First Look: 2010 Audi S5 Sportback

Audi has already unwrapped its shapely A5 Sportback, but the automaker is saving the more powerful version -- the S5 Sportback -- for the 2009 Frankfurt motor show. Like the forthcoming 2011 Audi S5 Cabriolet, the new S5 Sportback adopts a considerable amount of the powertrain featured in the new 2010 A4 sedan. The same supercharged 3.0-liter V-6 lies underhood, and is rated at 333 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. A seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and Audi's famed Quattro all-wheel-drive system are standard, although performance junkies may prefer to opt for the sports differential, which can transfer torque during cornering to reduce understeer. Audi expects to price the S5 Sportback at approximately €57,900 ($82,798), but like its A5 Sportback sibling, this model isn't destined for the North American market.