Audi->ke14 has officially unveiled their new 2012 line-up for the A5->ke1188 and S5->ke2297 models, drawing some raised eyebrows for the subtle changes and powertrain tweaks featured.

As the high-performance option of the bunch, the new 2012 S5 Coupe is expected to attract buyers with performance numbers in mind. On that note, Audi went with something that might not be what people expected of the car. While there are some aesthetic changes done, the most significant change for the S5 Coupe is the choice of powertrain, or in this case, the 'downgrade' of powertrain under the car's hood. No longer will the S5 come with eight cylinders. Instead, the German automaker opted to use a 3.0-liter V6 TFSI powerplant that produces less horsepower than its predecessor.

All isn't lost, though, as Audi certainly worked themselves around the new engine, giving it equal performance numbers to the 2011 model while also improving the car's efficiency rating, something that's becoming increasingly important among buyers these days.

See...we told you all wasn't lost.

More details on the Audi S5 Coupe after the jump.

2012 Audi S5 Coupe

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2012 Audi S5 Coupe
  • Engine/Motor: 3.0-liter V6 TFSI engine
  • Horsepower: 333 horsepower
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The 2012 S5 Coupe isn't exactly a new-generation take on the A5 line, so we don't expect anything to be completely overhauled. Having said that, there are still plenty of changes on the 2012 model that differentiate it from its predecessor.

One of the most telling differences on the 2012 S5 is the newly designed set of lights on both the front and rear of the car, which now comes with more angles than the almost rectangular shape of the 2011 model. On top of that, the new lights configuration comes with homogenous LED daytime running lights that can be equipped with xenon plus technology as an added option. The subtle changes continue with a redefined glossy black upper grille, a new and slightly more contoured hood, larger air intakes on the bumper, and a set of 18" alloy wheels.

Interior

Even the car's interior, which generally speaking looks pretty much the same, has its own share of new items. Adding a dash of elegance and comfort to the car, Audi gave the interior a new steering wheel, new paint covers, revised center console buttons, bezels on the both the console and the instrument cluster, and white illumination on the car's display units.

Performance

Surprisingly, Audi did away with the old model's 4.2-liter V8 engine, instead opting for a slightly less powerful 3.0-liter TFSI engine. The numbers certainly speak for themselves as the former was capable of producing an output of 350 horsepower while the new engine only churns out 333 ponies. The flip side to this is that, with a less powerful engine, the 2012 S5 is more fuel efficient than its predecessor, consuming an average 20 percent less fuel per 100 kilometers (29.04 mpg) than the 2011 version. The 2012 S5 accomplishes this while still being able to produce impressive numbers, including a 0-62 mph time of 4.9 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.

Pricing

Unlike the 2012 A5 Coupe, the 2012 S5 Coupe still doesn't have a sticker price attached to it. So to give our best educated guess, the new S5 will probably have a price tag similar to the 2011 version, meaning a retail price of at least $50,000.

Competition

The new Audi S5 Coupe will once again be pitted with its German arch-rival, the BMW 335is. Despite the more efficient powertrain housed inside the 2012 S5, the curious thing is that it carries the same displacement and number of cylinders - 3.0-liter V6 - as that of the 335is.

The good thing about the 2012 S5 is that its version of the V6 carries more juice than its counterpart - 333 horsepower to 320 horsepower - while also covering the high-end 3-Series with a faster 'north-to-60' time of 4.9 seconds to 5.0 seconds and a higher top speed of 155 mph to 150 mph.

Pricing for both cars will depend on what type of model you get, but all in all, you wouldn't be splitting any hairs deciding on which one to buy when the car's price - roughly starting at $50,000 for both models - is the main factor.