2013 Audi A5

3.0-LITER SUPERCHARGED V6
Although the naturally aspirated V8 in last year's S5 Coupe produced marginally more horsepower, this year's supercharged 3.0-liter V6 in the S5 delivers just as much torque and at a lower engine speed, making it just as usable in most driving situations. In addition, the V6 is also vastly more fuel-efficient.

S TRONIC DUAL-CLUTCH TRANSMISSION
With the precision of a manual and the convenience of an automatic, the dual-clutch transmission, which is standard on the S5, is a significant advancement in delivering the power to the wheels and embellishes the S5's capability for easily and efficiently putting pavement in the rearview mirrors.

There are plenty of attributes that help define the A5 line as a viable alternative to, for example, the BMW 3 Series, but the A5's interior shines as one of the most important. Front occupants are treated to leather seats that offer excellent support without sacrificing accessibility, and the driver-oriented gauge cluster and center-stack help lend the cabin a sporty feel. The S5, meanwhile, goes even further with a spread of Nappa leather and a variety of unique dash inlays. Buyers may choose among carbon fiber, brushed aluminum, stainless steel or gray birch.

Audi has done an excellent job of crafting a corporate design language that doesn't feel forced or overbearing, and the 2013 A5 Coupe is a perfect poster child for the company's efforts. Audi's trademark single-frame grille, LED accent lighting, finely tailored sheetmetal, expressive fenders and sleek profile give the A5 an undeniable distinction. For 2013, buyers may choose to equip the A5 with S line exterior treatments that include more expressive front and rear bumpers, side skirts, doorsills and badges.

As a base powerplant, Audi's superb 2.0-liter TFSI turbocharged 4-cylinder is almost perfect for the application, with adequate (211) horsepower and an ample (258 lb-ft) level of torque. The 3.0-liter supercharged V6 may be the sweet spot (available only in the S5 Cabriolet), with horsepower – 333 – close to that of the Coupe's V8, yet in a more efficient package. The RS 5 Coupe's 4.2-liter V8 may seem old school but, behind the wheel of a car with 450 horsepower, who cares?

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
211 horsepower @ 4,300 rpm
258 lb-ft of torque @ 1,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/32 mpg (AWD, manual), 20/30 mpg (AWD, automatic), 24/31 mpg (front-wheel drive, automatic)

3.0-liter supercharged V6
333 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
325 lb-ft of torque @ 2,900 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/26 mpg (manual), 18/28 mpg (S-Tronic automatic)

4.2-liter V8
450 horsepower @ 8,250 rpm
317 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/23 mpg (automatic)

The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2013 Audi A5 Coupe with manual transmission is just under $39,000; the Tiptronic automatic transmission will add approximately $1,200. The base A5 Cabriolet (FWD, CVT) is over $44,000, with quattro and Tiptronic adding $2,100. The S5 Coupe, with its impressive V6 and manual transmission, is around $52,000, while the S5 Cabriolet is over $60,000. The RS 5 starts around $70,000. When shopping, reference KBB.com's Fair Purchase Price for an indicator of what customers are paying in your area. Audi's predicted resale is very good, with the 2013 A5 Coupe expected to do significantly better than the BMW 3 Series Coupe or the Mercedes-Benz E350 Coupe.

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