Ingolstadt has whisked the covers off the sportiest version yet of the A5 Sportback, the S5 that will be displayed for the first time at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show in September. The S5 Sportback uses the same 3.0-liter supercharged V6 engine as the latest-generation S4 sedan that cranks out 333 horsepower and 440Nm (324.53 lb.-ft.) of torque between 2,900 and 5,300 rpm.
The 3.0 TSI engine is mated to a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission that puts power to all four wheels through Audi's a Quattro drivetrain while a sport differential, which variably distributes power on the rear axle between the rear wheels, will be offered as an option.
The German firm cites a 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) sprint time of 5.4 seconds (S4 Sedan: 5.1 seconds) and an electronically governed top speed of 250 km/h or 155mph.
Audi says that the S5 Sportback returns a combined fuel economy figure of 9.7 liters per 100 km which is the U.S. equivalent of 24.25 mpg.
In typical Audi fashion, a subtle body kit that includes a deeper front bumper, aluminum-look exterior mirror housings, side skirts, specific grille and a small boot lid spoiler plus 18-inch alloys shod in 245/40 tires distinguish the S5 from its lesser A5 siblings.
Inside, a three-spoke leather steering wheel with contrasting stitching, the aluminum trim, gray dials and of course the sport seats covered with Silk Nappa leather let you know you're behind the wheel of a special A5.
Sales of the Audi S5 Sportback are pegged to start in Spring 2010 with prices set to start in Germany from €57,900.
