There was some disheartening talk earlier this year that Audi was going to drop the V8 from the S5, something about the supercharged V6 having just as much horsepower and better mileage.
Well, cooler heads have prevailed apparently as the S5 coupe has won a reprieve and will keep its V8 for the time being we're told. Other rumors say that the even more powerful RS5 might be on the way.
I couldn't be happier. I've driven the S4 with the supercharged V6 and it is exceptional, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't want to have the choice. The V8 is such a different driving experience in terms of feel and sound. Trust me, it's highly addictive with enough seat time and something I would probably pay up for at this point. Actually, I would probably wait for the RS5 instead, if you're going to get a V8, might as well go big.
Ed Hellwig, Senior Editor, Inside Line @ 20,110 miles
littlebill says:
01:27 PM, 04/ 5/10
I guess new S5 owners won't have to say, "I could've had a V8."
littlebill says:
01:28 PM, 04/ 5/10
At least new S5 owners won't have to say, "I could've had a V8."
littlebill says:
01:28 PM, 04/ 5/10
Ugh, sorry for the double entry. Are there any specs on the upcoming RS5?
audisport says:
01:59 PM, 04/ 5/10
@ littlebill- Yeah, here is the only spec that matters. I can't afford one! : (
eswalls says:
02:07 PM, 04/ 5/10
As much as I like the looks (interior and exterior) of the RS5 over the M3, it's looking like the RS5 is just plain out of the running for my next car. The CTS-V Coupe and M3 have the proper propulsion (rear wheels), proper pedal count (three), and proper price (for me at least).
The way it's looking, the RS5 will compete with the GT-R...and I think any enthusiast would rather spend their money on that monster first.
jsc4321 says:
02:20 PM, 04/ 5/10
Ok I'm really confused since every automobile press seem to be giving different information out. The V8 WILL NOT be dropped for 2011 model year correct?
Makes sense though since the convertible is so much heavier it probably be better off with the supercharged V6 (better mileage)...
mrryte says:
02:21 PM, 04/ 5/10
@littlebill: not the most informative but it's a start.
http://www.audicts.com/official-audi-rs5-specifications-and-details
BTW; NO MANUAL TRANSMISSION.......B-O
mrryte says:
02:25 PM, 04/ 5/10
Correct me if I'm wrong; but I thought the V8 is ONLY AVAILABLE IN THE RS5 and the "lesser" A5/S5 will have the V6.
rockhurst says:
04:08 PM, 04/ 5/10
@mrryte - all the rumors I've read sound like the V8 would be dropped in 2012 (not sure if that's MY or CY), once the RS5 comes stateside.
I'd read the V8 would be staying around before, so it's not much of a surprise to me, but still disappointed. While the V8 might "feel" nice, the reality of purchasing a long-term car with the S5's V8 fuel efficiency without RS5/M3/C63 type performance doesn't pencil out. Plus, the V6 should've made this a bit cheaper allowing more people to enjoy one of the best looking cars around. Sorry if I don't put too much credit in the words of an IL editor who doesn't have to purchase the car and expenses all his gas.
jm1212 says:
05:53 PM, 04/ 5/10
I'm splitting hairs here, but I really wish that Audi would move its "Audi Lift System" multivalve hardware to more of its models, including the S5 and new RS5. this could give them a nice HP bump and a whole glob more of torque, considering the 2.0T engine gained so much compared to the previous engine. In the S5, Q7, A6, R8, and A8, this could dramatically improve performance and fuel economy. in the RS5, it could make it a segment leader in terms of power and fuel economy. I'd also like to see it on the 3.2L V6 and 3.6L V6. again, this could really help improve fuel economy and performance in the models that they reside. The A5 3.2 and Q5 could be even more threatening to their competitors since they'll be much more powerful and get a fuel economy boost as well.
joemt says:
10:15 AM, 04/ 6/10
Yeah, Audi deserves a big boo and a hiss for making the new RS5 without offering a manual.
cz_75 says:
12:40 PM, 04/ 6/10
I thought that the 3.0L supercharged V-6 had better performance numbers than the V-8, as tested in the A6? I'd take better performance and better fuel economy.
pac10 says:
10:46 PM, 04/ 8/10
i wouldn't take the GTR over the RS5 even though the nissan is a beast.
the styling and design of the interior and exterior are comparatively
unrefined and crude compared to the audi.
the 4 seasons wrap-up i read recently on the GTR gave it negative marks
for its incessantly squealing brakes and uncomfortable, harsh ride on long highway cruises.
any car i buy has to be livable on a daily basis as a requirement.
if i wanted a hardcore track car, i'd get a lotus exige s instead.