- Free-revving V8 engine for 8T3.I S5 Coupe
- Traction from quattro system contributes to excellent dynamics
- Lighter, supercharged V6 makes for more agile handling
- Inconsistently weighted electric steering
- With 19-inch wheels, suspension lacks compliance
- Double clutch transmission sometimes hesistant on take-off
Review: Audi 8T3.I S5 Coupe (2007-11)
Overview
Released in October 2007, the Audi 8T3 Series I (8T3.I) S5 Coupe was a four-seat, sports coupe. Manufactured in Ingolstadt, Germany, the Audi S5 Coupe was powered by a 4.2-litre V8 petrol engine that was mated to either a six-speed manual transmission or, from 2008, a six-speed automatic transmission (Audi’s ‘Tiptronic’).
4.2 FSI V8 engine
The Audi S5’s 4.2-litre CAUA V8 petrol engine had an aluminium silicon alloy block with reinforcing bedplate, a cast aluminium alloy cylinder head, double overhead camshafts per cylinder bank (chain-driven), variable intake and exhaust camshaft timing, four valves per cylinder, variable intake manifold, direct injection (Audi’s ‘Fuel Stratified Injection, or FSI’) and a compression ratio of 12.5:1.
| Engine | Trans. | Year | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8T3.I S5 Coupe | 4.2-litre CAUA petrol V8 | 6sp man. | 2007-11 | 260 kW at 7000 rpm | 440 Nm at 3500 rpm |
| 6sp auto | 2008-11 |
Dimensions and suspension
Compared to the Audi 8T3 A5 Coupe on which it was based, the S5 Coupe was 10 mm longer (at 4635 mm), the same width (1854 mm), 13 mm lower (1369 mm) and had the same length wheelbase (2751 mm). Visually, the S5 was distinguished by its bigger wheels, high performance brake calipers, platinum grey grille with vertical chrome inlays, more pronounced bumpers with air inlet grilles, rear spoiler, aluminium-look door mirrors and quad exhaust pipes.
The S5 Coupe had five-link front suspension with upper and lower wishbones and trapezoidal link rear suspension.
quattro and electronic differential locks
The Audi S5 Coupe’s quattro system utilised a third-generation Torsen T-3 centre differential which provided a default front to rear torque split of 40:60. If traction was lost, however, up to 80 per cent of the engine’s torque could be directed to the front or rear axle.
The S5 was also fitted with front and rear electronic differential locks which could brake individual wheels to transfer torque across the open differential to the opposing wheel (i.e. cross-axle torque transfer).
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Audi S5 Coupe included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.
Features
Standard features for the Audi S5 Coupe included 18-inch alloy wheels with 245/40 R18 tyres, Multi Media Interface (Audi’s ‘MMI’) with a seven-inch colour display, ten speaker 180 watt stereo (including subwoofer), six-channel amplifier, six-stack CD player, auxiliary inputs (MP3/USB), TV tuner, satellite navigation and park assist display, three-zone climate control air conditioning, combination leather/Alcantara seats, power adjustable front seats, cruise control, directional bi-xenon headlights with LED driving lights, front and rear fog lamps, Bluetooth connectivity, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, split and folding rear seats with load-through facility, remote central locking with proximity key, power windows and heated mirrors, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, ambient lighting, a trip computer, an alarm and immobiliser.
Models with automatic transmissions were also fitted with steering wheel gearshift paddles.
Related links
- Specifications: Audi 8T3 S5 Coupe (March 2007)
- Press Kit: Audi 8T3 A5 Coupe and S5 Coupe (June 2008)
- Brochure: Audi 8T3 S5 Coupe (June 2011)
Review: Audi 8T3.II S5 Coupe (2012-16)
Overview
Released in February 2012, the Audi 8T3 Series II (8T3.II) S5 Coupe was fitted with a 3.0-litre supercharged V6 petrol engine that was mated to a seven-speed double clutch transmission (Audi’s ‘S-Tronic’). To minimise fuel consumption, the 8T3.II S5 Coupe was also fitted with start-stop, brake energy recuperation and an electro-mechanical power steering system. Other changes included revised rear suspension bearings and damper tuning and a crown gear centre differential for the quattro system.
Like its 4.2-litre V8 predecessor, the 3.0-litre CGWC TFSI V6 engine engine had direct injection, double overhead camshafts per cylinder bank, four valves per cylinder, continuously variable valve timing for the intake and exhaust camshafts. The V6 engine, however, was fitted with an Eaton ‘Twin Vortices Series (TVS) Roots-type positive displacement supercharger with twin four-lobe rotors and two integrated water-cooled charge air coolers. The engine operated with a compression ratio of 10.5:1.
Visually, the Audi 8T3.II S5 Coupe could be identified by its sharper bonnet edges, redesigned head- and tail-lights, larger front air intakes, sharper bonnet edges and new headlights with LED running lights. Inside, there new materials, a new multi-function steering wheel, white instrument illumination and revised switchgear.
| Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8T3.II S5 Coupe | 3.0-litre CGWC supercharged petrol V6 | 7sp DCT | 245 kW at 5500-7000 rpm | 440 Nm at 2900-5300 rpm |
Features
As part of the 8T3.II update, the six-disc CD player was replaced by a single-disc player and standard features were extended to include a USB input, memory card reader, Bluetooth audio streaming, a 10GB hard drive for music storage and voice recognition.
Related links
- Specifications: Audi 8T3.II S5 Coupe, Cabriolet and Sportback (February 2012)
- Wikipedia.org: Audi 8T3 S5
