Audi spy photographers are having a field day. After the A5 had been seen for the first time on the Nurburgring earlier today, the S5 performance version was also seen wearing a full production body. This all-new model could debut next year and offer even more V6 performance.
The S5 differs from the A5 only slightly, but the new design is already sportier than the outgoing model. Marc Lichte has been way more aggressive than Walter Da Silva and fans are going to be euphoric.
The overall design is similar to the Prologue concept. Even with the camouflage, you can see a hexagonal grille that will have a brushed aluminum finish. It connects directly to the LED headlights, while the fog lights below have geometric shapes.
We can't confirm the engine for this car yet, but there are a two of very clear options. For starters, the 3-liter supercharged TFSI may carry over. It currently delivers 333 PS but has been boosted to over 350 PS in other models (US-spec SQ5).
Superchargers are not very efficient, but Audi's version knows a lot of tricks. For example, it can de-couple the flywheel under light loads to cut consumption.
Another option would be a 3-liter twin-turbo TDI. Audi already has one in the SQ5, Q6 and Q7. It produces 320 PS but has the potential for a lot more once the electric supercharger and 48V systems are ready.
The technology was previewed by the lesser-known A6 TDI Concept of 2014. The electric supercharger's job is to offer lag-free boost below 1,500rpm. This will also change the way the S5 launches off the line while lowering fuel consumption.
As for the rest of the powertrain, the 2017 Audi S5 will offer quattro all-wheel drive and a new 7-speed auto gearbox. Considering that it should also be lighter, we expect the 0 to 100 km/h sprint time to drop to 4.5 seconds.
BMW, meanwhile, has chosen not to include an M Performance model in the 4 Series range. However, the 435i has plenty of poke, thanks to its 306 PS inline-6. Pretty soon, it will likely be replaced by the 440 with a slightly more respectable 326 PS.
The overall design is similar to the Prologue concept. Even with the camouflage, you can see a hexagonal grille that will have a brushed aluminum finish. It connects directly to the LED headlights, while the fog lights below have geometric shapes.
We can't confirm the engine for this car yet, but there are a two of very clear options. For starters, the 3-liter supercharged TFSI may carry over. It currently delivers 333 PS but has been boosted to over 350 PS in other models (US-spec SQ5).
Superchargers are not very efficient, but Audi's version knows a lot of tricks. For example, it can de-couple the flywheel under light loads to cut consumption.
Another option would be a 3-liter twin-turbo TDI. Audi already has one in the SQ5, Q6 and Q7. It produces 320 PS but has the potential for a lot more once the electric supercharger and 48V systems are ready.
The technology was previewed by the lesser-known A6 TDI Concept of 2014. The electric supercharger's job is to offer lag-free boost below 1,500rpm. This will also change the way the S5 launches off the line while lowering fuel consumption.
As for the rest of the powertrain, the 2017 Audi S5 will offer quattro all-wheel drive and a new 7-speed auto gearbox. Considering that it should also be lighter, we expect the 0 to 100 km/h sprint time to drop to 4.5 seconds.
The competition: BMW and Mercedes
Mercedes has already revealed its cards with the C 450 AMG, which packs their new twin-turbo 3-liter V6. It's good for 367 PS and will be available in coupe form this fall.BMW, meanwhile, has chosen not to include an M Performance model in the 4 Series range. However, the 435i has plenty of poke, thanks to its 306 PS inline-6. Pretty soon, it will likely be replaced by the 440 with a slightly more respectable 326 PS.