Audi changed the game in 2008 with the introduction of the S5 sport coupe. The A5 followed after release, this was a strategy to introduce their best offering in the line-up before selling the more affordable and efficient A5. It’s no secret the models found success in most markets, and brought a luxury two-door back to Audi after nearly a decade. Since then, and with the second generation almost at the end of its production run, the A5 remains one of Audi’s most beautiful offerings.
Enter the Audi S5 Sportback, an unassuming and understated powerhouse. With its 3.0T V6 pushing a stated 349hp, and interior appointments falling not too far behind its big sister S7, Audi again successfully brought to market a unique & fun midsize 4-door. Like the A7 models, the inspiration is clearly drawn from the Audi 100 Coupe. Not quite like it, but in similar fashion to the 8V RS3, Audi again introduced a car capable of far more than the advertised product. The B9 generation has seen some intense development since the ECU was unlocked. Drag strips and forums no longer lack the more common and affordable Audis, the RS3 may by king but the B9’s S-model offerings have become commonplace.
The road-course tracks are now the target. Since our acquisition of the 2023 S5 painted in District Green, the car has not only seen on average a track-day per month, it has continually received bolt-on improvements to make use as fun as it is still daily-friendly. Where the A4 saw the whole nine and eventually became a track-only toy, the S5 has received only the most essential upgrades to ensure daily drivability and effective use on track. Without touching power or emissions, with the tried and tested offerings of 034Motorsport, we’ve made a 3,900LB pig dance around a circuit, gracefully. Driven exclusively by Sabrina, the car continues to put a smile on her face both on and off track, after all a commute back from work is tough not to enjoy when you have the weirdest standard feature given with a sporty bucket seat, the massage function. The S5 will continue to tour southern California tracks and be enjoyed as long as we have it. Other than not paying attention to the options we selected when ordering, the only bit of the car we weren’t happy with was the inclusion of 20” wheels with the Black Optic package. While stylish, it’s not the ideal choice for track use. That problem was solved with a set of 18” wheels wrapped in Bridgestone’s new RE71 RS tire.
List of modifications:
- 034Motorsport Track Sway Bar Kit
- 034Motorsport Track-Spec Front Upper Adjustable Control Arms
- 034Motorsport Spherical End Links Front & Rear
- 034Motorsport Dynamic+ Springs
- 034Motorsport Density Transmission Mount & Transmission Mount Insert
- Castrol SRF Brake Fluid (one of the MOST important changes you can make for track use)
- APR A01 Flow Formed Wheels 18x9 in Satin Black
- Bridgestone RE71 RS Tires
*Disclaimer: While we stand behind everything we do with the car, consider there will be noticeable noise, vibrations, and harshness when making so many changes to the chassis & suspension.