Showing posts with label a5. Show all posts
Showing posts with label a5. Show all posts

Friday, July 7, 2017

Audi RS5 II

Based on the second-generation Audi A5 Coupe, the all-new RS5 wants to be a serious rival to the likes of BMW's M4 and Mercedes-AMG's C63 Coupe, but what exactly is going on about this new and improved high-performance version of the A5 made by the skunk works of the recently renamed Audi Sport, formerly known as quatttro gmbH?

2018 Audi RS5
2018 Audi RS5
Being based on the all-new A5, the all-new Audi RS5 is even better looking than the previous model judging from its new aerodynamics that makes it as leathery as a leather jacket you worn from last night's bar brawl and the same goes to the interior which is also leathery by Audi standards. This is like putting more muscle to your cream biscuits and the thicker the cream, the more delicious it is and for the RS5, it's got more muscle on the design that will make it barely noticeable on the road.

2018 Audi RS5 interior
2018 Audi RS5 interior

So, when the new RS5 is becoming more muscular on the outside as well as on the inside, has it got more muscle on the performance, you might ask? Er, afraid not because for starters, the glorious 4.2L V8 from the previous model has been thrown away to the garbage bin (man, we're going to miss that noise) and in place, there's the new 2.9 TFSi V6 BiTurbo engine that produces 450PS of power and 600Nm of torque. With the 8-speed tiptronic transmission, which is almost as pointless as your nightly boardroom meeting on overtime, it does 0-100kph in 3.9 seconds with top speed normally limited to 250kph or with a little extra service that will raise the limit to 280kph.

That sounds like quick but by the way it sounds? It's like an average six-cylinder luxury saloon you might say and while it sounds so soothe, it's not as intimidating than the old model's V8 engine that some say that fires a droplet of petrol every time you make gear changes, producing more noise. While we're going to miss that glorious noise of that old-timer, that sound of the V6 twin turbo engine is not worthy enough to win the hearts of some speedo boys and that's just the half of the story.

Audi says that the new RS5 features a much improved dynamics courtesy of its new five-link construction on the front axle, the five-link suspension on the rear, the RS sport suspension plus with Dynamic Ride Control, ceramic brakes, and dynamic steering with RS-specific tuning, but truth be told, it never changed the dynamics of this car, in fact it feels like it' been slightly improved. You can barely feel the difference on how you handle this all-wheel drive mongrel and while it has that all-wheel drive powertrain, which is very nice to drive in any kind of road, you can really feel the understeering every time you turn this car hard on the bends and because it doesn't have that glorious torque vectoring like you get on today's Mercedes E63 or a Ford Focus RS, you're like you're struggling to get it through the corner and this calls for more painkillers when your arms are feeling the aching sensation every time you handle this car very sharply like a pro. Quite an arm-breaking experience, isn't it?

Should you buy it? The new RS5 starts at 80,900 Euros plus on road costs and that's too much to pay than the BMW M4 Coupe, which remains one of the best high-performance luxury coupes to drive today, and expensive aside, what you get is a new RS5 that almost feels like the last time, except it's lost some of its charm due to downsizing terms and despite the added power that will upset the others, it's the handling you should be worrying about as well as your arms because of that understeering despite having quattro on this car.

Photo: Audi AG

Sunday, April 30, 2017

Audi A5 II Cabriolet

Last time, the Audi A5 has reached in second generation and so far, only two body styles have been introduced to us; the coupe and the five-door sportback version for those who think they couldn't afford the A7. Now with the convertible version, all three body styles of the new Audi A5 are now available as promised. So, what's it all about the convertible version of the new A5?

2017 Audi A5 Cabriolet

Priced at 44,000 Euros, which is seven grand more than the coupe version, the new Audi A5

For starters, the new Cabriolet version looks vaguely identical to the normal coupe version, only this time with the retractable soft top that can be opened or closed at the touch of a button in less than 18 seconds, per se, especially on travelling speeds of up to 50kph. 

