2008 Audi S5 Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Speedy, sporty, streamlined, solid, and sophisticated. These are the five Ss in the 2008 Audi S5, a new sports coupe being introduced with the new A5 sedan. Based on a new platform and a new design by Walter de Silva that incorporates a trapezoidal front grille, frameless windows, and angular headlamps, the 2008 S5 will distinguish itself from its sedan counterpart with a different engine, different exterior styling, and beefed up performance parts.
The 4.2-liter direct injection FSI comes from the R8 and delivers 354 hp and 325 ft-lbs of torque with a 6-speed manual. A DSG automatic gearbox should arrive later. Audi clocks its 0-60 time at 5.1 seconds. On the outside, four exhaust pipes, aluminum side mirrors, a chrome grille, body-colored moldings and side skirts, a larger air intake, and bolder bumpers identify the S5's racing pretensions over the A5. It also boasts a sports suspension, interior Recaro sport seats, larger brakes, performance tires for the 18-inch wheels, and carbon fiber accents in the cabin.
A unique trans-axle design that places the V8 engine behind the front wheels allows for lower overhangs and a wider wheelbase, which improves overall handling, balance, and driving response. Combined with the quattro all-wheel drive, the 2008 S5 hugs the road in various driving situations. Though the quattro affects initial acceleration speed and takes away some of the rear-wheel drive performance found in other sports coupes, the superior system does default to a 40/60 front/rear torque split.
The four-seater sports coupe will be customizable, but starts with a CD player, tri-zone climate control, an electric parking brake, push-button ignition, a navigation system, tilt sunroof, and a Smart Key, which records fault codes that then can be read by your mechanic. While that may sound like too much practicality for what Audi hopes will prove to be a fun ride, early reviewers have been impressed with the combination of highway speed and handling with overall safety and driver comfort.
User reviews for 2008 Audi S5
Write a review2008 Audi S5 Pricing
Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Single rear air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Memory card slot auxiliary audio input · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bang & Olufsen · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 10 · 180 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.0 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: front center · Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: alloy · Door sill trim: stainless steel · Door trim: wood · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power rear seat · Memorized settings: 2 driver · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.52 · Locking differential: front
Exterior Features
License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: aluminum · Paint: premium
Headrests
Adjustable rear headrests: integrated headrests · Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Headlights: HID
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated driver mirror
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: power glass
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Impact sensor: door unlock · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Auto height adjusting shoulder belts: front · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: alcantara
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 16.3
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation system: DVD navigation system
Tires
Type: performance
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: with safety reverse
