Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Audi, Luxury

The on-again/off-again rumors about whether or not Americans will get to sample the hotter-than-hot Audi RS5 Coupe end now - the automaker has officially stated that the coupe will hit the States sometime in 2012. Yes, that’s a bit later than what had originally been speculated, but we’re still stoked that Audi has decided to include us on the RS5 goodness. No mechanical changes will be made to the coupe before it launches in the U.S., so the high-revving 450-horsepower V8 will still be intact. Awesome.

But in the meantime, we have lots of other Audi hotness hitting the streets, including the sexy R8 Spyder, which goes on sale next month. Audi has officially priced the topless R8 from $161,000 (not including the $1,250 destination charge) for six-speed manual models. If you want the six-speed R-tronic manu-matic (and you don’t), be prepared to shell out an additional … wait for it … $9,000. Just stick with the manual - trust us on this one.

The full details are available in Audi’s press release after the jump, and be sure to scroll through the galleries below to gaze upon the RS5 and R8 Spyder in all their glory.

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Confirmed: Audi RS5 coming to America in 2012, R8 Spyder priced from $161,000*

Confirmed: Audi RS5 coming to America in 2012, R8 Spyder priced from $161,000* originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Jul 2025 17:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Aftermarket, Sedan, Performance, Europe, Audi

According to Avus Performance, its tweaked Audi S4 has had the engine performance adjusted accordingly to expedite the 20×9-inch CC-line wheels properly. Their words. Parsing the English translation of the originally German press release, however, will tell you all you need to know.

Ride height is twiddled by a suspension setup that uses threaded strut tubes to adjust the spring perches. Those 20-inch wheels wear Hankook Ventus S1 tires, and the stock exhaust has been swapped out for stainless steel mufflers. Body mods in shiny black or carbon fiber are tacked on before the cars leave the Avus shop, too. Thanks to the revised plumbing and some engine tweaking, the AP-fettled sedan churns out 424 horsepower.

There you have it, an Audi that’s been given a spiff. Now if they’d send one to us, there might actually be something tangible to say about it, instead of regurgitating the press release for all you hungry little sparrows. Full PR posted after the jump.

[Source: Avus Performance]

Continue reading Audi S4 tuned by Avus Performance, but we still want the RS4

Audi S4 tuned by Avus Performance, but we still want the RS4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 May 2026 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Wagon, Technology, Crossover, Audi, Luxury

The all-new A8 and updated Q7 won’t be the only vehicles in Audi’s line-up to benefit from the automaker’s new eight-speed gearbox. According to dealer order guides released for the 2011 model year, the octo-cog-swapper is set to proliferate throughout the Audi line-up in the next year, with the automaker aiming for around 70% of it U.S. sales volume to come equipped with the new gearbox.

For the 2011 model year, the A4 2.0 TFSI quattro sedan and Avant will come packing the eight-speed tranny, along with the A5 2.0 TFSI quattro coupe and cabriolet (the manual six-speed will only be available on the coupe). In addition, the revised Q7, with its new high- and low-output 3.0-liter supercharged V6s (cribbed from the S4 and A6), will replace the 3.6-liter V6 and 4.2-liter V8 for the 2011 model year. Both engines, along with the new 3.0-liter TDI, will come equipped with the eight-speed auto.

Finally, Audi quietly revealed the 2.0 TFSI inline-four-equipped Q5 at the New York Auto Show, and part of the new package will also include the eight-speed ‘box.

Sales of the eight-speed automatic-equipped models will begin this fall, each delivering improved fuel economy, quicker downshifts and, thanks to its compact packaging, no additional weight gain over the standard six-speed tiptronic.

Eight-speed automatic transmission available on A4, A5 and Q5 this fall originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 May 2026 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Audi, Reviews, Luxury

Taking a great looking performance car and chopping off its roof is risky business - compromises are inevitable. That’s especially true in this modern age of unibody structures. Removing a big chunk of a vehicle’s architecture without adequately reinforcing what’s left can yield a chassis incapable of managing the position of the wheels, let alone result in a vehicle that loses its level of driver engagement and enthusiasm. On the other hand, reinforcements add mass - often lots of it. It’s a treacherous path, as both flaccid body control and weight are the mortal enemy of performance.

