2010 Audi S5 Cabriolet

BASE PRICE: $60,000

Alongside the new A5 coupe, Audi launched the S5 for the 2008 model year onward. It features Audi’s direct-injection 4.2-liter V8 engine, basically a detuned version of the one found in the RS4 and R8, which produces 354hp and 325lb-ft of torque instead of the 420 hp /317 lb-ft. Like the A5, the new S5 features an engine placement behind the front wheels, resulting in better weight distribution between the axles. The A/S5 is underpinned by Audi’s newest platform, B8, making its debut here. It is also the floorplan for the 2009 Audi A4, and its flexibility will allow it to underpin future A6 and even flagship A8 models. Detuned or not, the motor is good enough to propel the S5 to 60mph in under five seconds, and carry it onto an electronically limited top speed of 155mph.

Like all Audi “S” models, the S5 has sportier suspension, unique front and rear fascias, performance wheels and brakes, carbon fiber interior elements, and the choice of a six-speed manual or DSG gearbox.

A wide 62.6-inch front track, the widest in the sport coupe segment, helps “provide direct feedback to your most aggressive steering demands,” Audi says. The coupe is aimed at the likes of BMW’s M3 coupe — though with a more distinct Grand Touring flavor — and Mercedes-Benz’ CLK-coupe — sportier, thanks largely to an available manual transmission. Unlike the other two, Audi’s sporty coupe is offered exclusively with all-wheel drive, making it more sure-footed and a better choice for those who know the meaning of winter and drive their car year-round. The Quattro system is tuned to provide a more sporting driving experience thanks to its 40/60 front to rear bias.

The car features an optional Bang & Olufsen surround sound system with 14 speakers and 505 digitally amplified watts. Microphone-based noise compensation ensures optimum sound under varying road conditions and speeds. The other major options include a navigation system with coverage for all of North America, a 7-inch touchscreen display and six-disc CD changer, as well as a technology package comprised of a parking assistance system with rear view camera, adaptive headlights and a keyless entry and vehicle start system.

Performance

The convertible version of the 2010 Audi S5 uses a supercharged V6 (the coupe retains the V8) and it’s a honey. Though it doesn’t make the same sweet music as the V8 (its vocal performance is rather ordinary), the force-fed V6 certainly delights in terms of outright performance. Producing 333 horsepower, the 3.0-liter mill doles out thrust in a smooth, linear fashion and makes the S5 feel about a thousand pounds lighter. At the track the S5 cabrio turned in a 5.3-second 0-60-mph time as well as a 13.5-second quarter-mile run. Interestingly, those numbers put this S5 cabrio about dead even with our 400-pounds-lighter, V8-powered six-speed manual S5 coupe.

The S5’s seven-speed automated dual-clutch transmission allows one to choose from three modes: normal automatic, sport automatic and paddle-shifted manual. In Normal mode, it provides swift, no-lag upshifts but somewhat hesitant downshifts. It also shifts into the higher gears a little sooner than we’d like, ostensibly to help fuel mileage. To our disappointment, in Sport mode it wasn’t much different. The Manual mode will please driving enthusiasts who take matters into their own hands as it provides impressive, blink-of-an-eye gearchanges up or down.

Going the other way, the S5’s brakes were strong and easy to modulate: no touchy brake pedal here. At the track, the binders hauled the S5 down from 60 mph in just 109 feet with zero drama. Against the EPA ratings of 17 mpg city/26 mpg highway and 20 mpg combined, we averaged 17 mpg in mixed driving. Yes, we had our feet in the boost.

Being the sportiest member of the A5 family, the 2010 Audi S5 has impressive handling chops, especially in light of its pudgy (4,327-pound) curb weight. The car changes direction fairly quickly and without any undue body motions. The track numbers back up this impression. In the slalom the S5 threaded the cones at a swift 68.9 mph. But despite that being virtually equal to the BMW 335’s performance, the S5 still doesn’t have the razor-sharp feel through the wheel of the perpetual benchmark BMW.

The S5’s precise, variable-assist steering is rather light at low speeds (to make easier work of parking and maneuvering in traffic) and weights up noticeably at higher speeds. But unlike the best systems out there, the Audi’s tends to feel artificial to serious driving enthusiasts.

Specifications

VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, 4-wheel-drive, 4-passenger, 2-door convertible

BASE PRICE: $60,000

ENGINE TYPE: supercharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection

Displacement: 183 cu in, 2995cc
Power (SAE net): 333 bhp @ 5500 rpm
Torque (SAE net): 325 lb-ft @ 2900 rpm

TRANSMISSION: 7-speed manual with automated shifting and clutch

DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 108.3 in Length: 182.5 in Width: 73.0 in Height: 54.3 in Curb weight (C/D est): 4350 lb

PERFORMANCE (MFR’S EST):
Zero to 62 mph: 5.6 sec
Top speed (governor limited): 155 mph

FUEL ECONOMY (MFR’S EST):
European combined cycle: 24 mpg