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The 2009 Audi S5 Coupe is the latest coup for Audi.

Audi's Newest S Coupe - The S5

Inspired by the Nuvolari showcar of 2003, the new S5 is the first S badged coupe from Audi to grace American shores in 23 years. The S5 is immediately set apart visually from the A5 by a titanium radiator grille inlaid with chrome trim, the usual silver S mirrors, and four oval tailpipes. When it comes to the performance part of the equation, the 4.2-liter V8 in the S5 puts out 354 Hp at 7,000 rpm with the peak 325 foot/pounds of torque arriving at 3,500 rpms. The S5 version of the 4.2 is tuned to fit nicely between the 340 Hp S4 and the 420 Hp RS4 while still leaving room for an RS5 in the future.

For now the S5 will be coming to the US with a manual six speed box and by summer we should be seeing the Tiptronic version. When Audi finishes development of the new DSG gearbox it will be a natural for this car, perhaps as a seven speed? With the S5 running just 2/10ths of a second slower than the RS4 to 60 mph, it's a great value at a base price of $50,500 MSRP with the manual ($51,800 with the Tiptronic), compared to the $66,910 MSRP for the RS4. But wait, it gets better! Audi has designed a new lightweight aluminum front suspension with five-links and upper and lower wishbones, all rigidly attached to the body by a separate sub frame.

At the same time, the rack-and-pinion steering assembly has been moved closer to the centerline of the front wheels, this allows a shorter overhang and adds a sharp, crisp steering feel. Add the trapezoidal link independent rear suspension with anti-drive compensation and you have a car that can hang it all out to 0.91 lateral G's on the skid pad, a tad better than the RS4! Audi's work on the chassis, suspension and steering, not to mention the new improved Quattro system are all combined in the S5 to mark another step up in the evolution of Audi in the USA. The S5 is a strong and agile performer that will be a serious competitor to the Mercedes CLK550. And who knows it may even find a few drivers who are willing to pocket the roughly $20,000 difference they can save over a BMW 650i.

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