2012 Audi S5 European Version Gets Some New Stying Cues
Audi recently announced a long list of mid-cycle updates for its new 2012 Audi S5 and A5 models. Along with some new styling cues (which do seem to take away from some of the coupe’s aggressive good looks), perhaps the biggest changes came under the 2012 Audi S5 hood.
Audi has now confirmed, however, that none of the updates will appear on Audi S5 2012 model year cars in the U.S. – only in Europe. This can be seen as both good news and bad news. Anyone thinking of buying a Audi S5 or A5 2012 model can now see into the Audi future vehicles and decide if they prefer the current design or the one that’s coming.
The good news, however, is that the 2012 Audi S5 Coupe will carry on with the 4.2-liter V8 for at least one more year, rather than getting the 333-hp supercharged six currently offered in the Cabriolet. Unfortunately this means we won’t get the new 2012 Audi A5 3.2 TFSI Supercharged V6 making 272-hp as an optional engine in the A5. The stay of execution for the 2012 Audi S5 V8 may only be temporary, however, as the car is likely to receive the 2012 Euro-spec updates for 2013.
The European Specs
Audi’s stylish A5 range is in store for a very mild face lift, with the first prototypes for the new Audi S5 variant spotted today running laps at the famous Nurburgring circuit in Germany. Looking at the S5 Audi 2012 pictures shots, one would easily think this 2012 Audi S5 is just a regular S5 but look more closely and several new subtle details are revealed.
We can clearly see a new set of tail lights with LED detailing similar to the units fitted to the more upscale A7 Sportback. The detailing especially becomes apparent in the image where the new Audi S5 brakes are applied. The front of the Audi S5 2012 also has some minor styling changes, noticeable in the indicator elements installed in the head lights.
With standard Quattro all-wheel drive the Audi S5 2012 will hit 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds and with V8 power there’s no need to stop there. If you prefer your German coupe excitement with a touch of purist nostalgia, Audi will even equip the new Audi S5 with a 6-speed manual transmission. True, few will ever order it so, but it’s a nod to the enthusiasts and it might keep a few bums out of M3 seats. It’s not the best slick-and-pedal combo on the market, with a rather long clutch, but the joy of rowing your own gears on a naturally aspirated V8 is worth this small trade off.
The optional transmission for the new Audi S5 Coupe 2012 is a traditional 6-speed automatic, a carry-over from a past generation of Audi cars. There’s nothing inherently wrong with the box; it’s just that if you ordered-up a 2012 Audi S5 Cabriolet, there’s the choice of a 7-speed DSG unit, a perfect no-compromise option that delivers lightning quick gear shifts and a solid amount of emotion, as well as the practicality to keep the most subdued driver happy during a daily commute. The 2012 Audi S5 Coupe competitors are Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport, Ford Shelby GT500, and Porsche Cayman S.
