German Car Zone

Audi builds one-off 420HP S5 Evo to test the waters




Audi presented a special one-off version of its S5 coupe to a group of journalists recently at the Ricardo Tormo circuit in Valencia, Spain, which the carmaker described as being an ‘experimental’ model. The unique S5 was called the ‘Evo’ and it featured a 420hp (313kW) version of the standard model’s 4.2L V8 engine as well as Audi’s new seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission.

Apart from the more powerful engine and dual-clutch gearbox, the S5 Evo was equipped with the same specifications as the standard S5. This meant that it used the same quattro permanent four-wheel drive system with variable torque distribution from its basic setting of 40% to the front and 60% to the rear axle. The Evo also featured a button for ‘comfort’ and ‘sports’ mode, the latter providing quicker gearshifts, better throttle response and a firmer ride.

The exterior of the car was also identical to the regular S5 and Audi officials on the day weren’t willing to confirm if the Evo-spec car would eventually enter production as a special edition model, according to the guys at InfoMotori who got to test drive it. If the Evo were to be built, it could serve as a stepping stone between the standard 354hp (260kW) S5 and the upcoming RS5, which is expected to feature a 450hp (335kW) version of the 4.2L V8 engine.

Audi builds one-off 420HP S5 Evo to test the waters - MotorAuthority - Car news, reviews, spy shots

I wonder how long it will take for someone to relate this to the BMW M3 evo

...or the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo?

Seriously, this must be one of the best cars from Audi in a long time! Great idéa to test the waters with some journalists with this (R)S5.

Enough of BMW

It's a great idea I agree, will decrease the sales of standard S5's thoAnd what may happen is when the actual Rs5 is released everyone with S5 Evos has tuned them to be as fast as Rs5's

I don't think this is intended as a proper model but it will rather serve as a basis for evaluation prior to setting the specs of the RS5. I wish more manufacturers would do the same. That must be a couple of €100k well spent.

or...

The S5 Evo will replace the current S5 altogether, moving it up a notch. But then again, why note use the good 3.0TT? Oh, I guess time will tell...

It's defiantly a good idea Other companies have used similar techniques E.g BMW with the X^-M tester video, BMW with the X1 and Jaguar with the open event to show the performance of the XF-r

I don't think Audi will replace the S5 with the Evo, the power difference is to similar to the Rs5. People will buy the evo, stick a Rs5 kit on it and tune it and they have a rs5

an S5 with an RS4 engine, 3 more letters, and people gobble up the marketing
very very smart!