-class equipment features, the Audi A5 has been crafted to be a
modern grand tourer, a touring coupé in the best tradition.


*NOTE: TDI models will not be offered in the U.S.


The Audi S5 is an extra sporty offering to complete the new series. A
powerful V8 FSI engine gives the S5 a dynamic edge, which underscores
its athletically accentuated design. The A5 and S5 are available to
order from 6 March 2007 with the first vehicles due for delivery from
June.


The Nuvolari quattro concept car of 2003 gave a first taste of Audi's
vision for a powerful and expertly styled coupé with a high performance
potential and a progressive, sophisticated design - a bold step into the
future.


Many elements from the Nuvolari have been adopted in the Audi A5. The
new coupé is a clear and unique statement of sportiness and elegance. At
the same time, the A5 offers a driving experience characterised by
exhilarating dynamic performance and excellent comfort over long
distances.


With a length of 4.63 m, the Audi A5 clearly belongs to a superior class
of coupé. Four comfortable seats and a load volume of 455 liters make
this car a comfortable long-distance tourer.


The engines' power can be transmitted by either front-wheel drive or
quattro four-wheel drive and a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox.
The running gear developed for the A5 is entirely new and combines agile
handling with the utmost driving safety.


The design


Quite simply a desirable coupé


For coupé buyers, emotion plays a major role in their choice of car; the
most important reason to buy, in the case of a sporty two-door car, is
the design. And on that point the Audi A5 genuinely speaks for itself -
its design takes Audi's progressive and stylish design language to new
heights. The sporty silhouette, the precisely drawn lines, which
gracefully interplay with the powerful surfaces, the expressive front
face, and the equally distinctive tail end yield a wholly desirable
coupé. "The Audi A5 is the most beautiful car I have ever designed",
says Walter de'Silva, Head of Volkswagen Group Design, with absolute
conviction.


Sportiness, elegance and dynamic performance are characteristics common
to all of today's Audi models. Naturally the A5 is particularly rich in
these elements of the Audi "genetic code", and the design makes that
immediately clear: the coupé's proportions, for instance, are
characterised by a very wide and low stance, a short front overhang and
a long, flowing transition from the C pillar to the tail end.


Lines and surfaces play with light and shadows


An expression of determination characterises the features of the front
end: the face bears the hallmark of the new Audi in the form of the
single-frame grille, and its right-angled headlights and large air
inlets reinforce the architectural impression of breadth in the car's
face-on outline. The same holds true for the rear: the distinct
horizontal lines and wide, powerfully styled tail lights, which seem to
push outwards, underscore the sporting intent of the A5.


The side line is dominated by the mighty trapezoidal C pillar. This not
only emphasises the car's sporty appeal, but also creates a look
reminiscent of the legendary Audi Ur-quattro.


A second stylistic tribute to Audi's four-wheel drive pioneer model can
be found in the marked outline of the wheel arches, with their curving
contours drawn into the wide shoulder line. The lines and surfaces of
the Audi A5 play with light and shadows, bringing its shape to life and
endowing the body with the sculpted intensity that makes Audi design
unique.


Audi's customary devotion to detail is particularly evident in the
headlights: their elaborate styling perfectly reflects precision and
high-tech engineering. The daytime running lights, comprising a strip of
eight LEDs on each side, make the A5's xenon plus headlights absolutely
unmistakeable.


The interior


The luxurious perfection of an Audi


The interior, the interface between person and vehicle, is characterised
by ergonomic design and functionality, and equally by the exclusiveness
of the materials selected and Audi's typically superb build quality. An
atmosphere in which you feel perfectly at ease, even on long journeys -
that is the key feature of the A5 interior.


Making interior design a high-quality tactile experience


The entire cockpit architecture is clearly focused on the driver and
brings together the instruments and the centre console to form one unit.
The animated shapes, the precision of the workmanship, and the
sophisticated design of the controls - these represent a visual delight
that is also a joy to touch. The interior design provides a high-quality
tactile experience each time you drive the Audi A5. One example of the
all-encompassing design approach can be found in the door panel trim,
where the controls, inlays, armrest and stowage compartment combine to
form one visually harmonious unit.


The instrument panel, with the characteristic droplet-shaped surrounds
for the speedometer and rev counter, does feature typical Audi styling
elements, but in all its details has been developed as a new design.


The A5 also has the screen of the MMI operating system positioned at an
ergonomically perfect high position in the cockpit. A new advanced
version of the acclaimed intuitive MMI operating logic makes the wide
range of functions easy to understand.


Key with a sharp memory


The new key is another design item that also provides sophisticated
functionality. With its soft contours and pleasant surfaces it sits
beautifully in the hand. But above all, the innovative key dispenses
with the conventional key bit. This is possible because it communicates
electronically with the vehicle's electrical system as soon as it is
inserted into the cockpit. It can also store important information, such
as the vehicle's current mileage or warning messages from the Audi A5's
driver information system. The data are always up-to-date and available
to allow after-sales staff at a dealership to receive the vehicle for
servicing quickly and easily.