You can understand our trepidation, then, upon learning that Audi was planning on introducing its S5 Cabriolet at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show. By our reckoning, the German debutante’s rollout was cause for both consternation and celebration. When the A5 and S5 coupes arrived in 2007, they were hailed as being among the best looking cars ever to wear the brand’s Four Rings. The new Cabriolet models would bring with them the euphoria of open-air motoring, but we had to wonder - would Audi’s rakish new hardtop be turned into a floppy flier just by giving it a roofectomy? Equally as important, would the model’s newly downsized engine drop the performance? There was only one thing to do: Put the range-topping S5 Cabriolet through a week-long test.

Photos by Sam Abuelsamid / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2010 Audi S5 Cabriolet speaks too softly, but carries a big stick

Review: 2010 Audi S5 Cabriolet speaks too softly, but carries a big stick originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Apr 2026 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Audi, Rumormill

It’s been a little while since anything with an RS badge came our way from Ingolstadt, but it if you believe the whispers floating around the Web these days, there may be hope for a U.S.-spec Audi RS5 just yet. Automobile is reporting that the company is seriously mulling bringing the S5’s meaner brother to our neck of the woods.

The Kingdom of Quattro pulled the sheets off of the sinister coupe at this year’s Geneva Motor Show, and our jaws have been on the floor ever since. Under the hood sits a tweaked 4.2-liter V8 with 450 horsepower at the crank. The mill is bolted to none other than the Audi Quattro all-wheel drive system, complete with a new torque-vectoring rear diff.

Automobile hasn’t gone so far as to name a source for the rumors, which leads us to take this one with a Q7-sized grain of salt. Still, if it were true, we may have our sticky paws on an RS5 by summer 2012, right around the same time the refreshed A5 is scheduled to hit the U.S. Keep your fingers crossed and your hopes down.

[Source: Automobile]

Rumormill: Audi RS5 headed for the States? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Apr 2026 14:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Audi

“White Beast” is quite a fitting name for this tuned-up version of the Audi S5 coupe. It isn’t just an aerodynamic package - oh, no - Germany-based Senner Tuning AG has given the S5 a bit more grunt from its 4.2-liter V8 mill, as well as slightly revised suspension geometry and a daub of upgraded interior refinement.

The tuning starts under the hood, where a performance air filter and exhaust system have been added, managing to churn out a claimed additional 25 horsepower and 25 pound-feet of torque, bringing the overall output numbers to 379 and 350, respectively. On top of that, Senner has raised the S5’s electronically limited top speed from the standard 155 miles-per-hour to an Autobahn-friendly 177 mph. What’s more, the four-pipe exhaust now include sport silencers, and we assume the aural grunt from this S5 is quite a treat for the ears. (White Beast, indeed.)

Visually, Senner has added a new front fascia, mimicking that of the Audi RS5, as well as a rear lip spoiler, LED taillamps and a new rear apron. Large 21-inch wheels better fill out the wells, and the suspension has been lowered (40 millimeters in front, 35 in back) to give the car a more aggressive road stance. Inside, a carbon fiber interior trim package has been added, as well as a new tachometer display screen.

The cost of the White Beast tuning kit? €18,990 (about $25,500 USD). Click through the post to read the full press release and have a look for yourself in the gallery below.

[Source: Senner Tuning]

Continue reading White Beast: Senner Tuning AG takes on Audi S5

White Beast: Senner Tuning AG takes on Audi S5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Mar 2026 19:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi will unveil three new vehicles at Frankfurt’s International Motor Show (IAA): the remarkably dynamic S5 Sportback, the extremely low-emission A4 3.0 TDI clean diesel quattro, and the especially efficient A3 1.2 TFSI. These innovative engines boast some very different key data, yet they share something in common: They embody Audi’s conviction that dynamics and efficiency are not mutually exclusive; on the contrary, they go hand in hand and are mutually complementary.

