That's the Audi S5 in a nutshell: two doors, four driven wheels, 6 manually-shifted gears and a wicked V8 under the hood. As coupes in their lineup go, there's the smaller and less powerful TT and the twice as expensive R8- but if it's serious velocity and relative value you're after, the S5 is positioned perfectly.
The body is swooping and elegant on a higher level than most of its siblings, and it gracefully struts for attention everywhere it winds up. It's sexy and lean and scandalous looking. Perhaps the sheet-metal equivalent of Anna Kournikova in a red dress.

LED-stringed headlights up front generate a cybernetic scowl that clears out the fast lane more quickly than you can reach for your license and registration. With a set of 19" wheels mounted over "S5" badged brake calipers, it turns heads as quickly as it plants them to the seats.
In the rear, S5 terminates in a tapered backside with quad-tipped exhausts that make an unmistakable statement. The entire silhouette is topped with a tilting glass roof as well. Few German cars pack this much visual firepower.
Inside, it's much the same.

With motorcycle-inspired gauges, a cockpit styling theme and dark colors set off with metal accents, the S5 boasts a dark and foreboding interior befitting of a true sports car.
Engine and parking-brake turn on and off with the press of a button, the latter clearing more room in the centre console for Audi's MMI central-command interface.
Entry and exit into the low-slung coupe are relatively easy for front-seat passengers who'll enjoy comfortable and supportive sport seats, automatic climate control and adequate space.
Adults sitting in back will become well acquainted with their knees.

In all, S5's interior is impeccably well made and assembled. The fit, finish and materials are effortlessly among the best, making it a machine that easily feels like the $66,000 or more that it costs.
It's on a wintertime drive where the appeal of Audi's powerful V8 and Quattro all-wheel-drive marriage really shows.
The lightly travelled route between Narin Centre and Worthington is dotted with some great scenery, but also sweeping bends and straight-aways where the latest car to wear Audi's "S" badge could stretch its legs. Even on the worst of these roads, the sport-tuned suspension gracefully pitter-pattered over top, allowing little more than a bit of suspension noise into the cabin.
In fast corners, the steering exhibits a heaviness appropriate for the car's weight and touring intention. S5 doesn't feel like an excessively light and nimble machine-but it does corner viciously, and the solid and beefy steering gives drivers a sense of bonding with the road rather than simply flying over it.

Give the velvety 352 horsepower V8 some room, and it'll happily wind up to over 7000 RPM- though the acceleration and fluttering rumble is most impressive in the mid-range. Gears were shifted by a quick six-speed stick that offered a fast action but proved a little too rubbery.
Open the throttle and S5 glides onwards with urgency, leaping from one gear into the next.
Hit any combination of snow, ice, pavement or sand in the process, and the Quattro system instantly adapts- leaving drivers to enjoy nothing more than seamless, liquid power delivery while the tailpipes gush pure aural testosterone.

They'll also gush the remains of about 18 litres of super-unleaded every hundred clicks or so when you push.
Overall mileage averaged a respectable 14L / 100km. Your family SUV is probably thirstier.
Despite limited rear-seating capacity, S5 is ultimately a potent, sexy, well made and addictive sports car.
Best off, you don't have to garage in wintertime. If that's your thing and you're looking for a big, fast and comfortable coupe, only $65,900 stands in your way.

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