The engines


For powerful driving pleasure


A coupé with a distinctly sporty character requires powerful and highly
efficient engines. For the Audi A5, power is provided by innovative
technologies across the board. All engines supplied for the new model
series feature direct fuel injection, for which the petrol engines
employ the FSI concept and the diesels are equipped with common rail
TDI. This gives all engines a thrilling free-revving character, allowing
them to effortlessly unwind their generous torque with optimum energy
efficiency. The refined TDI engines with their outstanding sporting
talents suit the A5 just as well as the petrol units. Which type to go
for is entirely a question of the driver's personal preference. All of
the engines impressively demonstrate that efficiency and driving
pleasure are by no means mutually exclusive.


FSI - The high-tech engine with variable valve lift


The top-of-the-range petrol engine in the Audi A5 is a new 3.2-liter FSI
with innovative valve gear comprising the Audi valvelift system. This
innovation varies the valve lift between two levels. To achieve this,
sets of sliding cams are mounted directly on the intake camshafts. These
feature two sets of adjacent cam contours for small and large valve
lift. Which cam is used to open the intake valves depends on the power
demand at any one time.


The effect is an appreciable increase in engine efficiency. The driver
benefits from greater power and improved driveability, while enjoying a
marked reduction in fuel consumption. At the wheel of an Audi A5 3.2 FSI
there is a whole 195 kW (265 bhp) of power output available and a superb
torque of 330 Nm in a broad rev band of 3,000 to 5,000 rpm, ensuring
blistering acceleration at all times. Within 6.1 seconds the 3.2 FSI
quattro with manual six-speed gearbox sprints from 0 to 100 km/h. The
top speed is limited to 250 km/h. Despite this thrilling performance
potential the car's fuel consumption is only 8.7 liters per 100
kilometers (3.2 FSI multitronic).


Thanks to a whole raft of technical innovations in the petrol engines,
their fuel economy has been significantly improved, thus yielding a
marked reduction in CO2 emissions.


TDI - Impressive performance combined with exemplary eco-friendliness


The V6 TDI units from Audi set the standards in their segment. Their
copious torque and outstanding fuel economy accompanied by superb
refinement mean that they score highly on all counts. In addition to all
this, they offer eco-friendly performance that is hard to beat. The TDI
engines fitted in the Audi A5, for instance, are equipped with a diesel
particulate filter as standard.


The sporty top-of-the-range TDI in the new Audi coupé is the thoroughly
revised 3.0-liter engine. It now delivers a power output of 176 kW (240
bhp) and its maximum torque is an immense 500 Nm. But that is not all:
with its supreme 0 to 100 km/h acceleration time of 5.9 seconds and a
top speed of 250 km/h, the Audi A5 3.0 TDI quattro is one of the
sportiest vehicles of its kind. Added to this, it also offers an average
fuel consumption of just 7.2 liters per 100 km!


The second TDI engine in the Audi A5 range offers even better fuel
economy. The 2.7-liter V6 engine delivers 140 kW (190 bhp) and is an
ideal complement to the multitronic gearbox for the comfort-minded coupé
driver. Nevertheless, its performance figures are more than impressive:
it offers a top speed of

232 km/h with an average fuel economy of 6.7 liters per 100 km. On top
of that, its acceleration time of just 7.6 seconds confirms the sporty
credentials of this version of the Audi A5.


The Audi A5 2.7 TDI multitronic is equipped with front-wheel drive,
while the 3-liter TDI with manual gearbox constantly supplies power to
all four wheels. As in numerous other Audi models, the quattro permanent
four-wheel drive in the Audi A5 enhances driving dynamics by
distributing 40 percent of engine power to the front axle and 60 percent
to the rear axle at its basic setting. The system adjusts the power
distribution depending on the situation and road surface grip.


multitronic with eight forward gears and sport mode


In the standard specification, the Audi A5 powertrain features a
six-speed manual gearbox with sporty ratios. This gearbox offers uniform
short gear lever travel and smooth, easy gear changes.


The continuously variable multitronic automatic gearbox, which offers
unparalleled power transmission comfort, is available in conjunction
with the

3.2 FSI and the 2.7 TDI engines. At the same time its high efficiency
and tall maximum transmission ratio make it very economical on fuel,
since it operates in the most efficient range at all times. Whenever the
driver prefers a more sporty driving style, the gearbox can be switched
to a manual mode with eight set speeds.


The running gear


Precise instruments for agile handling


Even when stationary, the Audi A5 makes a dynamic impression: the wide
track, large wheels and short overhangs not only characterise its
muscular appearance, they also form part of the formula that produces
its peerless active driving feel. The Audi A5 coupé defines the new
standard in its class for precise steering response, outstanding
directional stability and superb agility, while also offering
first-class ride comfort.