Apart from that, check out what Audi did on the inside and yes, it comes with the first ever seat belt microphones to communicate both driver and passenger even when the top is opened. Hold on. Seat belt microphones? Why they made such a noticing feature where you can talk to anyone close to you? Well, that was kind of anticlimactic for Audi to make a feature that doesn't make any sense. Anyway, while the so-called seat belt microphones are as useless as a belly button lint, this is still the same A5 interior as the others. as well as the tech array especially the available "Technology Selection" which comes with smartphone connectivity for iPhones and Androids. These tech features really put the open-top versions of the 4-Series and the C-Class out of context or so they said.

Behind the tech-laden stuff comes the performance, which isn't surprising for luxury convertible standards. We know that this convertible version slightly weighs more than the coupe version due fact that this is the stiffest in its class but for convertible standards, it weighs 40kg less than the outgoing A5 Cabriolet, meaning in the base model, that weighs 1690kg. Not bad, but don't celebrate just yet because the A5 Cabriolet offers almost the same choice of engines as the Coupe version, ranging from a 2.0 TDi, 2.0 TFSi, and the 3.0 TDi engine. The most powerful in the normal A5 Cabriolet for now is the 2.0 TFSi engine with 252PS of power while the most economical is the 2.0L TDi with combined fuel economy up to 4.6L/100km.

2017 Audi S5 Cabriolet

Of course, if you're unhappy with those above, there's the S5 Cabriolet, a semi-hot version of the A5 Cabriolet that is priced at 67,800 Euros plus tax and delivery, now with a 3.0 TFSI engine producing 354 PS of power and top speed normally limited to 250kph, while mated with a tiptronic gearbox. Again, not so sporty as it sounds for a semi-high performance convertible.

Yes, the new model may not be as dynamic and attractive than the competition, the tech, the quattro all-wheel drive system, and its cruising character shows that you don't need to prove a thing to drive a luxury convertible that can get you from points A to B just like the next guy and it wants to follow its own path. Let's face it, folks, while this is not the ideal luxury convertible to thrash around the streets like a maniac, this refined beauty is something worth beholding on the road, even on weekends.

In other words, while it may not be a great convertible to have it around, this is still as civilized as the next person and it's hard to fathom what to do with it when you got your hands on the new A5 Cabriolet. While this is an improvement from the previous A5 Cabriolet, it's still beyond regular for a luxury convertible of this caliber.

Photo: AUDI AG

Sunday, November 27, 2016

Audi A5 II

2017 Audi A5 Coupe
2017 Audi A5 Sportback

It's been almost a decade when Audi launched the two-door equivalent of the Audi A4, known as the A5, and while the A5 is made to take on the likes of BMW's 4-Series and Mercedes' C-Coupe, its stale styling never makes the cut against today's generation of two-door saloons. However, this is the latest version, and while this is based on the latest Audi A4, the all-new Audi A5 tries to show its rivals how technologically-advanced this new version is, although the new design feels like it's 10 years ago.

You get two bodystyles at launch; first there's the coupe version, starts at 42,750 Euros, for those who are very sensible enough to have a two-door saloon in the first place, and then there's the five-door Sportback version, starts at 40,850 Euros, for those who believe that the A4's not good enough for them. Either way, they're all the same story for these two bodystyles at the start because whichever A5 you'll be choosing, it's not the performance this car is aftering, it's the tech that counts and looks like you'll be having a hard time understanding the gadgetry deployed on the new model.

2017 Audi A5 Coupe interior
2017 Audi A5 Sportback interior

Of course, while the design is slightly an improvement from the previous model when it first launched almost a decade ago, the new interior is all business as usual for the coupe and as for the Sportback, you get that "out from the limo" feeling that once you got out from the back seat, you will think that you're in charge of almost everything, even your siblings who are not interested in cars at all. Of course, while the coupe is all about your time, all the time, and while the Sportback is all about talent agencies, four star hotels, and all that rut from your briefcase full of work-related materials, understanding the tech that sinks the A5's new interior like Silicon Valley meets Boracay is not an easy task but the more you understand about its interior, the better your understanding how it works like a laptop computer, and with the brand new "Technology Selection" offered on the A5, which comes with smartphone connectivity for iPhones and Androids, this is just the half of the tech-filled platter for the new model.

