The S5 is high-powered version of Audi’s A5 sport coupe. Instead of the A5′s paltry-in-comparison 2.0T or 3.2-liter V6 engines, the S5 comes with a balls-to-the-wall 4.2-liter V8 that cranks out 354 hp / 325 lb-ft torque (3,500 rpm) – enough to get you from 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds in the 6-speed manual and 5.1 seconds with the Tiptronic transmission. The S5 Cabriolet gets a more fuel efficient (but less exhilarating) 3.0-liter supercharged V6 that puts out 333 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque and is only available with a 7-speed automated manual transmission. Sadly, the 2011 Audi S5 Coupe is getting the same powertrain. Buy the 2010 Coupe while you can, folks, it’s worth it.

Like its little brother A5, the S5 is equipped with upscale features like three-zone automatic climate control, an extra-large panoramic tilting roof, MMI operating logic, Audi’s third-generation MMI (new for 2010) with navigation, 3D map topography and SIRIUS® traffic.

Other advanced options include Audi Drive Select – varies the engine, transmission, steering, and suspension damping characteristics to suit the driver’s preferences, Audi Intelligent Key, Bluetooth hands-free telephone interface, HID headlamps with LED daytime running lights, an Audi Parking System with rearview camera, electromechanical parking brake, Audi’s Side Assist lane change assistant, Bang & Olufsen 505W 14-speaker sound system, your choice of either a 6-speed Manual transmission or 6-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission with steering wheel shift paddles and finally adaptive cruise control.

The Audi S5 has been widely considered one of the most beautiful cars on the road today. The S5′s designer, Walter de’Silva, said it was “the most beautiful car I have ever designed,” and he was right.

Latest Audi S5 News

• MTM Tunes the S4 and S5 Cabrio
• Audi Might be Keeping the 4.2-liter V8 After All