The Audi engineers have achieved this with a completely new design of
running gear: the front wheels are located by a five-link suspension
arrangement with upper and lower wishbones. The wishbones are mounted on
a subframe, which is firmly bolted to the body for high rigidity.
Another completely reengineered component is the rack and pinion
steering. It is located in front of the front axle close to the wheel
centre line, and enhances the car's very agile handling by its direct
transmission of the steering forces.


Long wheelbase, short overhang


Overall, the front axle is located a long way forward for a longitudinal
engine configuration with front- and four-wheel drive. This new vehicle
architecture makes it possible to have a long wheelbase with a short
front overhang, and to optimise the axle load distribution. These are
all additional elements that enhance the supreme handling qualities of
the new Audi A5. To accomplish this special design, the engineers used a
trick adopted from the Audi A8: the front axle differential is located
in front of the clutch.


A key element of the rear running gear is its trapezoidal-link rear
suspension with completely new kinematics. It provides a high degree of
ride comfort combined with excellent directional stability. At both the
front and rear, the main components of the suspension are made of
aluminum. The generous dimensions of the brakes are designed to match
the car's high performance ratings. The braking force can be precisely
modulated and the kinematics of the new rear suspension significantly
reduce the so-called braking dive effect.


The standard electromechanical parking brake, familiar from the A8 and
A6, is activated via a button next to the gear lever. The A5 is also
available with the option of Audi hold assist: this ensures that the car
cannot accidentally roll back after stopping on a hill.


The body


Generous and superlatively solid


The Audi A5 is nothing if not generous to its driver and passengers. Its
generosity begins with its luxurious spaciousness - not just for the
front row. On the rear seats, too, the A5 is a full-size touring car.
Likewise, with a luggage compartment volume of 455 liters, there is
always space left over for a bit of extra shopping, even on a long tour.
The loading width of one metre allows easy stowage of large items of
luggage, and even well-filled golf bags will fit widthways into the Audi
A5 boot. The rear seat folds in two separate sections, and can be
released conveniently from the boot.


The extremely high bodyshell rigidity, typical of an Audi, provides the
basis both for the car's crisp handling and its agreeable feeling of
solidness and comfort. In the development of the A5 the engineers have
successfully combined supreme sporty performance and agility with
outstanding vibrational comfort. Its lightweight body construction was
achieved using the latest technologies, such as metal plates with
varying wall thicknesses (tailored blanks), combined spot welded and
bonded joints, and the use of aluminum, for example, in the front wings.


The smooth surfaces of the additional underbody panel enhance the Audi
A5's inherently good aerodynamics. One small but typical example of the
extensive high-precision work carried out in the wind tunnel can be seen
in the spoilers moulded into the sides of the tail lights.


The equipment


Luxury class high-tech features


Where equipment is concerned, the Audi A5 is characterised by a
comprehensive standard specification. This includes 17-inch alloy wheels
along with automatic air conditioning, the MMI information and operating
system, an audio system with CD player and separate screen, and the
automatically opening boot lid. The new comfort key and the
electromechanical parking brake are also among the items included in the
standard package.


The list of options offers even more luxury class high-tech: Audi
adaptive light combines bi-xenon headlights with the dynamic cornering
light system and the LED strip of daytime running lights. Keyless access
for the doors and boot and keyless engine starting are all features of
the advanced key system. The deluxe automatic air conditioning system
with three temperature zones allows the passengers to adjust the climate
for their individual comfort. The extra-large panoramic tilting roof
lends the A5 an especially generous feeling of open space. The Audi
parking system advanced features a rearview camera, helping to make
tricky parking in cramped multi-storeys easily negotiable.


The infotainment system is a special highlight of the options range.
Alongside the navigation system with DVD including MMI, DAB digital
radio reception and DVB TV reception, this system also offers pure
delight for the ears: the premium sound system for the Audi A5 is
supplied by the Danish hi-fi specialist Bang & Olufsen. It comprises 14
speakers, 500 watts of music output, surround sound, active driving
noise compensation and, above all, the expertise of a worldwide renowned
specialist for high-end audio equipment, making every drive in the Audi
A5 a delightful acoustic experience.




Customisation


A made-to-measure coupé


The decision to drive a coupé is always a very emotional one. That makes
it all the more important for a coupé to reflect the personal wishes and
express the ideas of it owner. If any coupé can fulfil special requests,
it is the Audi A5: how about seat side sections in stone blue Valcona
leather, accompanied by seat centre sections in star silver leather,
with matching interior headlining also in star silver? To go with that,
you can add aluminum hologram inlays or maybe rather laurel wood? The
customer has the choice: in terms of design variety, the Audi A5 is
luxury class in the full sense of the word, with two types of cloth, two
leather varieties, the combination of leather and Alcantara, five
different inlays and a wide range of interior color schemes. Above and
beyond that, the Audi exclusive program from quattro GmbH can fulfil
virtually every individual wish.


