Just a few shots from last night plus a couple of random musings...
I'm addicted to the sound of the S5's V8, especially down low. It reminds me of the Formula One pace car's growl and grumble in a sea of high-rpm shreiks. For a moment I am Bernd Maylander. Even in the middle of a Southern California heatwave, I'm driving with the windows down -- just to hear the muted baritone symphony of the exhaust.
It's even pretty underneath. Audi made the engine bay aesthetically pleasing without resorting to plastic cladding to hide the mechanical bits. Just look at those intake channels -- like fiercely interlocked fingers.
If you haven't guessed by now, I'm smitten with the S5. It's the answer to, "What if the Germans built a Mustang?"
DCuerpoJr says:
10:01 AM, 07/24/09
Those are some great photos! If the S5 is a German Mustang, then is the 335i a German Camaro?
eidolways says:
10:43 AM, 07/24/09
"then is the 335i a German Camaro?"
Maybe the DI V6 version. The SS Camaro would be more akin to the M3. >:)
fuhteng says:
10:44 AM, 07/24/09
Those are some nice photos.
bkochuk says:
11:43 AM, 07/24/09
get ready for the howls from Mustang fans...
m_thrizzle says:
11:47 AM, 07/24/09
I like the photos, especially the first one. I checked out the EXIF data to see how you took it. Of course it really helps to have a 5D to get nice night shots.
The S5 does sound pretty nice, very deep and burly similar to the AMG 6.3L V8 (or is it 6.2?), but a little smoother.
LOL @ the SS Camaro/M3 comparo.
Another exhaust-related comment. I've begun hating exhausts in trucks. They make a lot of noise revving up as the driver jumps off the line and then you look over and barely see the truck accelerating.
rick8365 says:
11:55 AM, 07/24/09
Great pics .... love that 4.2 plant and the sounds it makes.
stoppre75 says:
12:48 PM, 07/24/09
Those are some really sweet pictures.
A bit of extra work, but can you clean them up with photo-shop (if available to you) and post some high res copies of those pictures...say something in the 1920x1200 range. Any of those shots would make a great desktop wallpaper and the S5 is my favorite LT car you guys have at the moment.
Thanks Mark - keep up the good work behind the camera.
clarkma5 says:
01:20 PM, 07/24/09
I've said it before and I'll say it again...Audi's 4.2 liter V8 is a beautiful motor in all its form, and overall really underrated. It revs so smoothly, sounds great, and has an exciting yet tractable powerband. Unfortunately it's not gonna survive much longer, but from beginning to end it's been a gem.
briancam says:
01:41 PM, 07/24/09
V8 badge pic looks cool!!
dderosa says:
05:37 PM, 07/24/09
You can click on the photos to see a larger version. -- Donna
iceman0918 says:
07:41 PM, 07/26/09
In this American/German muscle comparison, what is analogous to the forthcoming Audi RS5? If I may take a line from the book of the great Stewart Scott, that car will be "re-dunk-ulous"!
If I had the money for a car in that price range, that would be it without a doubt.
siaubas says:
08:05 PM, 07/27/09
Sorry I missed the open thread.. I own a 2008 deep sea blue S5. Lots of comparisons in comments. My 2 cents:
I am way way over my leases allocated 12,000 miles per year. If weather permits - my windows are down. The exhaust note and the mechanical noises are opiate substitutes of the first order.
I live in Illinois. We have weather here and owning a second depreciating asset doesnt appeal. The M3 is a compelling car but its not practical here (I wont get into the Trans Am hood bulge but the M3's looks dont pull me in.
Although other S5 owners have experienced vibration issues - I havent. I did have some power window grind - but it was resolved without replacing the motor.
My only real complaint is with the pearl paint. It develops swirls almost effortlessly. I wash the car with care, microfiber towels, etc etc. The color is stunning in full sun but it requires attention.
I've never purchased a car at least end. Never even considered it given that the residuals are typically alot higher than the cars actual value. Although some may feel the upcoming 3.0 V6 is a step up - I dont. The performance will be comparable - but the lack of that opiate rumble will be sorely missed. The S5 V8 will have a 3 year production run - and the numbers imported will be way under M3's production counts. I'm going to keep my S5 as the trend toward fuel efficiency and green cars will make it unique for years to come.
siaubas says:
08:13 PM, 07/27/09
Oh, and my maintenance costs for my 3 year lease term are zero and I have free satellite radio for the term of my lease.
katbrain says:
01:08 PM, 04/27/10
Mark, you're classing up the joint! Beautiful pix. Like it's nobody's business, you do it all. Your passion is an inspiration.