Frankfurt 2009: Audi S5 Sportback

It's sad, but it seems that Audi has finally figured out how to make a proper Saab. What am I talking about?  Alright, if I told you that there was this really nicely equipped car with four doors and a visible hatchback, tons of grip, lots of safety equipment, refined and modern design, and an engine that combines tons of power with surprising fuel economy...  You'd probably think it was a Saab.

But sadly, this is the real world, and modern Saabs continue to disappoint.  Hey, something had to take the spiritual place of the 9000 Aero.  I suppose I'm fine with the fact that it's an Audi.  And why am I whining, then?  Well, mainly because Audi hasn't see fit to stamp "export to USA" on the S5 Sportback.  But it's a marvelous vehicle nonetheless.

We've talked extensively about the A5 Sportback here on CarThrottle in the past.  While I'm still not sure where it sits in Audi's lineup (slightly bigger but probably less useful than an A4 Avant, smaller and definetely less useful than an A6 Avant, but spacious and useful compared to the Q5, but... you get the point) I certainly see the appeal of the design.  Now Audi's added some serious horsepower to the mix, and I'm interested.

The engine is the same under the hood of the new S4, S5 Cabriolet, and the A6 3.0T.  It's the 3.0L V6 topped with a supercharger huffing up to 0.8bar of pressure (which is why that "T" at the end of "3.0T" makes so much sense), direct fuel injection, and twin air-to-air intercoolers, which spits out 333bhp and 324lb-ft of torque.  It's the same combination of powerful acceleration and surprising fuel economy that makes the S4 such a winner - in this case, the S5 Sportback does 0-100km/h in 5.4 seconds while managing a combined 24mpg rating.

All S5 Sportbacks will come standard with Quattro AWD as well as a 7-speed S-Tronic (DSG to you and me) transmission.  Audi's trick torque-vectoring Sport Differential is optional, and you know you want it.  18" wheels are standard, but you can bling up your S5 Sportback with some 20" if you like increased unsprung mass.  Inside, it's business as usual for Audi:  high-quality materials, attractive and intelligent design, lots of leather, and lots of stainless steel.

The S5 Sportback goes on sale first quarter of 2010 with a starting price of €57,900.  Fast, practical, or affordable - I guess it's still "pick two."  Or for Americans, in this case, it's "pick none."  Thanks a lot, Audi.