Elegant dynamics: Audi S5 Sportback

The S5 Sportback is the pinnacle of the new Sportback model line. This elegant, five-door coupé is propelled by a three-liter V6 with a mechanical compressor. From a displacement of 2,995 cm3 (182.77 in3), the small turbo engine delivers 245 kW (333 hp) and 440 Nm (324.53 lb.-ft.) of torque between 2,900 and 5,300 rpm. The S5 Sportback sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 5.4 seconds [provisional figure]; its top speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph) is limited by an electronic governor. It averages just 9.7 liters of fuel per 100 km (24.25 mpg) [provisional figures] — the best in this power-output category.

Concerning the powertrain, the Audi S5 Sportback similarly underscores its superiority: a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission and quattro permanent all-wheel drive are standard equipment. Upon request, Audi will include the sport differential. It variably distributes power on the rear axle between the rear wheels. This new “top model” has a sportily configured chassis with 18-inch aluminum wheels fitted with 245/40 tires; black brake calipers bear S5 emblems at the front. Speed-dependent servotronic steering is also standard.

Small yet striking exterior and interior features visually distinguish the Audi S5 Sportback. Equipment highlights include electrically adjustable S sports seats covered with Silk Nappa leather. Sales of the Audi S5 Sportback will start in Spring 2010; its basic price will be 57,900 euros.

Extremely clean: Audi A4 3.0 TDI clean diesel quattro

Audi debuted the 3.0 TDI clean diesel engine in its large Q7 SUV; now, the world’s cleanest diesel technology will also be available in the best-selling A4.

A package of technologies boasts an array of innovative solutions for engines and the after-treatment of exhaust gas.

At the engine, a new common-rail injection system (which generates up to 2,000 bars of pressure), innovative pressure sensors in the combustion chamber, and an especially high-performance exhaust recirculating system collectively ensure a highly efficient and low-emission combustion process. A novel DeNOX catalytic converter, integrated within the end of the exhaust system, reduces residual nitrogen oxides. Just upstream of it, a pump injects an additive named AdBlue into the hot exhaust flow; there, this aqueous solution decomposes into ammonia — which splits the nitrogen oxides into nitrogen and water.

The A4 3.0 TDI clean diesel quattro already complies with the emission limits of the EU’s Euro 6 standard, expected to become law in 2014. It is also very fuel-efficient, averaging only 6.7 liters (Avant: 6.8 liters) of fuel per 100 km (35.11 and 34.59 miles per U.S. gallon). And this TDI engine is indeed a powerful performer, needing only 6.2 seconds (Avant: 6.3 seconds) to go from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph). Top speed is electronically governed to 250 km/h (155.34 mph).

In conjunction with a six-speed tiptronic and quattro permanent all-wheel drive, this vehicle guarantees a high degree of comfort and superior traction.

Efficient Downsizing: Audi A3 and A3 Sportback 1.2 TFSI

Downsizing is a cornerstone of Audi’s efficiency strategy — and Audi is relentlessly committed. The A3 model line will soon introduce yet another turbocharged gasoline engine featuring lower displacement. It unites maximum performance with minimum consumption.

Designed from scratch, the new 1.2 TFSI generates 77 kW (105 hp) from a displacement of 1,197 cm3 (73.05 in3). And as is typical of Audi, turbocharging and direct gasoline injection once again perfectly comprise a technological one-two punch. Thanks to an aluminum crankcase, this four-cylinder engine weighs just 89.5 kilograms (197.31 pounds); this remarkably low weight also boosts its efficiency.

The 1.2 TFSI has been optimized to minimize friction. Eight valves are actuated by a single camshaft. A common-rail system injects the fuel. An electric control valve operates the turbocharger’s wastegate valve; boost pressure builds up spontaneously and scavenging losses drop.

