I test drove a 2015 RS5
 

Nice car, it’s a big GT cruiser but actually hid it’s weight pretty well. Really nice interior and the V8 sounded great. The dual clutch s tronic shifted nicely and in manual mode it was fast shifting, far faster than I could ever do with a clutch pedal.

I love Audi’s. The “R” are awesome cars.

I'm tempted to go get it but for they only offered up 44K for my 2009 911 and we have a pending federal shutdown, so I don't want to spend any money on big items. I thought I would miss a clutch in it, but it shifted so fast using the paddles it was great. In essence you trade a clutch pedal with your foot for a finger operated pedal. But you can keep it floored and flap away. It also smart enough to know as you come to a stop or slow down enough, it downshifts for you. Had 20 inch wheels too. It revs to 8400 rpm, a V8. So much like a 4 cylinder bike, it needs revs to make power. Audi spec TQ is 320 or so with HP at 450...I think they under rate them both. Its documented to do 0 to 60 in 3.8 seconds, spec is 4.2. Only worry I have is the carbon buildup issues, but this RS engine does not seem to suffer from that typical Audi FSI direct injection engine.

I bought my wife an 2014 S5 in June. I have the same concern over the carbon build up. I got the S model for the fuel economy and mamma didn't want the 8 lol. I don't drive it much but everything you said is true by my observation. The car is a lot quicker than it is rated for and drive like it is on rails for a car of its size.

Agree - most people who criticize these transmissions have never actually tried one.
After about 50 miles you'll wonder what all the fuss was about (although you'll still depress the non-existent clutch pedal with your left foot for a while, LOL).
Granted, the paddles take some of the skill requirement away (heel and toe is no longer an option), but the 370Z in 6-speed manual flavour has a button that does this also. Only difference is that you CAN defeat it on our cars, and you still always have to be clever with the clutch. The paddles let you focus more on driving, and the drive train will never skip a beat in putting power to the pavement. It's funny to watch drag racing videos where the lower-powered car is losing ground to the muscle car right up until the hood dips on Goliath while David sneaks right on past.

There is simply no way that anyone can out-shift a dual clutch automatic (or automated manual) with a 3-pedal car. Doesn't make one better or worse than the other. Just better at different things.

Nice car. Nothing special inside from what I hear (looks like any other Audi, but that isn't really a bad thing either). Not a 911 by any stretch, but far more practical than one, too.

Yes, I'm needing more room in a car to get my 83 year old mom around and get groceries and things like that. She destroyed her 2016 Subaru Legacy Spec R, and can't drive anymore. It's hard to get her around in the 911. I'm a bit peeved the dealership even sold her that car. So I want something still fun, but bigger. I hate BMW's so thats out. I might get an ATS-V. Just looking around...I don't trust the Panamera S, given the issues with the cam sprocket bolts breaking. Ford has nothing I want, maybe a GT350..Sort of looked at a Golf R, the Focus RS is a mess with blowing head gaskets. Don't want that problem.

Well, my 85 year old mum-in-law still drives a MINI Paceman S All4. I'm waiting for her to let me take it off her hands, but so far no luck! In other words, it is a fun car, has some space but still practical to park, easy enough to get in and out of, and used ones aren't too expensive. So far, it's been pretty easy to work on as well (small things like brakes). Would that appeal, or does it suffer from the BMW stigma?

Also I tote my 90 year old dad around in (formerly) his Honda Crosstour - the V6 AWD. Really a very sporty ride, that almost turns into a minivan when you pull 2 levers to flatten the back seats. It has lots of punch, a naturally aspirated engine, and Honda quality. Think of it as a pauper's Panamera. Can't really beat it with a stick!

So, both of these are elderly-approved options for your consideration.

Have you taken a Giulia out for a spin?
Nothing like a hot date with a sexy Italian mistress to quicken the pulse.
Just don't describe it that way to your mom. ;-)

I don’t trust Alphas. I’ve got a Panigale 1299S and one temperamental Italian vehicle in the family is enough. If I can get them to give me more for the 911 and we don’t have a shutdown I might get the RS5.

I am about to pull the trigger on ORDERING a TT RS. The only two mods I would be making would be wheels and the paddle shifter. I never thought I would be driving an Audi, but it is so fun in a different way than the Z. Plus it will be a tad bit better in the snow, and there are just a little more space. The interior is one of the best.

I understand completely. :tup:

Very nice. All weather, all the time fun sports-rocket! :tup:

Love the TT RS but the price is what kinda gets me for that you can get a Vette with that toxic V8 torque and sound though I realize the TT RS interior and AWD is light years ahead of the Chevy. Can't wait to see what the use market will be on TT RS in 2yrs. Perhaps they will be available in the mid to upper 40s.

I see the TT RS as more of an ultimate daily-driver and just this weekend I think I have found a path to keeping the Z and getting either a TT RS or a M240i xDrive. I do love the front-end of most models of the Audis though.

OMG, that green! I am guessing that this thing would hook up and go:

https://blog.caranddriver.com/cookin...hp-audi-rs5-r/

I was heavily considering an RS5. AWD, good conservative looks, high revving V8. After driving one I was underwhelmed. The steering was artificial and the V8 was quiet with no grunt. The car just does not pull at all.