For those looking for an even stronger sporting intent in the A5, the
Audi S line offers an extra-dynamic look. The S line exterior package
comprises, for example, more distinctive bumpers at the front and rear.
The S line sports package includes items such as sports seats, steering
wheel and gear lever in perforated leather, black headlining, and
special inlays. Even here, there is scope for individual choice between
matt aluminum, piano finish black or Vavona wood assam grey. The 18-inch
alloy wheels and exclusive paint finishes underscore the look of the S
line sports package, while the sports suspension provides a distinct
driving feel.


In a league of its own

The Audi S5


The Audi S5 is a unique competitor among high-performance coupés, thanks
to its combination of V8 FSI technology and quattro permanent four-wheel
drive. The eight-cylinder engine with its superb power delivery has
worthy counterparts in the specially tuned sports suspension and
high-performance brakes. Subtle, but clear design elements inside and
out serve to distinguish this coupé as a high performance athlete in a
league of its own. The Audi S5 goes on sale with the launch of the Audi
A5 series.


Engine and running gear


Fascination no figures can express


The figures alone are fascinating enough, but they only hint at the
impressive driving experience the S5 offers. The eight-cylinder engine
has a rated power output of 260 kW (354 bhp). Its peak torque is 440 Nm,
which it already delivers at 3,500 rpm. Within just 5.1 seconds the Audi
S5 can sprint to 100 km/h. But no figures can adequately describe the
supreme free-revving character, the spontaneous response, the continuous
power build-up, or the thrilling sound of this eight-cylinder engine.
The V8 naturally derives its enormous power potential from the
innovative FSI direct injection technology with high compression and
optimum fuel mixture formation.


The six-speed manual gearbox with its very precise guiding of the gear
lever and short throw action makes every gear change a pleasure. The
quattro permanent four-wheel drive of course provides perfect traction
with variable torque distribution from its basic setting of 40 percent
to the front and 60 percent to the rear axle. Within a fraction of a
second, the dynamic drivetrain system adapts to the current driving
conditions and constantly delivers the ideal distribution of drive
torque.


The Audi S5's sports suspension is tuned to enhance the coupé's
performance with particularly dynamic handling. The special
high-performance brakes, recognisable by their black painted brake
calipers, always ensure precise deceleration. And finally, the ESP
electronic stabilisation program can be deactivated in two stages
whenever the driver wishes to exploit the potential of the Audi S5 to
the full on a suitable stretch of road.




Design and interiors


Sporty aesthetics with clear functionality


While the design of the Audi A5 forms a balanced synthesis of sportiness
and elegance, the Audi S5 displays the more vigorous features of a
powerfully built athlete: the radiator grille possesses the specific
look of an Audi S model - painted in platinum grey and fitted with
vertical chrome inlays. The front and rear bumpers have a more
pronounced outline and the air inlet grilles are more striking. The
aluminum-look exterior mirror housings make an overtly sporty
impression, as do the color-keyed door sill trim and the dual-branch
exhaust system with four oval tailpipes. Nevertheless, the model's
sporty attributes always have a functional aspect: for instance, the
more pronounced spoiler in the boot lid yields additional aerodynamic
downforce.


However, true strength comes from within and the interior design of the

Audi A5 thoroughly underscores its athletic character. The sports seats,
sports steering wheel, instruments with grey dials and aluminum door
sill plates provide a dynamic and refined atmosphere. The program does,
of course, provide ample scope to fulfil individual interior design
wishes: the inlays are one example - here the choice is between carbon,
aluminum, stainless steel or wood. After all, the Audi S5 should
perfectly match its owner's individual ideas and expectations.


Alongside the coupé's 18-inch wheels with the new S design and 245/40 R
18 tires, the standard equipment specification for the S5 features items
such as xenon plus headlights with impressive daytime running lights in
the form of an LED light strip, or sports seats with electronic
adjustment.



Taka Mizutani wrote:
>
> I guess there's no buzz about this car?
>
> Decently sized coupe, introduced with manual transmission only to start,
> comes with
> a 3.2L FSI V-6 (A5) or 4.2L FSI V-8 (S5).
>
> The S5 is reported to do 0-60 in 5.1s.
>
> Not bad, the cockpit looks quite nice to boot.
>
> I can't afford it, but that's one of the nicest Audis to come out in quite 
> a
> while (esp. the S5).
>
> Taka
> _______________________________________________
> S-CAR-List mailing list
> S-CAR-List at audifans.com
> http://www.audifans.com/mailman/listinfo/s-car-list
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