This small engine generates 175 Nm (129.07 lb.-ft.) of torque between just 1,500 and 3,500 rpm. It propels the three-door A3 1.2 TFSI from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62.14 mph) in 11.1 seconds; the Sportback, in 11.3 seconds. Both versions reach a top speed of 190 km/h (118.06 mph) and, on average, consume just 5.5 liters of fuel per 100 km (42.77 mpg) — emitting just 127 grams of CO2 per kilometer (204.39 g/mile).

Sales of the A3 and A3 Sportback 1.2 TFSI will begin in the first quarter of 2010. The new engine will initially be paired with front-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission.

Audi today announced the U.S. manufacturer’s suggested retail prices for the highly anticipated 2010 Audi S4 sedan and A5 / S5 Cabriolet models. The S models arrive at U.S. dealers in late August, while the A5 Cabriolet will be available in the Fall of 2009.

2010 S4 sedan (excluding $825 destination charge, taxes, title, options and dealer charges):
S4 sedan (manual) $45,900
S4 sedan (S tronic) $47,300

2010 A5 and S5 Cabriolet (excluding $825 destination charge, taxes, title, options and dealer charges):
A5 Cabriolet 2.0T multitronic front-wheel drive $42,000
A5 Cabriolet 2.0T Tiptronic quattro ` $44,100
S5 Cabriolet (S tronic) $58,250

The S4 sedan and A5/S5 Cabriolet feature technological advancements as available features that enhance both interior and performance luxury. The 3G MMI (Multi Media Interface) with 3D map graphics and SIRIUS traffic displays the latest evolution of 3D navigation, joystick control for navigation map destination finding, updated graphical clarity, SIRIUS® artist/title preview, and SIRIUS traffic-based navigation. The S4 sedan features voice-based destination input control, and voice inputs such as “I’m hungry,” “I need gas” and “I need coffee” that will point to the closest options. The unique Audi drive select option available in the S4 sedan and A5/S5 Cabriolet also helps the driver customize steering, suspension, and acceleration characteristics. The available performance-oriented Sports Rear Differential package with torque vectoring is reserved for the S4 sedan and S5 coupe/Cabriolet.

The 2010 S4 sedan returns to the Audi U.S. lineup a year after the successful launch of the all-new B8 A4, and marks a strategic enhancement for performance models in the U.S. Audi lineup.

The new S4 features more performance and technology than ever and now enters a hotly contested competitive set that includes the BMW 335i and Mercedes-Benz C350 at a very attainable price. Now equipped with a 3.0T V6 FSI direct injection supercharged engine with 333 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, the 2010 S4 with a manual transmission offers a 0-60 time of 4.9 seconds, compared to a 0-60 time of 5.3 seconds for the previous generation S4 V8 manual. The 2010 S4 also provides greater fuel efficiency (2010 S4 manual achieves 18 mpg city/27 highway, compared to the previous-generation 2008 S4 V8 manual ratings of 13 mpg city/20 mpg highway).

The S4 sedan will also provide more performance and standard features over its German luxury competitors. Using a continual focus on attention to detail, S4-specific features include distinctive standard S4-embossed heated front sport seats, front/rear bumpers, front grille, wheels, LED tail lights and front xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights. Other unique standard features include rear-biased 40:60 quattro® all-wheel drive, 18” wheels, heated front sport seats with S4 logo embossing, stainless steel and carbon fiber interior trim, contrast stitching on steering wheel / shifter / seats, Bluetooth®, SIRIUS satellite radio, Homelink®, and iPod® Interface.

The introduction of A5 and S5 Cabriolet marks the expansion of the A5 model line and the replacement for the 2009 A4 and S4 Cabriolet nameplates. Featuring an innovative cloth acoustic roof that folds in a class-leading 15 seconds at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour, it is lighter than a retractable hard top and improves driving dynamics, center of gravity, and fuel efficiency as a result. Safety continues to be a top priority for Audi, which offers more models earning “Top Safety Pick” recognition from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety than any other German luxury car brand.*

The A5 and S5 Cabriolet feature the latest safety features expected from a modern German luxury 4-seater convertible, including active roll bars behind the seats, front airbags, knee airbags, seat-mounted side head/chest airbags, and ESP stability control. Several packaging innovations come from the cloth acoustic roof, including rear passenger reading lights and class-leading 50:50 flat-folding rear seats. The A5 and S5 Cabriolet also come with available head-level heating built into the seats, enabling passengers to enjoy a longer top-down motoring season. The front seatbelt presenter puts the belt well within reach of front drivers and passengers as a convenience and safety feature, while ensuring effortless entry or exit.

