Review: 2008 Audi A5/S5

"Your chariot has arrived..."

Back to "The Bell Curve" | << Previous blog ""Where are the future classics?"" | Next blog "Surf's Up in Malibu!" >>

Regular readers of this column will recall that at the 2007 Geneva Auto Show, I had one of those wonderful out-of-body experiences. Was it the chocolate? Was it the strong coffee? Nope ... it was the intro of the Audi A5 coupe. Seeing photos and video of an all-new car in a magazine or online is important, as the overall styling details can either catch your fancy or turn you the other way. For me, the new A5 looked interesting, but I also knew it was one of those vehicles that needed to be seen in the flesh to really understand. Now I can tell you that it is beautiful, sits with such a purposeful yet balanced stance, and needs to be in your driveway. And last week, I drove the S5 version at 9/10th on a local race track ... and all of my suspicions were true. This is one of those rare cars that will shake things up when it goes on sale, and one of those times when people will remember where they were the first time they saw one on the road.

Audi's goal for this vehicle is to have a worthy competitor for the BMW 3-Series coupe, Infiniti G37 and M-B CLK, plus the future's Caddy CTS coupe and Lexus IS coupe. But it also hopes the A5 will relaunch the currently-lost classic grand touring car concept. Pricing starts at around $40,000, and for higher aspirations and budgets, the previously-mentioned Audi S5 debuts in the spring of 2008 as a limited-production, high-performance version priced in the low to mid $50k range.

2008 Audi A5

The Volkswagen Group is making some amazing motors these days, and the 3.2-liter V6 that powers the A5 generates 265 horsepower and 0-60 mph times in low 6 second range, while delivering enhanced fuel economy and reduced emissions. Also introduced with the A5 is Audi's all-new chassis that will underpin the next A4 family of vehicles. The level of engineering is impressive and the chassis displays an amazing amount of poise and control--even at high speed.

The industry has rightly crowned Audi as the "King of Interior Design," and the A5 does not disappoint. The seating position is perfect and the touch and feel of all interior materials would be right at home in their $100k S8 model. Optional equipment includes navigation systems, a 500-watt Bang & Olufsen audio system, three-zone automatic climate control, rearview camera to aid in parking, and a panoramic sunroof.

So the Audi renaissance continues. Its lineup just continues to outshine BMW, Lexus, Mercedes ... you name it. If the combination of stunning design and stunner performance is a knockout combination, then the new A5 is a talented new middleweight boxer...and the S5 a light heavyweight bruiser.

Posted on 2007-11-19 | Permalink | |

Back to "The Bell Curve" | << Previous blog ""Where are the future classics?"" | Next blog "Surf's Up in Malibu!" >>