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The Audi S5 is a unique competitor among high-performance coupes, thanks to its combination of V8 FSI technology and quattro permanent four-wheel drive. The eight-cylinder engine with its superb power delivery has worthy counterparts in the specially tuned sports suspension and high-performance brakes. Subtle, but clear design elements inside and out serve to distinguish this coupe as a high performance athlete in a league of its own. The Audi S5 goes on sale with the launch of the Audi A5 series.

Engine and running gear: Fascination no figures can express

The figures alone are fascinating enough, but they only hint at the impressive driving experience the S5 offers. The eight-cylinder engine has a rated power output of 260 kW (354 bhp). Its peak torque is 440 Nm, which it already delivers at 3,500 rpm. Within just 5.1 seconds the Audi S5 can sprint to 100 km/h. But no figures can adequately describe the supreme free-revving character, the spontaneous response, the continuous power build-up, or the thrilling sound of this eight-cylinder engine. The V8 naturally derives its enormous power potential from the innovative FSI direct injection technology with high compression and optimum fuel mixture formation.

The six-speed manual gearbox with its very precise guiding of the gear lever and short throw action makes every gear change a pleasure. The quattro permanent four-wheel drive of course provides perfect traction with variable torque distribution from its basic setting of 40 percent to the front and 60 percent to the rear axle. Within a fraction of a second, the dynamic drivetrain system adapts to the current driving conditions and constantly delivers the ideal distribution of drive torque.

The Audi S5’s sports suspension is tuned to enhance the coupe’s performance with particularly dynamic handling. The special high-performance brakes, recognisable by their black painted brake calipers, always ensure precise deceleration. And finally, the ESP electronic stabilisation programme can be deactivated in two stages whenever the driver wishes to exploit the potential of the Audi S5 to the full on a suitable stretch of road.

Design and interiors: Sporty aesthetics with clear functionality

While the design of the Audi A5 forms a balanced synthesis of sportiness and elegance, the Audi S5 displays the more vigorous features of a powerfully built athlete: the radiator grille possesses the specific look of an Audi S model – painted in platinum grey and fitted with vertical chrome inlays. The front and rear bumpers have a more pronounced outline and the air inlet grilles are more striking. The aluminium-look exterior mirror housings make an overtly sporty impression, as do the colour-keyed door sill trim and the dual-branch exhaust system with four oval tailpipes. Nevertheless, the model’s sporty attributes always have a functional aspect: for instance, the more pronounced spoiler in the boot lid yields additional aerodynamic downforce.

However, true strength comes from within and the interior design of the Audi A5 thoroughly underscores its athletic character. The sports seats, sports steering wheel, instruments with grey dials and aluminium door sill plates provide a dynamic and refined atmosphere. The programme does, of course, provide ample scope to fulfil individual interior design wishes: the inlays are one example – here the choice is between carbon, aluminium, stainless steel or wood. After all, the Audi S5 should perfectly match its owner’s individual ideas and expectations.

Alongside the coupe’s 18-inch wheels with the new S design and 245/40 R 18 tyres, the standard equipment specification for the S5 features items such as xenon plus headlights with impressive daytime running lights in the form of an LED light strip, or sports seats with electronic adjustment.

With its 2001 TechArt GTstreet based on the Porsche 911 Turbo of the 996 model series, TechArt Automobildesign created one of the fastest and most powerful street-legal sports cars of its time. The next evolutionary stage of this fascinating concept celebrates its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show 2007: The new TechArt GTstreet based on the 911 Turbo of the latest 997 series.

Like the predecessor the new GTstreet edition centers on a powerful engine: The 3.6-liter twin-turbo flat engine is modified by the TechArt engine specialists and now develops 630 hp / 463 kW at 6,800 rpm, up from standard 480 hp / 353 kW. Peak torque increases from 620 Nm to 820 Nm at 4,500 rpm.

Thus equipped the TechArt GTstreet delivers performance that firmly places it among the world’s fastest sports cars: 0 – 100 km/h in just 3.2 seconds, 200 km/h after just 10.9 seconds and a top speed of 345 km/h speak volumes.

The body kit for the TechArt GTstreet was created in the wind tunnel, and offers an optimal symbiosis of aerodynamic downforce, minimized drag and striking design.

Skoda Unleashes Special Edition Fabia vRS

To celebrate the fourth and final year of one of the UK’s best-loved diesel pocket rockets, Skoda has produced 1,000 Special Edition vRS’ featuring individually numbered black leather seats, sporty red callipers and Race Blue metallic paint – the only colour available and the first time it’s been offered on Fabia.

In addition to this – and the impressive spec already offered on vRS models – the Special Edition also benefits from cruise control, ‘sunset’ glass and a six-disc CD changer. You can even choose the number you want on your seats (001-1,000). However, this is on a first come first served basis.

Prices for the limited run start at ?12,990 (standard vRS’ cost ?12,375). Not only does this compare favourably to similar models from rival manufacturers, but it also represents outstanding value when you consider that the extra equipment included would otherwise cost over ?2,000.

Buyers will still find the highly-acclaimed 1.9 TDI engine with its 130bhp and 310Nm of torque under the bonnet. The plucky powerplant not only dispatches the sprint to 62mph in 9.5 seconds on its way to a 128mph top speed, but is also capable of returning over 64mpg on the extra urban cycle.