Audi is the first car company in the United States to equip 100% of its gasoline engines with FSI direct injection technology beginning with model year 2010. Audi began racing with FSI direct injection technology in 2000 at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the American Le Mans Series with the R8 FSI prototype racing sports car. Once this technology first became available for U.S. Audi customers in late 2004 with the introduction of the 2005 A6 3.2 FSI quattro, the list of Audi vehicles sold in the U.S. with FSI direct injection technology has continued to grow.

Chosen in preference to heavy and complex folding metal roof systems, the lightweight soft-top in the new A5 Cabriolet features a heated glass rear window, and in just 15 seconds retracts into a compartment within the boot that automatically lowers to accommodate it. Equally importantly under UK skies, it also raises again in only 17 seconds, and can complete both operations at speeds of up to 31mph. When in place the three-layer roof very effectively insulates occupants from external noise, and for optimum refinement an optional acoustic hood is also available to reduce sound intrusion to virtually the same level as the A5 Coupe.

Roof up or down, the A5 Cabriolet makes light work of transporting up to four adults in comfort thanks to its extended wheelbase, which helps to maximize cabin space. When the soft top is in place, a best-in-class luggage capacity of 380 litres also enables easy accommodation of luggage for four, and in topless mode the roof stowage compartment only marginally reduces this impressive total to 320 litres. Thanks to the standard split/folding rear seat back a maximum capacity of 750 litres can be accessed if required.

With the roof stowed and the standard wind deflector in place, front seat occupants make impressively buffet-free progress, and for the last word in topless refinement can be cosseted by new options such as a neck-level heating system built into the tops of the seat backs for cooler days and solar heat-reflecting leather upholstery that keeps seat surfaces cooler in direct sunlight.

Three engines at UK launch
In the UK the A5 Cabriolet will launch with a choice of three directly injected engines - the latest turbo charged 2.0-litre TFSI petrol in 211PS form, the 3.2-litre naturally aspirated V6 FSI petrol with 265PS and the 3.0-litre V6 TDI with 240PS. 2.0-litre TFSI and 3.2-litre FSI units are initially offered in conjunction with front-wheel-drive, while the 3.0-litre TDI is linked exclusively to the latest generation quattro four-wheel-drive system with 40% / 60% front-to-rear torque distribution.

A six-speed manual transmission carries engine power to the wheels in 2.0 TFSI models, while 3.2 FSI and 3.0 TDI versions feature two ultra-efficient automatics – the multitronic continuously variable transmission in the 3.2 FSI and the new seven speed S tronic twin-clutch gearbox, developed specifically for longitudinal ‘north-south’ engine installations, in the 3.0 TDI quattro. This all-new transmission will also be a standard feature of the S5 Cabriolet.

Further engine variants and additional quattro models will be phased in during 2009, and the automatic transmission options will also become more widely available.

Thanks to the optimum weight distribution made possible by the all-new chassis with repositioned front axle, the A5 Cabriolet applies its power to the road with suitable polish. Its inherent composure and agility can be felt even more keenly in the quattro models, especially when they are equipped with the new optional quattro sports differential that made its debut in the latest S4 and, for the first time, filters into the ‘A-series’ in the A5 Cabriolet quattro range.

Wheel-to-wheel torque transfer
The sports differential enables the quattro system to not only transfer torque between the front and rear axles to counter traction losses, but also between the rear wheels. When the steering wheel is turned or the car accelerated in a corner, power is redirected in a controlled manner to the outer rear wheel, literally pushing the car through the corner. The driver benefits from reduced steering effort and a feeling of even greater adjustability and control.

