German Car Zone

Bartek Sikorski · 11-25-2009, 09:43 AM

Quote:

It may seem cliché to compare a desirable car with a fine wine. It’s not like it’s never been done before… rather that horse has taken its lumps though it may yet draw a breath. When I consider the 2010 Audi S5, likely the last of the V8 breed, it is the comparison with a fine wine that I keep returning to.

Vintners will tell you that a wine isn’t just about the label. Even a premium bottle like Opus One can vary from year to year given changes in climate, weather and other factors that effect the grapes with which its made. And therein is the parallel with the 2010 Audi S5. The automotive climate is changing from a market rich with wanton abandon to one where efficiency and all its green hues is rewarded with approval and acceptance. There’s a downsizing going on and all indicators appear that the S5 Coupe will trade its melodic 354 hp 4.2-liter V8 for Audi’s new 333hp supercharged 3.0-liter V6 already used in the S5 Cabriolet. For 2010 at least, the V8 has remained.

The S5 has been on the market for over two years now and in that time its voluptuous lines and strong proportions have served it well by allowing it to remain one of the freshest-looking coupes in its segment. In virtually any outward way Audi has chosen to not mess with a good thing, maybe because the S5 is one of the few cars in the notable sales growth column during this down economy.

At the same time, less visible but substantially significant new equipment has been added to the S5 roster for 2010 – namely Audi’s latest 3G MMI that raises the car’s infotainment value and an optional Sport Differential that seriously transforms its driving dynamics. Given this could be the last year for the V8, 2010 looks to be one very fine vintage for the Audi S5.

Read more: fourtitude

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Driven: 2010 Audi S5 MT6