Diesel Thunderbolt: MTM Audi A5 V6 TDI

German tuning firm MTM have worked their own brand of Vorsprung durch Technik over Audi's new A5 coupe, bringing the 3.0-litre V6 diesel A5 into the ranks of the range-topping S5 model, while remaining firmly afoot but subtly more rugged in the styling stakes.

But its understated design more than does justice to the advanced engineering that lies beneath. The front grille comes courtesy of its nearest range rival, the S5, while combined with the new lower bumper surround and chrome four-pipe exhausts at the rear, all leave few clues as to its treatment.

Despite remaining 50 hp short of the S5, the MTM A5 'Thunderbolt' beat its range-topping sibling by a clear second on the Hockenheim ring. Power is hiked from 240 hp / 176 kW on the standard 3.0-litre TDi model to 300 hp / 221 kW and peak torque is increased by 50 Nm to 550 Nm. Faster lap times aside, the MTM A5 achieves a top speed of 265 kph, an increase of 15 kph over the production model, and a 0-100 kph acceleration time of 5.9 seconds.

For those wanting a suspension somewhat more capable on the winding roads of Europe, MTM offer a 'perfectly tuned' coilover suspension system, which MTM insist will have customers actively seeking out the backroads for their sheer thrill. But it's not just the A5's capability to handle on the tarmac that should impress. High-performance brakes are paramount for such a car, with MTM reminding us how 'races are won on brakes'.

To improve both grip and feel, the MTM A5 is equipped with custom-designed semi-perforated brake discs, which avoid the cracks that come with fully-perforated discs after extended use. Greater safety is of course as important a consequence, with the MTM Audi A5 stopping from 100km/h in just 35 metres.

Press Release

MTM Audi A5 V6 TDI

• Power hiked to between 292 and 300bhp and torque to 550Nm (3.0 V6 TDI)
• Vmax up to 265km/h, acceleration to 100kph in 5.9s
• 4-tailpipe rear muffler
• Larger brake system for stronger deceleration
• Coilover suspension and adjusted axle geometry.

MTM prefers the subtle art of visual understatement and maximum impact from the engineering within. With the Audi A5 3.0 V6 TDi, the technicians at Wettstetten have produced a tough rival for the near peerless S5. Independently tested at Hockenheim, MTM's Thunderbolt smashed the S5 lap time by a clear second!

Diesel Jet?

Even with 50bhp less than the S5, the MTM-tuned 3.0 TDi with its 300bhp/221kW performance hike is a true driver's (standard series model: 240bhp/176kW). Peak torque of 550Nm, compared to the 500Nm standard model, gives real low-down thrust that takes this rocket to 265km/h, 15km/h faster than the standard car. The MTM A5 sprints from 0-100km/h to 5.9s.

The power enhancement comes through a full 3D software revision that optimises the engine map. A further boost in performance is provided by the MTM 4-pipe rear muffler that is acoustically tuned for the most aggressive engine note. Without any exhaust modifications, the MTM 3.0 TDI is still good for 292bhp/215kW.

MTM optimises the A5 featuring its consistent understated look.
A S5 radiator grille as well as a rear lower bumper portion combines with 4-pipe rear muffler providing the MTM A5 with a raised eyebrow look instantly leaving an impression of more steam under the hood.

You cannot call Audi's standard suspension uncompromisingly sporting, but MTM provides the answer for the winding road. Their diesel thunderbolt, as with all A5 variations, can be equipped with a perfectly tuned coilover suspension which, through altered axle geometry, has a higher camber value. This makes the sizeable saloon feel so much lighter customers will root out the backroad for the sheer thrill. With precise steering and a new level of agility, the S5 retains its characteristic neutral handling.

"Races are won on brakes"

Power upgrades without adequate braking is an irresponsible approach and so MTM offers specifically designed braking systems for all performance classes.

In the case of the A5, MTM improved deceleration with an 8-piston fixed calipers and 380x34mm semi-perforated brake discs to improve grip and feel. After all, as the saying goes, "races are won on brakes." Every package contains steel flex brake lines as well as every attachment part. Equipped with these brakes, the MTM Audi A5 can stop from 100km/h in just 35 metres.

The special semi-perforated brake discs are a custom-designed product manufactured for MTM. The unique element for these discs are the semi-perforations that do not go completely through the discs. They lend not only optical characteristics of a completely perforated-through disc, but avoid the cracks that can follow extended use of fully perforated discs.

With regards to wheels, MTM crowns all with its own creation "bimoto".  These spectacular features come in finishes  "shiny silver", "titanium" and "diamond cut". MTM offers "bimoto" for the A5 among others in the size 10,5x21", as complete wheel set with tires in the dimensions 295/25ZR21.

MTM does not just do off-the-shelf kits, either, and can offer individual modifications to grant any special wish.

Further information to the complete technical program from MTM for the Audi-Volkswagen vehicles, can be located on website www.MTM-online.de or dial 049-841-98188-88.