Audi S5 Sportback

Despite an uninspired powertrain, the S5 Sportback delivers. The electronic dampers are well-judged, even in the sportiest setting. Audi’s venerated quattro all-wheel drive system, employing a 40/60 front-rear power split via mechanical center differential, comes standard. On-throttle stability is excellent mid-corner, and the 245-section summer performance front tires, courtesy of Continental, offer huge turn-in bite. The steering isn’t much for feedback, but it’s direct enough and, mercifully, leaves off the silly artificial weight common to modern German racks.

Also, the brakes are tremendous. Audi estimates the S5 Sportback’s 60-0 mph stopping distance is “sub-110 feet,” on par with the last Porsche 911 Carrera 4S this magazine tested. That seems believable, and the robust front hardware (six-piston fixed calipers, 13.8-inch vented rotors) held up to repeated, back-to-back panic stops and considerable backroad pounding. These stoppers are circuit-ready.Read more at www.oktilli.com