Audi A5 - S5 - Cabriolet History
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The Audi A5 and S5 are two-doors introduced in the 2008 model year. The A5 versions sport turbocharged four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines, while the performance-oriented S5 coupes and cabriolets offer supercharged six-cylinder and V-8 engines.
The "S" versions are among the top-rated two-doors, according to our editors' rankings, thanks to good handling, swift acceleration and, above all, their very handsome profiles.
The Audi A5 and S5 coupe were introduced with a distinct division of power. The A5 two-door hardtops received a 265-horsepower, 3.2-liter V-6 with direct injection and a choice of a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. This edition also had standard quattro all-wheel drive, which gave it substantial curb weight--but not as much of a performance penalty as expected, as Audi estimated 0-60 mph times of about 6 seconds. Editors have praised the A5's ride, refinement and ravishing looks, but take note of the A5's cramped back seat, and the relative lack of steering feel. An optional S-line package firms up handling somewhat, and a "Drive Select" option allows drivers to choose settings for the electronically controlled suspension, steering, transmission and throttle, with mixed results.
In the S5 coupe, however, a blazing-fast 354-horsepower, 4.2-liter V-8 takes the place of the pleasant V-6. With bigger tires, tighter suspension tuning and aggressive cosmetic details, the S5 became an instant rival for the BMW M3 and the like, with a promised 0-60 mph time of 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph.
For the 2010 model year, Audi added several new options to the lineup. Both the A5 and S5 arrived in handsome Cabriolet form, with a power-folding fabric roof. The S5 Cabriolet brought with it a 333-hp supercharged V-6 shared with the Audi A6 and S4, teamed to a superior seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The Audi S5 coupes retained their V-8 engines. Cabriolets adopted optional Drive Select, while the quattro all-wheel-drive system on S5 coupe and cabriolet was tuned for a rear power bias.
As for the A5 coupe and cabriolet, things became more complex as well. The base coupe got a new turbocharged four-cylinder with 211 hp, all-wheel drive and a six-speed
manual transmission, with an option for a six-speed automatic. The base Cabriolet arrived with front-drive and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) mated to the same turbo four; with the Cabrio's optional all-wheel drive, it's adopted a conventional six-speed automatic.
While the A5 and S5 coupes and convertibles rank highly for safety in our ratings, neither the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) nor the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has crash-tested them.
A 450-hp RS5 Coupe has been shown publicly, but Audi has not confirmed that it will be sold in the U.S.
