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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday October 27, 2007 - 27 2008 PREVIEW SPECIAL EDITION Audi's new 2008 A5 and S5 fit the coupe mould perfectly By Joe Knycha OAKVILLE BEAVER n one of the more clinical descriptions of the automotive body style known as "coupe," the Road & Track Illustrated Automotive Dictionary defines the breed as "a two-door, closed body-type, typically distinguished from a two-door sedan by a sleeker, shorter roof and longer trunk, but frequently different in other ways too." It adds: "Coupes are generally thought of as sportier and more `personal' than two-door sedans." Which does little to explain the passion that coupes embody or to capture the emotion they stir in some peoples' souls -- a gracefully executed coupe can quickly send some hearts into palpitations of desire. There have, of course, been some perfectly dreadful coupes produced over the years, but those that bear the four rings of Audi would not be counted among them. When the first Audi Quattro coupe broke cover in 1980 at Geneva (it reached Canadian showrooms late in '81), it appeared on the scene looking like nothing that had come before: sharp, angular and purposeful, it was scary quick for its time and with Audi's all-conquering `quattro' all-wheel-drive system, it soon dominated rally courses and race tracks around the globe. Audi re-enters the coupe market later this year, a decade after it ostensibly left, this time with something completely different -- a beautifully proportioned two-door that borders on being a work of modern art. The original Audi Coupe (or as one Audi engineer called it: the "master" quattro) was by comparison austere and singleminded in its approach to getting down the road. The new A5 and S5 suggest more well rounded, universal performance; a driving experience that can range from gentle to thrilling, abundantly complemented by luxury, convenience and comfort. Each car will have its own trim level with the general rule of thumb being that the S5 embodies pretty much the `more of everything' approach. Where the A5 sports a 3.2-litre, 265-hp, DOHC V6 engine with race-bred FSI direct injection, the S5 offers the hulking power of Audi's 4.2-litre, 350-hp FSI V8, capable of hurtling the car from a stop to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds. Both engines will launch in November with slick-shifting six-speed manual transmissions and quattro all-wheel-drive -- automatic versions will come within six I months. Brakes deserve special mention in this discussion. Generously dimensioned, the A5's standard 18-inch vented discs and twin caliper rotors are replaced by 19-inchers on the S5. Both setups offer impressively calm deceleration with an ABS limit that doesn't intrude until the driver has exhausted every last vestige of pedal modulation. On the serpentine mountain roads of northeast Italy, both models displayed smooth, progressive power and agility with the lighterengined A5 turning into corners with a bit more directness and sense of accuracy than the heavy-breathing S5, reflecting the A5's lighter load bearing on the front end and despite the S5's suspension upgrades. On the divided autostradas that run the length and width of Italy, the S5 was the desired ride with its gobs of low-end torque and easily generated speed -- 150 km/h shows on the clock with the engine ticking over at slightly more than 2,000 rpm in sixth gear. Even loafing along in sixth, the S5's throttle response -- with 354 horses and 325 lb-ft of torque -- is effortless. The potential to generate speed remains ever conscious in the driver's mind, and is never further away than a propitious tip of the S5's throttle pedal. Like Audi's new flagship A8 sports car, the S5 employs a series of ultra bright LED lights to frame the bottom and outside edges of the headlamps (optional on A5) for a distinctive front-end signature. The big, broad vertical nose would seem to suggest that these cars punch a large hole in the air, however aerodynamic sculpting and wind-flow management through the grille and fascia, and the remainder of the car's flowing exterior shape (not to mention its solid construction), contribute to a whisper-quiet interior. A state ofthe-art, brilliantly clear Bang & Olufsen audio system with 14 (!) speakers is optional on the A5 and standard in the S5 where to most plebian ears, the A5's standard audio system will suffice nicely. Audi's industry-leading interiors speak for themselves with sumptuous leather, flowing lines and effective use of bright space; controls are presented sensibly and amenities abound. Fit and finish throughout appears just about impeccable and whether seated in the front or rear, the cabin is an entirely agreeable place in which to find oneself -- though there is no question, the best seat in the house is the one behind the steering wheel. Prices hadn't been announced at the time this was written but should come in roughly within the $49,500-$62,500 range for the A5, and $70,500-$102,500 for the S5. Decisions, decisions. I'd like one of each. HARMONY TM · Quiet, comfortable ride · Excellent wet and snow traction · Ultra-long mileage · 130,000 km treadwear limited warranty* · Sizes to fit a wide variety of passenger cars and minivans In severe winter conditions, the use of four (4) winter tires is recommended. * For terms and conditions see your MICHELIN® tires owner's manual. JENSEN TIRE Check us out! WINSTON CHURCHILL 905-338-9919 928 WINSTON CHURCHILL BLVD. QEW ROYAL WINDSOR DR. LAKESHORE RD. E.