Okay, the Coupe and the Sportback models offer different range of engine choices and if you start with the normal Coupe version, you should know that there are 11 configurations to choose from; with the most powerful version is the sport 2.0 TFSI quattro S tronic with 252PS of power and can get through 100kph in 5.8 seconds while the most efficient one is the sport 2.0 TDI ultra with the 6-speed manual which delivers 4.2 l/100km of fuel efficiency. For the Sportback, meanwhile, there are eight configurations available with the most powerful version is of course the 2.0 TFSI quattro S tronic with a 0-100kph time of six seconds while the most efficient model is the 2.0 TDI ultra  with the 6-speed manual with a fuel economy of 4.1 l/100km.

2017 Audi S5 Coupe
2017 Audi S5 Sportback
If you need some more, there's also a semi-high performance variant called the S5. Priced at 62,500 Euros for both models, the S5 is equipped with a 3.0 TFSI engine producing 354 PS of power and top speed normally limited to 250kph, while mated with a tiptronic gearbox which isn't sound so sporty for a semi-high performance variant for the A5 models.

Either way, the new model feels a bit like it was slightly improved compared to the first-generation model. Although luxurious and comfortable to drive on the city streets and on the highway, its excitement to drive as a weekend car is almost none and you can't sense how much fun this new model is, even if you're going two doors because who would rather think driving a car with two doors is considered a sleek and sporty ride? However, Audi resorted developing a new quattro all wheel drive system with ultra technology, this upgraded drivetrain feels like it's starting to work rather well like singing kumbaya on a boy scout bonfire night. Still, with technology at its earnest disposal, the new Audi A5's state of the art features in terms of safety and connectivity feels like it's one step ahead to the future and while these new models are here today, they're always ready for tomorrow's ever-changing demographics.

Although the new model doesn't sense its sportiness from within, its becoming a slight improvement compared to the previous generation and it will take owners to grow accustomed to the all-new model by whatever means necessary. The more they drive the new A5, the more they know, and the more they know, the better their experience behind the wheel will be and while having two bodystyles with different powertrains offered is just half the story, there's more to come with the new generation A5 so expect surprises later on for this generation.

Photo: Audi AG

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Audi RS5 Cabriolet

Now let's move on to the Audi RS5. As told from Top Gear, the RS5 is not a decent alternative to the BMW M3, heavier than the BMW M3, not a successor to the fire-breathing Audi quattro and can be sometimes a terrible rubbish. Now however, Audi has come up with a new variant of the RS5...

2014 Audi RS5 Cabriolet
This is the Audi RS5 Cabriolet. Just like the RS5, it has quattro all-wheel drive that you can still reach incredible angles and rescue it but for the sake of neck-breaking pleasure. Like the RS5, it too has a 4.2 FSi V8 engine that produces 450HP of power. That's about the same power that you'll get on the upcoming C7 Corvette Stingray, if I'm honest. At the starting price of around 88,500 Euros, that's about as cheaper than the latest BMW M6 Cabrio or the Jaguar XKR-S Convertible! Hmmm...

That doesn't seem bad for a car that costs less than the M6 or an XKR-S but on the subject of the RS5, I can also expect some party piece that fires a droplet of exhaust, meaning that this car uses some petrol to make changing gear sound nice. Yes, really, the exhaust note of the RS5's pretty dramatic but this is the cabriolet version. And if by cabriolet, let's called it the ruined version of the RS5 because the weight has only gone up by around 200kg and the height has been lowered by over 20mm. With all the added weight on the RS5 Cabriolet, 0-100kph takes about 4.9 seconds and top speed normally limited to 250kph while being mated with a 7-speed dual clutch transmission, the one with the party piece I was talking about where the world's precious resources has been converted to noise.

In partial terms of driving the RS5 Cabriolet the feeling with the roof open is simple. You can listen to that exhaust note very clearly, which in fact, you can get high on to that noise as long as you want but don't if you are in a very cold place where closing the roof is mandatory. It might be best if you are in the world's best driving roads where you can freely open the roof, forget about the radio, and enjoy what's in store in the open road. This is about as cheeky as Chummy but in the corners, expect catastrophic understeer. It's got the power but when you're cornering the RS5, it kinda feels like you are going to eat the whole chocolate cake of be sent to the chokey. Ouch. Gosh, I don't wanna be in the chokey. I'd rather just eat the whole chocolate cake and get outta here before facing the most deadly consequence known to little kids many.

