Jalopnik: Audi S5

Audi RS5 Caught Getting Hot In The California Desert

Matt Hardigree — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 12:20:00 EDT

Audi's engineers did a fairly poor job of concealing the Audi RS5, the much-anticipated super-super GT from Audi, from the KGP photographers patrolling the California desert. The revised and menacing front bumper, silver side mirrors and lack of fog lamps is a fairly sure giveaway that this is the supremely sporty version of the A5. The question is, what can't we see? Is it the reported 4.2-Liter V8 out of the Audi RS4 beneath that sexy hood or is the twin-turbo V10 out of the wicked Audi RS6 motivating this mule? Conjecture and spy report below the jump.

Spy Report

It appears that we caught Audi engineers working on an RS5 prototype in the California desert. The aggressively revised front fascia carries all of the menacing design traits of Audi's other RS models, but it looks particularly fetching on the already seductive A5 coupe. The fog lamps have been removed in favor of extra breathing ducts to cool the engine and brakes—just as on Audi's recently-released RS6. This prototype doesn't yet have all the expected RS cues—namely the signature dual oval exhaust tips (it still has the quad oval tips from the S5)—but it is wearing silver side mirrors (another of Audi's RS design signatures).

The RS6 sports some subtly flared bodywork, but it remains to be seen whether the RS5 will get a similar treatment. The other questions obviously focus around what's under the hood. The Audi RS6 is powered by the latest direct-injection, twin-turbocharged 5.2-liter V10, generating 580 hp at 6,250 rpm with 479 pound-feet of torque at just 1,500 rpm. A similar application in the RS5 would obviously be most welcome.

Audi RS4 and RS5 To Keep Fat V8 Power, Leave Superchargers For Lesser Cars

Ben Wojdyla — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 16:20:00 EDT

A report at Fourtitude says highly placed sources are stating the pending B8 Audi RS4 and the first edition of the Audi RS5 will be sporting a massaged version of the 4.2-liter V8 currently in the RS4 and R8. The mill would be getting a boost from 420 HP to 450-470 ponies, most resulting from opening up the already-shocking 8000 RPM redline.

If this rumor proves true, it finalizes the last piece of the engine puzzle we got a peek at with the Audi engine plan leak a while ago. Hopefully when Audi waves its wand over this version of the V8, they'll fix its thirst; then it would be truly perfect. [Fourtitude via Autofiends]

2009 Audi A5 Cabrio To Go Soft?

Mark Arnold — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 09:40:00 EDT

With all the rumors swirling and expectations high for a drop-top version of the Audi A5, we knew we should expect the inevitable spy photos of the 2010 Audi A5 Cabrio (or convertible, if you'd prefer) to show up sooner or later. Though we weren't completely sure whether it would have a good ol' rag top or a folding hardtop, but with this grainy photo it seems we've got some visual evidence that the convertible top may indeed be of the soft variety.

While this model looks to be merely an A5, we wouldn't be surprised if we're also going to see an Audi S5 Cabrio show up at some point as well, and perhaps — if our dreams become reality — an RS5 Cabrio eventually. So, with this drop-top and a potential A5 Sportback model, it looks like the A5 may spawn quite a few variants. [AutoExpress]

Audi Engine Strategy Through 2011 Leaked

Ben Wojdyla — Thu, 29 May 2008 13:40:00 EDT

Someone in the know over at Audiblog.nl has spilled forth a detailed list of all Audi brand engines for all models through the 2011 calender year — and the release dates for new models. In addition to the big engine news, the leakers claim that we'll be seeing the rumored Audi A7 model in June of 2010, as well as an S7 version following that fall, and a return to form for the next generation Audi S4. Look below for a detail look at what's coming up for Audi in the next three years.

Audi A1
Starting at the bottom of the grid, the Audi A1 will maintain the currently planned 1.4 TFSI, but will get an 86 HP 1.2-liter TFSI good for a little less power but will be quite a bit easier on European wallets.

Audi S4
It seems the B8 Audi S4 will be returning to its twin-turbo V6 roots, as early as this coming November. News of this respite from V8 shenanigans comes with virtually all positive notes, considering the engine is to displace 3.0 L but grunt out 330 HP, only 10 shy of the current iteration. Add in lighter weight and the same treatment for the Avant versions and everyone's happy.

