2012 Audi S5

While the Cabriolet gets Audi’s new supercharged V6 the Coupe continues to make use of a less-modern, yet infinitely better, V8. Displacing 4.2-liters it produces 354-hp all the way up at 7000 rpm, with 325 lb-ft of torque at 3500 rpm, delivering an excellent balance of low-end grunt and naturally aspirated rev-happy motoring. It also sounds the part with a raspy growl outside, and a whoosh (perhaps too subdued) in the cabin.

For those who don’t go the manual transmission route, we’re sorry. And not just because of what they’re missing out on, but because of what they’re stuck with. The optional transmission for the S5 Coupe 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 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.

Putting power down is no problem at all thanks to the standard quattro AWD, not to mention the Sport Differential, which comes included in the optional Audi Drive Select package ($3,950). The diff means that not only is power sent front to rear in the quattro system, but also left to right in the rear. Spinning the outside tire faster and slowing the speed of the inside tire, it helps the car track closer to the direction of the front tires, eliminating much of the understeer – a trait Audis have become known for. Diving into a corner with plenty of speed the S5 can feel a bit unsettled, but apply the throttle just as you expect it to start pushing and the ideal distribution of power between all four tires pulls the car out of the turn with grip-filled confidence.

Starting at $53,000 for the Premium Plus model, the optional Prestige version is almost a given, even if it will set you back a significant $5,900. Included in that are several items you’d expect on a car of this level, like keyless access with a start/stop button, plus you get a memory seat, navigation and a backup camera with sensors. And if there’s any doubt in your mind about the package, just turn up the speakers on the Bang & Olufsen audio system (also a $850 stand alone option) and any such thoughts will be blasted clear out of your head with excessive levels of concert-quality audio.