However, if you're in the city, the RS5 Cabriolet is not the kind of car you would use on a day-to-day basis because as you going around in the streets, people are starting to get you noticed that you are going to the wrong party in the wrong clothes. Say you are wearing your everyday work clothes and then you're entering your party only to find out that it's a costume party and you don't even have a costume. Also worse that you are bumping yourself at the frat house where you'll meet up with a bunch of trash-talking males boozing around for a couple of minutes and then sharing their experiences about bullying, skipping school, and other stuff that most idiots do in their university life. If you are driving this car while you are heading to the prom or to the opening gala hosted by your boss, it feels like you think you are Sir Chief...Oh wait, I'm not a Sir Chief, I'm an oxymoron driving an Audi! Ugh, there goes the pigsa in my back...

In essence then the RS5 Cabriolet is the kind of car that feels like there's something on your back and that "something" on your back is just an average pigsa, waiting to be squished...

Photo: AUDI AG

Saturday, August 11, 2012

RS5 Pikes Peak Version!

2012 Audi RS5 Pikes Peak Version

So, the recently facelifted Audi RS5's joining the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb this August 12 (13 if you're in Asia), right? It's even got the Audi Sport livery as a tribute for the legendary Audi quattro. That livery's been used on the Audi TT before but hey, it's all in the family for Audi...

Monday, January 16, 2012

Persona-fied Audi S5 caught attention

Persona 4 Audi S5 itasha


There was one modified car at the 2012 Tokyo Auto Salon that caught attention of most otakus everywhere. This Persona 4 Audi S5 itasha was the perfect example of modified cars went wrong. If anyone's behind this Persona 4 Audi S5 experiment, then it's the tuning firm, MASA Motor Sports, who took responsibility.

Friday, January 13, 2012

How can the wrong RS5 feels so right all along?

Uh, am I singing the song "Catch Me, I'm Falling" OR IS THAT JUST ME? Never mind, the Audi RS5 was added on Forza Motorsport 4 via January Jalopnik Pack. Don't blame them why they put the pre-facelifted version but in such reasons, the Audi RS5 was featured in an episode of Top Gear where it pit against the BMW M3 Competition Package. Sadly though, the Audi RS5 is heavier and despite the 4WD layout, it's nowhere near as good at the corners.

The retractable spoiler made the RS5
look even worse...

The Audi RS5 is not the modern day version of the Audi Quattro, a classic sports car that petrolheads love to drive this classic Audi. What really bothers me that it has some retractable spoiler that the Audi S5 doesn't have. However, what surprised me when if I had turned off the Traction Control, the RS5's Launch Control really puts this sportscar to a perfect launch but when it comes to corners, it's a complete wazzock. When I tuned it to meet its A-class regulation, it has proven to be somewhat quicker than my Aston Martin V12 Vantage, and yet it is superbly quicker than the time Stig set it on Top Gear. Yep, the Audi RS5 raced through the Top Gear Test Track at 1:27.5 but my tuned RS5 just pushed it even further but a little bit uncomfortable at my burning back.

The Audi RS5's interior

As I watched an episode of Top Gear, Jeremy Clarkson once said that the Audi RS5 uses petrol to make gear-changing sounds nice. I don't know why but at the end, the Audi RS5 is as worthless as the BMW M3 Competition Package. However, when reviewed by Top Gear Magazine, the RS5 gave a 15/20 rating and what they like is that it's comfortable, well-made, exclusive, looks good, and grips well. I like that.

Oooohhh!! Brrrrr!!

How can something so wrong feels so right all along? Catch me, I'm falling over the seduction of the RS5!




Monday, January 2, 2012

Welcome Back: 2007 Audi S5

Ferrari geek seek an unsuspecting S5 passed by...


"Is that the RS5?!" A cop said...

First of all, sorry for why I smothered my Audi S5 with something that you commonly see on automotive news sites. With the Audi S5 returned on Forza Motorsport 4, there is a hidden surprise added at the Aero and Appearance section. Yes, you can camouflage the S5 to make it look like the 2011 Audi RS5. With the 2011 Audi RS5 coming soon at the Jalopnik DLC Pack, I guess this whole idea of converting the S5 to look like the RS5 should be useless. What I resort now is cover it with something black and swirly that you commonly see on automotive news sites...