Audi S5
In September 2010 the S5 will be dumping its current V8 mill for the same twin-turbo 3.0 L TFSI V6 in the S4. This will be a cut in power, but like we said about the S4, it's not giving up much and will lighten up that porky bottom line. What's perhaps more interesting is the introduction of an Audi RS5. It will retain the same 4.2-liter V8 in the current S5, but gets a whopping increase in power up to 450 HP. With such power on tap it's a good thing there will be a new 7-speed to keep it in check.

Audi S5 Sportback
The previously unknown S5 Sportback will be on sale as of September 2010 and will get the 3.0 L twin-turbo TFSI mated to a 6-speed manual, or a 7 speed auto. We're beginning to see a theme here with S-line engines, aren't you? Hopefully this new engine won't have many teething problems.

Audi A7 Sportback
Being called the Audi A7 "Sportback" leads us to believe this as-yet unseen and unheard of version of the A7 will have a certain wagony-goodness to it, but who knows. Perhaps it'll be a big old five door, swiping the hardware from the Skoda Superb. Anyway, we digress. The A7 Sportback gets a 2.8L FSI, a 3.0 L TFSI, and a bevy of oil burners. And now what's this? An S7 Sportback? Why yes, yes it is. And this one gets a 4.0 L TFSI with 395 HP! While that's no RS6 Avant, it's nothing to sneeze at.

Audi R8 Spyder
When we got the first images of that Audi R8 V10, we couldn't even speculate on a release date for the thing. Now we know the plan is for the hardtop version of the upgraded V10-powered R8 to roll out in June of 2009, and those wacky Germans are going to hack the top off and give you the R8 Spyder in March, 2010. The lesser 4.2 L V8 will follow a little later for the Spyder, just in case you were interested.

Audi Q7
While there's no earth shattering engine news on the Audi Q7 front, these docs report a facelift for the bulky-UV coming in August of next year. So, you know, if the looks are what keep you from taking the plunge, maybe wait a year and see if you like the changes.

There's an exhaustive breakdown of models, engines, and dates over at Audiblog, the original leakers. Good stuff fellas, now all the surprises are gone, thanks a lot (no, really). [via WCF]

KBB Names Ten Best New Road Trip Vehicles, Family Truckster Suspiciously Absent

Matt Hardigree — Tue, 20 May 2008 10:00:00 EDT

There's no set definition of what is and what isn't a road trip. Do you have to cross state lines? Is there a minimum mileage? Should it be measured in years? We don't have answers to these questions and neither do the people at Kelly Blue Book who put together an interesting mix of vehicles to meet the task, ranging from the obvious choices like the Dodge Grand Caravan and Toyota Prius to surprises like the Audi S5 and Bugatti Veyron. And then there's the VW Eos, which we'd rather not be packed into for a long journey. The full list and press release below.

KBB.COM NAMES 2008 BEST NEW ROAD TRIP VEHICLES
IRVINE, Calif., May 20, 2008 - The expert editors of Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com (www.kbb.com), the leading provider of new- and used-vehicle information, today announce their picks for Kelley Blue Book's 2008 Top 10 Best New Road Trip Vehicles. Memorial Day weekend ushers in the beginning of the summer driving season, and record gas prices will play a large role in trip-planning this year. But even with gas prices reaching $4 per gallon, Americans are still expected to hit the road in droves for summer road trips. From the two-person weekend getaway to the full-family excursion, this year's Best New Road Trip Vehicles list is certain to accommodate any road trip.

In choosing this year's Best New Road Trip Vehicles, the kbb.com editors evaluated all tangible and intangible attributes that would enhance any long drive, such as driving enjoyment, passenger comfort, cargo space and of course, fuel economy. Because not all road trips are the same, Kelley Blue Book's 2008 Best New Road Trip Vehicles provide a potential perfect ride or two for every type of driver and every type of journey. Each vehicle offers different perks such as entertainment options, interior accommodations and driving performance to keep road-trippers satisfied. Depending on the type of trip and the number of companions the right vehicle could be a coupe, sedan, crossover, SUV or minivan.

Kbb.com Editorial Comments: 2008 Best New Road Trip Vehicles

Audi S5

Combining a silky 354-horsepower V8 engine, impeccably tuned suspension and quattro all-wheel drive, the Audi S5 delivers high levels of both performance and comfort, along with the elegance to arrive in grand fashion.

Bugatti Veyron

If the price of fuel has impacted your yacht time more than your driving habits, you might find the $1.5-million, 1,001-horsepower, 16-cylinder, quad-turbo, 250-mph Bugatti Veyron an ideal alternative the next time the jet is in the shop. Just keep in mind that at full speed, the Veyron burns through its 26-gallon fuel tank in about 12 minutes.

