A entirely new model, the Audi S5 is the best of the 5 Series, a brand new range which is filled out with the A5 models. All appear quite equivalent, and provide good overall performance in a neat package. Stiff competitors for the BMW 3 series coupe, but can it compete with the BMW 650i, Jaguar XK or Mercedes-Benz CLK 63 AMG? Possibly.

In any event, the Audi S5 is a sleek searching coupe, with a front finish reminiscent of the R8, and a semi-fastback roof line, and just discernible swept lines up and more than the front and rear wheels. It is a sensible searching vehicle, and a single that will blend in properly at the nation club. Like almost all Audi styles, the S5 and A5 are sensible, balanced designs with some neat attributes, but there is absolutely nothing shocking, absolutely nothing quite exciting about the shape.

V-8 power, 354 bhp

But what about performance? Properly, Audi has picked its V-eight to give adequate power to see off a lot of competitors, though this is not the most powerful version of this superb engine. For the S5 it is rated at 354 bhp at 7,000 rpm, with 325 lb ft (440 Nm) torque at 3,500 rpm, against the 420 bhp of the RS4.

So it is not as fast as it may be, but nevertheless packs a lot of oomph, taking the S5 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds, which is correct supercar territory, while leading speed is restricted to 155 mph. This really puts it up with some heavy metal, even though it is nowhere as rapid as the Mercedes-Benz CLK 63 AMG, which has 480 bhp on tap from an enormous 6.2 liter engine.

On the other hand, the straightline functionality of the Audi A5 is slightly far better than that of the BMW 650i and Jaguar XK, and up there with the likes of the Aston Martin V8 Vantage and Porsche 911 Carrera.

The V-8 is coupled to a six-speed manual box in the S5. A lot more crucial, Audi has adopted a front:rear torque split of 40:60% for the center differential. This means that in the typical state the car will not understeer strongly like the front-biased split of some Audi quattros. This signifies the auto will deal with nearer neutral, which is very good.

Also new is the double-wishbone front suspension and trapezoidal multi-link rear suspension which will make certain great tracking and handling.

To check out more, please go to: miata cat back exhaust