Anyway, I should drive the Audi S5 round the Top Gear test track while listening to something Gaelic...


Thursday, October 27, 2011

Audi A5 range Minor Change


2012 Audi A5


The Audi A5 may not be as good looking as its rivals but for this year, this is a different kind of A5 because the Audi A5 range received its first mid-life facelift, keeping the Audi A5 coupe, Audi A5 Cabriolet, and the Audi A5 Sportback began life anew after four years.

For this minor change, the exterior boasts a new front design heavily inspired from the latest generation Audi A6 C7 while the rear view sports a new rear view heavily inspired from the third-generation Audi A8. With Audi's design DNA, the Audi A5 has progressed to have sharper cues, impressive elegance, and exceptional high quality that is quite fit enough for the grand touring road ahead.


2012 Audi A5 interior


The Audi A5's interior has been heavily revised from top to bottom. You should expect up close and personal with a new steering wheel design, new steering column stalks, new instrumental panel, and narrow chrome clasps framing the control elements. On the A5 Sportback, Fine Nappa leahter replaces the Valcona leather to provide the best comfort for the passengers and these luxury features are sure enough to provide hospitality on the new A5.

For its minor change, the Audi A5 loses the 3.2 FSi engine, which is somewhat bad news for those who are looking for power. As of today, the new A5 range is offered in 1.8 TFSI 160PS, 1.8TFSI 170PS, 2.0 TFSI 211PS, 2.0 TDI 143PS, 2.0 TDI 177PS, 3.0 TDI 204PS, and 3.0 TDI 245PS engines. Focused of fuel efficiency, most engines come equipped with idling stop system and recuperation system. Depending on the engine types, there are different drivetrains offered on the new Audi A5 range such as six-speed manual, multitronic, seven-speed S tronic, front-wheel drive or quattro drive.

Available in 15 color variations such as Brillantrot, Brillantschwarz, Ibisweiß, Cuvéesilber Metallic, Eissilber Metallic, Gletscherweiß Metallic, Mondscheinblau Metallic, Monsungrau Metallic, Scubablau Metallic, Shirazrot Metallic, Teakbraun Metallic, Daytonagrau Perleffekt, Lavagrau Perleffekt, Misanorot Perleffekt, and Phantomschwarz Perleffekt.

My comment:
The A5 range's minor change only impresses the new exterior, new interior, and loads of technology that satisfies the driver but when it comes to performance, it seems that their top priority was only fuel economy rather than performance. Dropping the 3.2 TSI engine is such a heinous crime and I am very unhappy about the list of engines available because most of these engines are focused only on fuel consumption rather than horsepower and torque. That made me sad...

Photo: AUDI AG

Friday, March 12, 2010

Audi RS5



To sum the words from some beer commercial in the Philippines, saying that only men should act like men, the beefed up version of the A5 coupe, known as the RS5, turns ordinary men into real road warriors of the Autobahn. To prove that the new RS5 is the inferno sports car for real men, here are the key points on observing the RS5's circles of hell, which is perfect for men to experience its hell-raising capabilities, from smoke to bourbon:

CASE 1:
The RS5 is powered with the 4.2 FSI V8 natural aspiration engine, which has the power output of 450PS, the torque output of 430 Nm, the top speed of 250km/h, and the time of 4.6 seconds in the 0-100kph run.

CASE 2:
The RS5 is equipped with quattro technology's first lightweight crown-gear center differential. (The differential with the shape of the crown) The crown-gear differential allows the RS5 changes the way it distributes the torque between the front and rear axles, for handling that is surely for real men only.

CASE 3:
The Audi drive select that is equipped on the RS5 allows drivers to choose from three different modes; comfort for fuel-efficient purposes and comfortable driving, auto for sensing the driving conditions, and dynamic for agile driving performance. A fourth mode, available when the MMI option is equipped, allows drivers to customize the way the RS5 behaves.

CASE 4:
The price of the new Audi RS5 is 77,700 Euros (guessing 5.5 million pesos), and its affordable than the Mercedes-Benz SL63/65 AMG.

My thoughts about the RS5:
Real Autobahn sports car only real men should ever try. The exterior is a drool-worthy experience, the interior has the smell of success, and the performance is truly a thriller. I can say that the RS5 is perfectly targeted for grown men who wanted to take a glimpse of this German devil with the burning passion to outperform everyone from its lust, greed, and gluttony over German sports cars with the desire for revenge. Go ahead, make yourselves comfortable, make yourselves manly, and be caught in the RS5's trap.

