The engine we do get, the petrol V6, is an aging warrior, still adequate for the job but flagging somewhat in the face of the newer and more advanced power units. Still, it kicks out a goodly 265 max horsepower and 243 lb-ft of torque. Funny enough, to really make it effective for sporting driving it needs to be kept on the boil-much like, say, a turbocharged four-cylinder-with the indicator needle locked into the middle to upper regions of the tachometer. Think north of 3500 rpm. Thankfully ours is equipped with the six-speed manual do-it-yourselfer, so tach needle location can be dictated readily and on demand. The shifter itself is light yet well balanced, positive in its engagement and effortless in its actuation. Signature Audi gearbox goodness. The clutch stroke is a little long, making swift gear engagement tricky at first. But you get used to it. The brakes are really very good, with great pedal feel, and stand up well to repeated heavy stabs when throwing the hefty A5-almost 3,700 pounds' worth-into tight mountain-road bends. Braking endurance also may have to do with the Quattro all-wheel-drive system's road-holding ability, which often allows you to stay pretty hot and save the brakes when diving into corners. Chasiss balance has something to do with this as well, since the A5 touts nearly evenly split front-to-rear weight distribution (48 percent front, 52 rear). And you just can't mess with Quattro's corner-exiting ability, laying traction from all four wheels via standard 40/60 power split.
One really cool option we equipped our A5 with is a driver-selectable toggle switch on the center dash linked to the various input systems-steering, throttle, suspension. Known as Audi Drive Select, it allows you to change drive characteristics on the fly. Three preset modes are included-Comfort, Auto, and Sport-that change throttle mapping, shock damping, and steering response to correspond with your mood. Additionally, a third setting, Individual, lets you mix and match characteristics from among the three presets using the drive Select computer function by pressing a button to the left of the MMI control cluster.
At A Glance
+ Sex on wheels
- Limited drivetrain options
Total mileage: 4,206
Fuel economy: 18-24 mpg
2009 Audi A5 3.2 Quattro
*Layout
Longitudinal front engine, all-wheel drive
* Engine
3.2-liter V6, dohc, 24-valve
* Transmission
Six-speed manual
* Performance
Peak Power: 265 hp @ 6500 rpm
Peak Torque: 243 lb-ft@3250-5000 rpm
0-60 mph: 5.8 sec.
Top Speed: 130 mph (limited)
Fuel Economy (EPA est.): 16 city/27 hwy
* Cost
Base Price: $40,700
Price as Equipped: $52,415
Destination charge: $825
Price increase credit: -$400
* Options
Audi drive select: $2,950; navigation system: $2,390; Technology package (rear parking sensors w/rearview camera, adaptive headlights, keyless start/stop, Audi side assist): $2,200; Premium package (garage door opener, Xenon plus headlamps, LED daytime running lamps, auto-dimming and manual folding side mirrors, heated front seats, driver seat memory): $1,900; Milano leather seats: $1,000; Bang & Olufsen premium sound: $850