Nearly 11,000 Fabia vRS’ have been sold in the UK since the sporty model’s introduction back in 2003. Now in its final year, the frugal yet feisty favourite will be phased out during 2007.

The all-new Fabia hatchback goes on sale in May with the new vRS derivative expected sometime in 2008.

The new Maserati GranTurismo, styled by Pininfarina, will make its worldwide debut at the Geneva Motorshow.

The Maserati GranTurismo is a muscular and sporty car, that can be enjoyed every day and at the same time is engaging for the driver. Its excellent handling and sportiveness make it a point of reference in its category. The Maserati GranTurismo is built with particular attention to comfort, choice of materials and details and with enough room for four people, as only Maserati can do.

The new Maserati GranTurismo is a high-performance sports car, exciting to drive with a 4.2 litre V8 engine, delivering 405 HP, and a weight distribution of 49% at the front and 51% at the rear. It is fitted with an automatic gearbox and equipped with an adaptive control system which adjusts the gear-shifting mode to the driving style and the driving conditions.

Maserati’s tradition of the Gran Turismo concept dates back to 1947 when the Trident Company, following its clients’ demand, unveiled at the Geneva Motorshow its first Gran Turismo, the A6, designed by the great Pinin Farina. It was the first Maserati road car and was produced in 58 units. The car was acclaimed by the automotive press for its advanced technical content and for its avant-garde style solutions.

The new model name – Maserati GranTurismo – is not incidental. Once again, the partnership between Maserati and Pininfarina gives birth to a car that is able to generate emotions and sets itself apart from competitors, due to the technique with which it is built and its unique style.

The new Maserati GranTurismo represents a further step towards the completion of the Trident product range, following the worldwide launch of the Quattroporte Automatic at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Aston Martin has announced two exciting developments for both new and existing customers of the company’s flagship Vanquish S.

Just 40 examples of a new Vanquish S Ultimate Edition will be handcrafted at the company’s Newport Pagnell production facility in Buckinghamshire. The model represents a luxurious and unique limited edition befitting the Vanquish S’s status as the ultimate Aston Martin and also celebrates the skilled craftsmanship of the team working at Newport Pagnell.

The Ultimate Edition will be available by special request to customers wishing to celebrate the last of a significant car in Aston Martin’s history. Initial feedback suggests the whole allocation of this special edition will be sold within weeks of launch.

The Ultimate Edition centres on changes to the Vanquish S’s renowned colour and trim. On the exterior, these changes include a unique ‘Ultimate Black’ – a striking new colour which will only be available with this car. Inside, the Vanquish S cabin is trimmed in a semi-aniline leather, with coarse stitching, leather headlining and black chrome finish interior fittings. Each car will also be fitted with personalised sill plaques denoting the limited edition number.

The Vanquish S Ultimate Edition retains all performance capabilities of the standard Vanquish S – and accordingly its position as the fastest ever production Aston Martin, capable of a top speed in excess of 200mph (321km/h). No additional charge will be made for the Ultimate Edition, available only with the 2+2 seating arrangement, priced at ?182,095.

For existing Vanquish customers, Aston Martin’s world renowned Works Service department are to offer a new transmission conversion for owners of the company’s flagship model, adding to their reputation for an unparalleled level of personalisation.

Serving as a further example of the depth of bespoke services available via Works Service, existing Vanquish owners will now be able to order a transmission conversion from the car’s existing Auto Shift Manual (ASM) system, to a conventional stick-shift manual.

Working in conjunction with the company’s Special Vehicles Operations team from Gaydon, Works Service has developed the system over the last 12 months, before previewing the conversion to selected Vanquish customers.

Kingsley Riding-Felce, Director, Customer Care and Works Service, said: “This project underlines our commitment to adapting to customer requests, whether they are for Aston Martins from the past or modern cars such as the Vanquish S.”

Since its launch in 2001, the Vanquish has been equipped with fingertip controlled, Formula 1-style paddles which enables almost imperceptible gear changes in under 250 milliseconds. Advanced electronics also permit the close ratio six speed manual transmission to be programmed to operate automatically.

Drivers with a preference for a conventional stick-shift transmission will now have the option of this new Works Service-only modification which is available to order immediately, with prices commencing from ?13,250 (+ VAT). 

Established as a modern classic, the Vanquish’s muscular 2+2 epitomises Aston Martin’s core values of power, beauty and soul. It is the ultimate sports car for the discerning owner. Since its launch, the Vanquish has proved to be a huge success for Aston Martin with over 2000 cars delivered to customers around the world. In 2002 the Vanquish graced the screens of millions, starring alongside 007 in the James Bond film ‘Die Another Day.’

Located at Newport Pagnell in Buckinghamshire, Aston Martin Works Service offers a factory-backed workshop with the experience necessary to care for any Aston Martin or Lagonda with unparalleled skill and attention to detail. With more than 40 years experience, the Works Service team offers accident repair, servicing, maintenance and even full restoration capabilities to Aston Martin and Lagonda owners. In 2006 more than 2000 customers called upon Works Service expertise, a number which is expected to be surpassed again in 2007.