Chevrolet Malibu

We recently drove six top-selling mid-size sedans in a back-to-back comparison test, and the remarkably quiet and comfortable Chevy Malibu handily outshined the competition on the highway. The first car in the category to combine a flexible six-speed automatic transmission with a gas-sipping four-cylinder engine, the Malibu is capable of an impressive 32 highway miles per gallon.

Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid

While the Tahoe Hybrid's highway fuel economy rating of 22 mpg is only 2 mpg better than that of its gas-only counterpart (the hybrid's bigger advantage is in city driving), it's nevertheless the most fuel-friendly full-size SUV on the road and provides seating for eight, plenty of cargo solutions and the ability to tow your boat to the lake.

Dodge Grand Caravan

They say that getting there is half the fun. In the Dodge Grand Caravan, getting there can easily be all the fun. The Grand Caravan's wide variety of entertainment options includes multiple DVD players, video game inputs, two overhead video screens, SIRIUS Satellite TV and radio as well as rearward-swiveling second row seats, all helping to transform the once humble minivan into a virtual party on wheels.

Ford Flex

Due in dealerships this summer, Ford's new full-size, three-row crossover will be turning heads from coast to coast all year, while treating occupants to cold drinks with its class-exclusive refrigerated console.

Infiniti EX35

In addition to a plush, flexible interior, the EX35 offers a Lane Departure Prevention System that can help keep any driver — quite literally — in line. A small camera detects lane markers in front of the vehicle and, when inadvertent lane departure is detected, the system applies a small amount of left or right brake force to nudge the vehicle back on course.

MINI Cooper Clubman

With excellent fuel economy and a fun-loving attitude, the MINI Cooper has earned its way onto our list of top road trip cars for the second year in a row. The new Clubman offers more passenger and luggage space than the standard Cooper, making the largest member of the MINI family an even more ideal long-haul companion.

Toyota Prius

The iconic Prius doesn't just deliver the best highway mileage of virtually anything on four wheels, it also features a flexible hatchback design and enough interior volume to qualify as a mid-size vehicle.

Volkswagen Eos

The Volkswagen Eos is a sporty coupe that's also a sexy convertible, thanks to a sleek, sophisticated retractable hardtop. This chameleon also has an exceptionally wide glass sunroof for when you want the open-air experience without getting that wind-swept look.

[Source: KBB Road Trip 2008]

Audi Releases More Details of Iron Man Product Placement Extravaganza

Matt Hardigree — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 15:00:00 EST

Compared to iRobot, Iron Man takes it easy on the R8 in the trailer, showing only maybe two seconds of it as the trailer begins. We're not sure if this is going to be a hit or not, but the Audi R8 seems a bit pedestrian for someone who is supposed to be a freaky genius billionaire. On the other hand, an Audi S5 seems about exactly appropriate for Virginia "Pepper" Pots, the secretary played by the lovely Gwyneth Paltrow. The film is going to be directed by Jon Favreau, so expect it to be "so money" or something like that. Full press release below the jump:

"Iron Man" relies on the Audi R8

New superhero: Robert Downey Jr. is Iron Man

Technically adept and smart - Tony Stark is unique

Safely on the go in the R8, even without his high-tech suit

Robert Downey Jr. is Tony Stark - the main character in the film version of "Iron Man" from Paramount Pictures and Marvel Studios. His superpowers are the result of the highly versatile and indestructible high-tech armor that he developed himself. When he is without his suit, the technically-adept billionaire relies on the Audi R8. "The R8 is the perfect car for Tony Stark," Iron Man director Jon Favreau said. "It's a technological masterpiece. Plus it's fast, safe, and sure to be noticed." The leading lady, Oscar winner Gwyneth Paltrow (Virginia "Pepper" Potts), drives an Audi S5 in the film.

Tony Stark is smart, successful and uncompromising. He's got ideas - and the courage and skill to make them reality. And naturally he puts his extraordinary capabilities to work for the good of mankind - in the form of Iron Man, his superhero alter ego. No other comic book hero has such extensive knowledge of technology or of the opportunities offered by innovation and cutting-edge ideas. The movie opens in theaters around the world in early May 2008.

The film also stars Oscar nominees Terrence Howard and Jeff Bridges. "Iron Man" is directed by Jon Favreau from a screenplay by Mark Fergus, Hawk Ostby, Art Marcum and Matt Holloway. The film is produced by Avi Arad and Kevin Feige. Executive producers are Louis D'Esposito, Peter Billingsley, Jon Favreau, Stan Lee and David Maisel. [Audi via World Car Fans]