The upgrade from ‘standard’ quattro to quattro with active sport differential is available at extra cost as an element of the optional Audi drive select adaptive dynamics system. Audi drive select enables the driver to fine-tune throttle response, steering assistance and transmission shift points (where S tronic is fitted) via dashboard-mounted buttons to suit personal preferences or prevailing road conditions.

Three distinct Audi drive select option packages are available in the new A5 Cabriolet – Audi drive select with damper control for even greater suspension adaptability to the road surface, Audi drive select with dynamic steering allowing alteration of the actual ratio of the steering for optimum feel and, specifically for quattro models, Audi drive select featuring the sports differential. For maximum driver rewards it is possible to combine dynamic steering and damper control or, in quattro models, dynamic steering and the sports differential.

A5 Cabriolet customers will be able to equip their cars to Standard, SE or S line specification, all options including fully automatic powered soft-top operation, alloy wheels and climate control. SE models add luxuries such as full leather upholstery, and on top of this S line specification makes the most of the sharply sculpted lines of the A5 through exclusive grille and bumper treatments and larger 18-inch alloy wheels. Xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights, LED rear lights and the acoustic hood upgrade incorporating in-built LED rear reading lights are also part of the S line package.

In addition to Audi drive select, the options list for the new A5 and S5 Cabriolets also offers driving assistants including adaptive cruise control, the Audi side assist blind spot alert system and the Audi lane assist lane departure warning system. It also includes luxury entertainment and convenience features such as a 505-watt Bang & Olufsen audio system and a new third generation version of the Multi Media Interface infotainment control system. Available exclusively in conjunction with satellite navigation, MMI 3G offers even more intuitive control and further improved graphics via a high resolution colour display. Its inbuilt navigation technology derives its information from a hard disk drive, dramatically boosting the level of detail offered by the maps compared with DVD-based systems. The hard disk can also store MP3 files for music playback.

Supercharged S5 Cabriolet heads range
The ultimate specification will of course belong to the new S5 Cabriolet, which is due to join the UK range soon after the A5 Cabriolet models priced at approximately £42,000. The S5 will ride lower than standard versions on specially tailored ‘S’ sports suspension and 19-inch ‘S’ design alloy wheels. Aluminium-look door mirrors, Xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights, rear LED lamps, special ‘S’ front and rear styling treatments and black painted brake callipers bearing the S5 logo will also be distinguishing features.

The S5 adopts the very latest supercharged V6 TFSI engine, which combines an impressive 333PS power output, giving 5.6-second 0-62mph potential, with outstanding fuel economy that makes up to 29.4mpg possible (provisional figure, combined cycle). The S tronic twin-clutch transmission and quattro four-wheel-drive are standard features, the latter offering the option of the sports differential for maximum driving pleasure.

Source: Audi

Motoren Technik Mayer from Wettstetten, Germany, puts the Audi S5 under pressure. As “MTM GT Supercharged” the sporty coupe’s supercharged engine demonstrates impressive performance data. Together with bigger brakes, a coilover suspension and other minor changes, the result is an overall package which can take on the race track.

Pressurized

Watch out, when it gets loose! At the slightest pressure on the accelerator the MTM S5 GT Supercharged rockets forward with brute force. The compressor added to the Audi 4.2 liter V8 by MTM is what makes this possible. An MTM intercooler housing with integrated water cooling ensures that the engine can always generate maximum performance. Overall, instead of the stock 354 hp, there is now all of 505 horsepower at 7190 rpm available. This makes an engine output of 120 hp per liter! The torque boost by 106 to 546 Nm emerges in vehement intermediate bursts, to which the driver can get addicted. The sprint from 0-100 km/h takes 4.3 seconds, turning many super sports cars green with envy. And up to its top speed of 300 km/h it can hold its own with any of them.

At MTM the general rule is: special wishes are met. Customization is also carried out on an individual basis!