I wasn’t expecting a world shattering model in the Audi S5 Sportback but to be perfectly honest I was expecting something more special than what this test drive from Fifth Gear suggests. The S5 Sportback is sleek, luxurious and of high quality but it seems to be missing some extra mojo to make it great.

It’s achieved the ‘practical but elegant’ mix and if you want glamour, this coupé-sedan could do more than just satisfy. It’s also very powerful but there are a few things lacking for the purist driver in you like a manual gearbox and stickier steering. Whether it’s the right combination of the S4 and S5 for those in the Audi know is a bit doubtful and while I personally would never be in the market for this car, the final verdict left me a little disappointed. I’d still be going for the ’standard’ S5 coupé if a luxury but roomy Audi sports coupé was what I wanted.

....

0 comments

The Audi E-Tron and R8 Spider debuts have taken place at the Audi stand at the Frankfurt motor show. On display were also the A5 Sportback and S5 Sportback, and additional announcements were made regarding the Q5 Hybrid, A4 Flexible Fuel and Clean Diesel technology. The Audi A3 with new 1.2-litre TSI engine is also present, along with original sports accessories displayed on a very aggressive Audi TT.

Curiosity regarding the E-Tron has been satisfied, with news that the electric sports car is driven by four electric motors, one for each wheel, and hence is equipped with Quattro or all-wheel drive. The overall power is 313 hp and 450 Nm of torque, enough to reach 100 km/hr in 4.8 seconds with a maximum speed of 200 km/hr. The lithium ion batteries are developed by Sanyo and have a range of 248 km. Recharge can occur in six to eight hours with 230 V, while the high voltage system reduces that time to 2.5 hours.

The overall weight of the Audi E-Tron is 1,600 kg, and the liquid-cooled batteries are located behind the cabin area and weigh 470 kg. Driving performance and handling is guaranteed with a 42 to 59 percent front-rear weight ratio.

Audi live pics from Frankfurt

Continue reading: Audi E-Tron and R8 Spider pics from Frankfurt motor show

....

0 comments

Audi has released these pics of the S5 Sportback before its Frankfurt Show debut. The new Sportback model will have the same 3.0-litre supercharged V6 as the S4, with power of 328 hp and 440 Nm of torque. Reaching 100 km/hr takes 5.4 seconds and it has a top speed of 250 km/hr.

It has a few aesthetic differences to distinguish it from the A5 Sportback, including a deeper front bumper, a small spoiler on the boot lid and 18-inch alloy wheels. A couple of added touches in the interior also make this a special model, including Silk Nappa leather sports seats. Check out the gallery below.

Audi S5 Sportback

Continue reading: Audi S5 Sportback preview pics

....

0 comments