In keeping with Audi’s trends as of late, the updated-for-2018 Audi A5 Coupe doesn’t look that much different from its predecessor on the outside. But there are significant updates under the skin, and at least one piece of very nice news: we Americans still get a manual option. Thanks, Audi.
And now, the downside: the more powerful S5 Coupe can only be had with an eight-speed automatic transmission, no manual or dual-clutch. Sad! But we’ll take those stick shifts where we can get them, I suppose.
The updated A5 gets the ubiquitous and not-at-all-slow 2.0-liter TFSI turbo four rated here at 252 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, good enough for a zero to 60 mph run of 4.4 seconds. The other gearbox option is the eight-speed automatic. Quattro all-wheel drive is the only layout available.
Updates include electronic torque vectoring, the new Virtual Cockpit tech system, a newly developed standard front and rear suspension, better driver assistance systems and a whole bunch of other cool things.
The S5 comes to the party with an all-new 3.0-liter turbo V6 putting out a healthy 354 HP and 369 lb-ft of torque, as well as an optional sport differential that makes your driving experience so dynamic that you will wonder how you even lived this long without that level of dynamism in your life.
Pricing hasn’t been announced yet. We should see more at the LA Auto Show this week.