2009 Audi S5: Could Do Without the Stinking Badge

"Badges? We don't need no stinking badges."

True. Some cars are getting cluttered. However, the Audi is a very subtle design, and the tiny V8 badge doesn't really bother me. In fact, it excites me 'cause that engine is very different from the usual and quite special.

Still, you can easily "nose" and "deck" this hot rod, thereby removing all that chrome gingerbread, and it will look even more fantastic.

I've never been a fan of badging a vehicle with the an OBVIOUS motor type badge. I don't mind the BMW way of doing it... ie 330i means a 3 series with a 3.0 inline 6 or 540 - a 5 series with the 4.0 V8 because it denotes a model line, but to put V8 on the fenders is as bad as fake vents and portholes. GM putting huge VORTECMAX on sides of their trucks was almost as bad as they come. As well as Toyota's V8 badge prominently displayed in the grill of their Tundras or GM's V8 badge on the Colorado's... It just doesn't appeal to me. If I had a car like that, I would probably take it off.

@the_big_al

what do you have to say about BMW now going w/335i for a 3.0L turbo and 328i for a 3.0L?

@ed
I also hate the audi T badges when the cars are supercharged. Seems almost like false advertising to me.

even more annoying is Audi's "S-line" badge. no, it's not an S car. it's an "S-line" car, which means it has sports seats or something...

it's so...faux...

I hadn't really realized BMW had done that honestly. I don't really keep up with BMW and what they are putting in their cars.... I know that the numbers used to designate motor size and so I would assume they have kept that strategy... Having said that, I don't really care. Having 330i or 328i or whatever still denotes model line and only those who KNOW a BMW will actually know what the numbers designate. It would make more sense to say something like 330Ti and 330i but whatever. Having 330i or 328i is akin to having Silverado LS or Silverado LT. That doesn't bother me. The problem I have with V8 or in somecases the HP output of said engine badges is that it SCREAMS tacky to me. It's like they HAVE to let the world know that said car is better than your car.

ANd what would you think of new honda civics with stickers of I-VTEC on the sides?? LOL
That really sucks....
And if you think that showing off that u got motor its bad, well I dig it. Now if they HAVE to.....thats another story.
I like badges because they easily tell me which version of the car is and how powerful it might be.

You're being really nit-picky. I think the bigger issue is would this little badge stop you from buying this car? Heck no. Of course the badge isn't necessary -- everyone is going to know you've got a V8 when you crank it or drive past -- but some people need "blinding flashes of the obvious."

bmw doesn't bother me.

jap crap vtec engines don't do it for me.

audi fails with everything about badges in the last few years.

mercedes does it right. and their badges look awesomely badass

"jap crap vtec engines don't do it for me."

Lemme' guess, those JAPANESE rotaries are far superior in efficiency, performance and reliability vs Honda DOHC VTEC and DOHC i-VTEC engine? *rolls eyes* I have no problem with the Honda engines not being of your preference but I don't like the "Jap crap" reference. Let's try to be a bit more adult like.

I don't have a problem with badges like this if they are somewhat small and subtle. What I do have an issue with is the long names or excessive alphanumerics of certain vehicles. EX: Nissan GT-R V-Spec II or Acura TL SH-awd. It's just too much.

Please hand the keys over to somebody else if this is the best effort you have for commenting on the car of the week. Save that for another day....if you have to.

IMO, the badge is not necessary, nor tacky. I hardly notice it & never thought about removing it. You'd prefer one with more style or an engine name (larger badge). I'd guess a nice large 4.2L FSI V8 would be more to your liking. No thanks for me. Go jump in a Prius to acquire your badges.

Just from the pic, I'd prefer to hear about how the car's sneaks are holding out, now that the mileage on your car is almost on par with mine. Looks like decent tread life left. More than mine & I'm sure you guys flog it more than I do. I'm thinking 20k will be the max I'll get out of the Dunlops, but won't be surprised if I have to change them at 15k service time.

I agree. I say let wannabes beware as to what I have under the hood. Of course, this isn't as bad as the badges that try to tout some lacking technology of yore like "EFI", or "overdrive". My Armada had some big-assed chrome "V8" badges on the door. Really? A huge SUV has a V8? Wow. It's like trying to tease the greenie haters into a real frenzy, or something. I took those off. It took over a month for my wife to notice!