A Manual V8 is my natural aspiration

"The Other DC" (daniellec)
06/02/2015 at 21:26 • Filed to: reviews, audi, manual, savethemanuals, car review

My interest in cars that go fast is totally democratic.

Formula E? Cool, the battery-powered open-wheel race series is new and full of innovation and is run by a ton of F1/IndyCar talent. Its caution laps are led by a sexy, hybrid BMW i8 safety car. The race noise is not much more than drivetrain whine and tires squealing over apexes.

Formula 1 – bring back the V8s, you globe-trotting masses who want to sell us the idea that the hybrid tech from 20 cars with limited in-season development will trickle down to the consumer level. Go ahead and give us back the spine-dissolving V10s, while you’re at it.

A good friend was looking to get a new car after his supercharged, V8, 510 hp Jaguar XJR, and at my suggestion, bought a Tesla P85D. The electric car that’s made domestically, the one with the “Insane Mode” that sleeps while its battery recharges overnight.

And my car of choice for the past two years: a red 2010 Audi S5. Let’s get this part out of the way for those of you who are thinking it: yes, it’s a manual V8, and yes, I’m a girl who loves boys. I adore it. So, I’m writing my first-ever car review about my S5.

This car feels like it has you, the driver, built in to its German design. The steering wheel is a taut, glossy leather, which after 60,000 miles has developed a surface that requires only the lightest touch to throw the quattro’s all-wheels-in-action stance around corners or up highway on ramps. The seat bolsters are just enough to offset g-forces as you plunge in to 3rd gear on a twisty drive. There’s no fake engine noises being pumped in to the speakers –windows up and you’ve got a silent, proper touring car, windows down and you want to drive through every tunnel and crevasse you’d risk taking this car into. The interior is spacious, has real back seats, layered with leather and carbon fiber accents, and has enough trunk space that I used it to move from one apartment to the next.

When you’re going along in 6th gear on highway 130, the 85mph tollway just East of Austin, a slight depression on the gas pedal will pull you from 90 to 100mph in the fastest, smoothest way you can imagine. Similar to a BMW, you’ll find yourself pushing triple digits without realizing it as the car is just that balanced for the driver. It’s for this reason I love having the stick shift over the paddle shifters as it feels like you truly have a connection to the car – as if the engineers are letting you disturb the balance of the car they’ve crafted, if you really want to.

For being a 6-year old car, the design still turns heads on a daily basis. The bright Audi red, that tornado line running from nose to tail, and the LED lights that inspired countless imitators are earning their way to being a timeless combination. With no modifications, the base model is enough to draw attention from Audi enthusiasts and I often get advice from dudes to never sell this car. I wouldn’t be surprised to see this car appreciate in value in the next 10-15 years. In fact, I moved closer to my workplace twice to justify the terribly inefficient fuel economy of this car (9mpg in the city).

For me, being able to walk to the garage and see this car every day, and after these years still get a smile on my face, is worth every trip to the fuel pump.

DISCUSSION (20)

jkm7680 > The Other DC
06/02/2015 at 21:32

Love the car! One of my favorite bodystyles to come out of Audi.

AM3R shamefully returns > The Other DC
06/02/2015 at 21:34

I kid you not, just an hour ago I was shopping for manual 3.2 A5’s.. I want one badly now, and you’ve made it a lot worse haha.

I'll be pushing my luck with an E90, W204, and an A5.

The Other DC > AM3R shamefully returns
06/02/2015 at 21:41

I think you should do it. DO IT. The internet just told you so.

jdrgoat - Ponticrack? > The Other DC
06/02/2015 at 22:22

Kinja'd!!!

I remember lusting after these when they were still the fresh new kid on the block. I really couldn’t, and still can’t, understand why it’s practically the only V8, manual, awd, coupe, with real back seats. The only one. Maybe I still want one.

That said, I do believe your car and my car are both nearly conceived from the same desire. And, strangely, my 1.5L larger engine does better on the fuel.

Also, puppy because awesome passengers.

Opposite Locksmith > The Other DC
06/02/2015 at 23:21

I love highway 130 in my WRX!

CAcoalminer > The Other DC
06/03/2015 at 00:21

Do you by chance reside in Austin?

AM3R shamefully returns > The Other DC
06/03/2015 at 08:13

There is a nice manual 2009 3.2 S-line with the nice Alcantra seats at my local BMW dealer, saw it last time I was there. Asking price of $19,999 with 95k on it. These hold value!

The Other DC > AM3R shamefully returns
06/03/2015 at 08:57

Hm that’s not bad. I have to say the Alcantra seats were a huse selling point to me, especially in super hot Texas sun. They’ve shown almost no wear, even after having a dog on the seat 3-8x/week. I always use a seat cover but sometimes it slips off. No damage!

The Other DC > CAcoalminer
06/03/2015 at 08:58

Yes I do.

Discerning > The Other DC
06/03/2015 at 09:01

I had the pleasure of driving an RS5 right after they were released in US. It’s a shame they don’t make that car in a manual.

I was also disappointed with the performance. The car did not feel nearly as quick as an E92 M3.

AM3R shamefully returns > The Other DC
06/03/2015 at 09:53

That's pretty promising! I really like the interior with the Alcantra seats. If I can just find one with about half the miles.... I don't plan on holding on to the C300 for too long (the Benz is a little bit too soft but it is growing on me) and I feel like this would be a good middle ground.. A little more comfortable than the BMW but not too soft to enjoy.

TJDMAX > The Other DC
06/03/2015 at 10:53

Love the car and love the engine! The 4.2L In this car has had the dreaded cam timing chain issue from the B6 S4’s resolved yea? At least I sure hope it has. Love the dog in the seat too. I have a 2014 S4 (miss the V8 noise...) and i let my dog in the back seat on occasion after i put towels and a dog hammock cover and door protectors in...But i know people who wouldn’t ever consider letting a dog in their car. So its nice to see you aren’t one of those people!

The Other DC > TJDMAX
06/03/2015 at 11:38

The main thing I’m worried about is the carbon buildup. I hear that’s expensive to take care of, but so far I’ve been keeping it well-maintained. The entire transmission was replaced shortly after I bought the car (thank you Certified Pre-Owned Warranty) and it’s been running beautifully since then. So far, the only out of pocket expense has been the annual maintenance and next it’s brakes and bushings.
Yes, the car is well-protected from Dog, aside from a few hairs and nose-marks on the window. Otherwise, she’s a pretty chill cruising friend who doesn’t mind wearing her seatbelt.