In the past couple of weeks the clutch operation and throttle response of our long-term 2009 Audi S5 were called out as issues on this blog. Well, I disagree. It's true that the S5 isn't as easy to drive smoothly as some cars out there, but for me that adds to the fun. It tells me the car was tuned for people that want to concentrate on the driving.
I think Audi's attitude is that if you don't want to think about what you're doing behind the wheel don't buy the S5. It's our enthusiast model. Over here is our A5 automatic. It may be better suited for your needs.
Then there's the S5's shifter, which is just spectacular. Smooth operation. Mechanical feel. Nice hard stops. And a well shaped, high quality aluminum and leather shift knob that is undoubtedly one of the highlights of this beautiful car.
Scott Oldham, Inside Line Editor in Chief
breif says:
10:04 AM, 07/17/09
Looks like it could use a couple more buttons immediately around the shifter.
You know, so you can concentrate on driving better.
ahightower says:
10:14 AM, 07/17/09
Great post. If you don't really want to drive, but only "aim" your car, then get the automatic. You'll probably be safer that way anyhow.
It is cool to see that true manual shifter there in the middle of all that other stuff - MMI controller, start/stop button, etc. Technology is fine - navigate, cool my buns, play my iPod - as long as I am still in charge of actually *driving* the damn thing.
felonious says:
10:27 AM, 07/17/09
I can't believe it took till the third post to mention the fuzzy dice.
zc1 says:
10:46 AM, 07/17/09
Might as well remove the synchros, too...
joefrompa says:
11:10 AM, 07/17/09
Yeah, straight cut gears would be much better for concentrating :)
Seriously though, there are manufacturers that have made clutch/shifter/trans/throttles that operate well at both slow and fast driving, and are intuitive to use.
I like to be able to not concentrate on every shift and still be smooth.
Joe
blueguydotcom says:
11:14 AM, 07/17/09
Audi transmissions, like BMW manuals, are generally pretty sloppy. Oh what i'd give for a silky smooth Honda tranny or Miata transmission in my 335i.
bankerdanny says:
11:44 AM, 07/17/09
Sorry, but I want to concentrate on driving smoothly when I want to, and I want to be able to drive smoothly without concentating when I want to (like when I'm stuck in traffic).
A car that costantly requires my attention becomes a toy that sits in my garage for a sunny day.
The A5 is not a Ferrari, it's an everyday car and shouldn't require the kind of sacrifices one expects from a super car.
good_2_go says:
12:05 PM, 07/17/09
Yeah, what's with the fuzzy dice? This isn't the only car that has them.
fuhteng says:
12:44 PM, 07/17/09
Bias! BIAS! Scott praised a German car! NOOO!
Good point breif. It looks like a Panamera console. I would love to have the chance to drive it and see/feel its tranny in action.
spen1818 says:
12:56 PM, 07/17/09
Is that a vent or a credit card/money holder to the top right of the shifter?
huyracing says:
12:59 PM, 07/17/09
Why do I like German transmissions? They are strong and precise. (albeit rubbery with long throws, etc. etc. etc.) Missing shifts is not an issue and that is more important than fast shifting. You know German's have wonderful things like automatic's and DSG's if you want fast shifting...
subaru123 says:
01:35 PM, 07/17/09
Scott once again, What is with the dice?!!!!!!!!!!!!! Cars seen with dice (Nissan GT-R, Mazda Mazda 6, Audi S5).
shaunpg says:
02:27 PM, 07/17/09
Fuzzy dice are a must for any true muscle car.
norsairius says:
02:30 PM, 07/17/09
I can see how the throttle response and clutch operation in this car may make one more inclined to think about what they're doing, and I'm all for having more attentive drivers and an involved driving experience, but to have it make driving more difficult than it needs to be is inexcusable given the kind of people who will more than likely end up buying this car. Issues with the throttle and clutch should not be what makes a driving experience involved.
A good car would be good to drive in any situation, whether it be in traffic, easy cruising, or through the curves. The clutch and throttle response should not be a hindrance in any situation, regardless of driver attention.
While such things may be recalled as quirks (as in older Lamborghinis and Ferraris), the bottom line is that this car isn't an old exotic, it's a thoroughly modern car built in relatively large volume compared to exotics. The throttle and clutch should not be an issue as it has been discussed in other blog posts. The people/consumers just expect more.
norsairius says:
02:32 PM, 07/17/09
I'd like to add though that I have not driven the Audi S5 myself so my opinion of the S5 should probably be taken with a grain of salt. My opinion has only been influenced by the blog posts here.
I should also note that I've driven an older Audi TT Quattro that had the manual transmission in it. Now that thing was a blast! I'm still pretty much a rookie when it comes to driving manuals since my experience with them is only limited from short test drives or my friends letting me try their cars. But I didn't have any real issues with the manual in the TT.
jeepsrt says:
02:59 PM, 07/17/09
I test drove an S5 a few months ago, and while I loved the design,interior and shifter, very smooth, the car lacked power and was not as fun to drive as a 335i BMW.
autoboy16 says:
09:52 AM, 07/20/09
O__o
I didn't know the LT A5 was manual! In fact, I don't even recall the interior being black.... What blog was I reading?!?!
I promise I remember a Beige Interior with dark wood trim and some sort of automatic...
Again I repeat. What blog was I reading???
jpdisarro says:
12:06 PM, 07/20/09
^^^
You might be confusing it with the A4 Avant. Either that,or you had a few too many magic mushrooms.
shaddai says:
12:24 PM, 07/23/09
@blueguydotcom - I find the manual transmission in my 08 S4 to be much better feeling than the notchy and somewhat vague feeling from my outgoing 335i. The S4 has a mechanical preciseness to it that is awesome. It makes shifting even more fun. :)