Source: http://leopauldelr.multiply.com/reviews/item/211

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Audi A5 Sportback




Since 2007, Audi launched the high-performance luxury sports coupe knew as the A5 to satisfy adrenaline junkies and executives everywhere. This time, another A5 adds a completely new dimension in the luxury car industry. Since the A5 (and the S5) is the formidable foe for the likes of the BMW 3-Series Coupe and the MB E-Class Coupe, this new kind of A5 will take down the Volkswagen Passat CC and the MB CLS-Class with its aggressive styling, superb handling, and the optional quattro technology that fits all. Welcome the Audi A5 Sportback.







As a 5-door fastback coupe, there is no surprising that this new German sports car does it all for carrying the most eccentric people in all four doors. There is no surprise for the fifth door in the rear side of the A5 Sportback. From its exotic styling, the A5 Sportback carries a mind-blowing, spellbinding interior that is above all the other hatchback everywhere. From its long wheelbase, the A5 Sportback is a four-seater car and the interior styling is somewhat similar to the entry-level A4 sedan.







Well, the interior of the A5 Sportback is not much of a luxury coupe, but there are many options that you can mix and match to this high-performance 5-door coupe. Consider the storing compartment on the sliding center armrest, a wide range of seats such as the Arcade cloth, Alcantara and Valcona leather, wooden paneling, and all the extras that made the interior of the A5 not just fashionable, but also an all-access pass to excitement.







For overall performance, the A5 Sportback has rigged with the finest state-of-the-art technology. It includes self-tracking, trapezoidal link rear suspension, large, powerful brakes, a ESP stabilization program (on FF variants), the optional Audi high-end technology that allows the driver to select different functions, electronic shock absorber control, and dynamic steering. The A5 Sportback boasts different engines such as the 2.0-litre TFSI engine, 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine, 2.7-litre V6 TDI diesel engine, 3.2-litre FSI engine, and the 3.0-litre V6 TDI diesel engine. Available transmissions were 6-speed manual and the 7-speed S-tronic automatic transmission.

CAN ANYONE KNOW JUST HOW WILD THIS NEW CAR MADE BY GERMANS?

With about 2.6-3.5 million Pesos when it hits the Philippines soon, we cannot describe how cool was the new A5 Sportback was, but rest assured, it is the BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo’s fateful rival in this category. Which fastback will prevail? You decide when you try these fastbacks soon.



Source: http://leopauldelr.multiply.com/reviews/item/132

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Audi A5 Cabriolet




Take a normal A5 luxury coupe, get rid of the top, and replace it with the automated soft top to create Audi's addition to the convertible line-up. The A5 Cabriolet welcomes you to take a seat on the open wind sports car based on the standard A5 coupe.







With the wind breezing through the streets, the A5 Cabriolet plunges through the roads with its striking looks, a choice of engines, including the entry level 1.8 TFSI engine to the 3.0 TDI diesel turbo engine, soft-top that can be opened or closed at the touch of the button, and more that everyone asks for this amusing cabriolet.






For those who think that the A5 Cabriolet was not enough for their testosterone junkies, the revved-up version of the A5 Cabriolet, known as the S5 Cabriolet is perfect for those who think performance is the main need for the thrill-seeking drivers. Although I got to say that the S5 Cabriolet's 3.0L V6 engine, revved up with over 333PS of power and the top speed of 250km/h, packs so much adrenaline and more fun for the German sports car lovers everywhere.







Checking from the Cabriolet's interior, you may notice that luxury comes standard, but for the A5 Cabriolet, most of the features provide many choices for everyone. It has the Multi Media Interface, Bang & Olufsen premium sound system, Bluetooth connectivity, optional comfort package that provides the driver with premium amenities offered for this ride and MP3/USB/iPod connectivity that allows everyone to play their songs here.

On the good side: Sporty feel, open-air fun, all-round excitement for convertible lovers.

On the bad side: Lack of excitement for the original, did this thing replaced the A4 Cabriolet?


Source: http://leopauldelr.multiply.com/reviews/item/183