autos sport

Last time we checked (as in a few minutes ago on the UK, US and German sites), the S5 Coupe continues to use Audi's venerable 4.2-liter V8 with 354HP, while the S5 Convertible comes with a 333HP 3.0-liter supercharged V6. Nevertheless, APS, the UK-based importer of the Swiss tuning brand Sportec, has released a performance upgrade for the S5 Coupe and Convertible with the... 3.0 TSI V6.

In any case, labeled "Stage One", the Swiss tuner's performance package for Audi's 3.0 TSI V6 consists of a free flowing air filter element and an ECU remap. While it doesn't sound like much, it manages to squeeze another 97-horsepower out of the S5's (convertible) 3.0-liter V6 unit, boosting total output from 328 bhp and 440 Nm (325 lb.ft) to an RS5-rivaling 425 bhp at 6,640 rpm and 520 Nm (379 lb.ft) at 4,250 rpm.

Sportec says the upgrade trims 0-62mph (100km/h) acceleration by 0.5 seconds to 4.6 seconds (same as RS5 Coupe) while top speed is electronically limited at 155 mph (250km/h).

The Stage One upgrade is available now in the UK from APS Sportec priced at £1,950 fitted including VAT.

Few would call the new Porsche Panamera Turbo a slouch in the horsepower department, but if you happen to be one them, you may want to take a look at the new performance enhancement program from APS, the UK importer of the Swiss tuning firm Sportec.

Buyers can start off with the Stage One conversion that uses a reprogrammed ECU with optimized settings for fueling, ignition and turbo boost parameters to bump the V8's output from a quoted 493bhp and 516 lb-ft, to a dyno proven 560bhp at 6,150 rpm and 576 lb-ft (790 Nm) of torque at 3,340 rpm.

With this kit, the German sports saloon can sprint to 100km/h (62mph) in 3.9 seconds, a 0.3 seconds improvement over the standard model, while top speed is electronically limited to 195mph (315km/h). The ECU upgrade is priced at £,2900 fitted and including tax.

If that's not enough, Sportec has developed a Stage Two package. Along with the recalibrated ECU, the kit adds of a cat back stainless steel sports exhaust system featuring quad 90mm tail pipes and a pair of 'sound throttles' that allow the driver to adjust the sound levels using a supplied remote control.

In this case, power is kicked up to 575 bhp at 5,800 rpm and 598 lb-ft 820 Nm (820 Nm) between 3,000-4,250 rpm. The tuner claims 0-100km/h (62mph) acceleration takes 3.8 seconds, while top speed is once again limited to 195mph (315km/h). This package will set you back £7,990.

The company also offers a variety of other upgrades including 22 inch forged alloy wheels, suspension and braking systems, as well as cosmetic enhancements.