I, too, made the 35 mile trek last week to the Industry Speedway motorbike races. It took more than 1.5 hours one way in SoCal rush hour traffic, ample time to get acquainted with our long-term Audi S5.
The S5 has a superb, well-controlled ride, and decent handling with some understeer. The steering is typical Audi-light, but you do get used to it. Unlike Ed, I had more than enough power. But the clutch take-up in 1st gear is tough to get smooth in stop/go traffic: the S5 wants the just right amount of throttle or it will buck like a pony. It's not a problem in any other gear. Longish gearbox throws and a huge sunroof that doesn't open (just tilts) are my only other beefs.
And the looks? I think it's one of the best looking cars on the road.
Certainly better than one of these Speedway specials (no brakes at all!!).
Albert Austria, Sr Vehicle Eval Engineer @ 3340 miles
platf1 says:
02:43 PM, 06/ 1/09
The sunroof just tilts?!
carfreak8394 says:
02:49 PM, 06/ 1/09
"The sunroof just tilts?!"
That's how it is on the BMW 650, too.
I remember someone asking why the Bimmer's only tilts and somebody in charge of the design of the car said it was because of the rake of the roof.
Does this apply to the S5 as well?
SnakeDoctor says:
04:41 PM, 06/ 1/09
carfreak, plaftf1 -
I just got off the phone with the Audi PR guy.
Here's the scoop:
1. Audi conducted benchmarking and found the tilt-only sunroof on their competitor: 6-series(as you mentioned.) It would have been too much additional engineering effort to create an open SR with the given design parameters.
2. Audi feels the large glass panel creates a premium, open-sky-feel with the ambient (and moon) light, in line with its premium competitors. (All U.S A5 and S5s have the large glass panel roofs as standard equipment.)
3. He stated that Germans (generally) dislike having the wind blowing in their faces, while most Americans prefer this. He feels this is a cultural difference of the Germans.
4. If open top motoring is desired, the new A5 and S5 Cabriolets will be available this Fall.
So you can see, Audi made a conscious decision to have tilt-only, even while most American would prefer, and even expect, an opening SR.
Ciao!
whickersham says:
05:05 PM, 06/ 1/09
SnakeDoctor,
That was very informative. I have been wondering why the 650 and the S5 sunroof just tilt. Now I know. Thanks, I guess its similar to why the Germans don't know how to make a decent cup holder. Its just cultural. Someone needs to go over to Germany and introduce to them them the Big Gulp!
lime679 says:
07:51 PM, 06/ 1/09
I know it is not such a big deal for some folks but having a sunroof that slides open is a big deal for me. This would take the A/S5 off of my list of cars FAST. Thankfully, I'm not in the market for this car anyway.
dougtheeng says:
06:08 AM, 06/ 2/09
Disappointing about the sunroof, but not a deal breaker for me. I think most people would be equally surprised about that feature.
drmillerM3 says:
10:15 AM, 06/ 2/09
I fail to see the point of a sunroof(tilting). Moonroof or bust. Seriously, why bother putting a big chunk of heavy glass on the top of your car, let alone a sports car mind you (this IS an S Audi).
That's just a very poor decision overall. Hehe and I wouldn't be trying to emulate a 650i when it comes to an S or an //M. People even complain about the M6's lack of feel, let alone a normal 6 series.
And am I the only one who fails to understand why you'd buy this car? It seems to fall in no mans land. Slower than a 335i, far inferior to an M3, less classy than a Merc.
Come on Audi. Hopefully they do better with the RS5, or at least maybe the new engine next year will give it the kick it needs.
bimmerjay says:
10:49 AM, 06/ 2/09
"Someone needs to go over to Germany and introduce to them them the Big Gulp!"
The U.S. is the only country in the world that needs to quench our collective fat asses with such massive amounts of high fructose corn syrup. Every other nation on earth drinks normal, human-sized beverages and I for one wouldn't want the Germans or anyone else changing for that matter. I think WE should have smaller cupholders and drink less horribly unhealthy liquid sugar.
bimmerjay says:
10:54 AM, 06/ 2/09
"I know it is not such a big deal for some folks but having a sunroof that slides open is a big deal for me. This would take the A/S5 off of my list of cars FAST. Thankfully, I'm not in the market for this car anyway."
It is to me too, I drive with my moonroof fully open very often. It hasn't taken the S5/RS5 off my list yet, but it's definitely a demerit versus the 335i/M3 coupes and other cars on my list. It is nice having the much bigger expanse of glass though, which slightly makes up for the non-opening.
whickersham says:
10:54 AM, 06/ 2/09
drmillerM3
I am big fan of the BMW 3 series, but I have to admit that I can understand why a person would chose this car over a 335i. I currently live around the DC area and I am starting to grow very tired with pulling up to a four stop in my 330 and seeing 3 other BMWs at the other stop signs. The BMW 3 series is like a Honda Accord in DC, everyone and their mother has one. Also I have to admit the sound of this S5 V8 is amazing. This car looks great inside and out. The regular A5 is not even an option for me, because the lack of power. I admit this car seems to be over priced, but thats why we can buy them used. 15% hit in value after 1 year depreciation, then this car starts look much better. Overall I had to admit I do like it and I am a fan of Audi all wheel drive.
whickersham says:
11:17 AM, 06/ 2/09
" think WE should have smaller cupholders and drink less horribly unhealthy liquid sugar."
Not everyone drinks Tall Skinny Soy Vanilla Lattes or 3 dollar bottled water while driving.
onlychild says:
02:01 PM, 06/ 7/09
The S5 is an awesome looking car, but what's the deal with the fake air intakes on either side of the grill? That's worse than the fake R8 exhaust tips in my opinion. I'm guessing the "air intakes" are there just to catch bugs. Audi, STOP PUTTING FAKE AIR INTAKES ON YOUR CARS!!!