2012 Audi S5

3.0-liter Supercharged V6
Though the naturally-aspirated V8 in the S5 Coupe produces marginally more horsepower, the supercharged 3.0-liter V6 in the S5 Cabriolet delivers just as much torque and at a lower engine speed, making it just as useable in most driving situations. In addition, the V6 is vastly more fuel-efficient, beating the V8's fuel economy by three mpg in the city and four mpg on the highway.

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 Cabriolet, 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 between 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 2012 A5 Coupe is a perfect poster child for the company's efforts. Audi's trademark single-frame grille, LED accent lighting, finely-tailored sheet metal, expressive fenders and sleek profile give the A5 an undeniable distinction. For 2012, buyers may choose to equip the A5 with S line exterior treatments that include more expressive front and rear bumpers, side skirts, door sills 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 S5 Coupe's 4.2 liter V8 may seem old school but, behind the wheel of a car with 354 horsepower, who cares?

2.0-liter in-line 4 turbocharged
211 horsepower @ 4,300 rpm
258 lb-ft of torque @ 1,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy:
21/31 (quattro manual), 21/29 (quattro automatic), 22/30 (front-wheel drive, automatic)

3.0 liter V6 Supercharged
333 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
325 lb-ft of torque @ 2,900 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/26 (S tronic automatic)

4.2 liter V8
354 horsepower @ 7,000 rpm
325 lb-ft of torque @ 3,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/22 (manual), 16/24 (automatic)

The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2012 Audi A5 Coupe with manual transmission is just over $37,000; the Tiptronic automatic transmission will add approximately $1,200. The base A5 Cabriolet (FWD, CVT) is over $42,000, with quattro and Tiptronic adding $2,100. The S5 Coupe, with its impressive V8 and manual transmission, is around $55,000, while the V6-equipped S5 Cabriolet is over $59,000. 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 2012 A5 Coupe expected to do significantly better than the BMW 3-Series Coupe or the Mercedes-Benz E350 Coupe

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