Top Speed limited to 130MPH (U.S)

[Da9RsIntegra]

So, I finally went down to Audi to meet the salesperson who I've been speaking about ordering, he gave me the brochure for the A5/S5 and while reading it I saw that it said the U.S. top speed is limited to 130MPH, kind of a bummer. Looks like some VAG tuning is in order (eventually)

[A4_Mike]

I thought the German manufacturers decided upon 155 mph being the universal limit. Or is that only in Europe? [confused]

[RealSanaii]

Most German cars without the "performance package" or "sport package" will be 130 mph.

[Tiesto]

Most German cars without the "performance package" or "sport package" will be 130 mph.

So unless you pay more for the sport options they won't let your capable motor reach 155 like they can? Not cool.

[2003WhiteSVT]

It's for the high horsepower cars (S4/RS4/M Power/AMG models etc.) Besides the R8, the only real german road car that isn't limited to 155 is the Porsches... A4s, A3s, TTs, 3-series BMWs, lower line benzo's are all 130 or really close to it.

[QuaTTrings]

155 is the limit. Picture below (is) U.S. Spec
(BTW, the reason it is hitting 163 MPH is due to regulations that all speedometers be slightly optimistic. Still don't know any place in the U.S. that we will get to test this much if at all... (legally)

http://www.shareyourpix.com/inc/i_importimage.aspx?u=356&a=580&i=9554&w=600&h=337


So, I finally went down to Audi to meet the salesperson who I've been speaking about ordering, he gave me the brochure for the A5/S5 and while reading it I saw that it said the U.S. top speed is limited to 130MPH, kind of a bummer. Looks like some VAG tuning is in order (eventually)

[Greeney]

No big deal, I cant go over 80 in NY anyway haha.

[QuaTTrings]

The owner of that picture reportedly mentioned that this S5 (U.S. spec car) has had the speed limiter removed.

As expected, most cars will not go past 130mph. Not sure what "most" refers to though but it would be safe to say that it's the majority...

[duffman1101]

as though any of us would have a real use for a 130+ limit on US roads...

[marty was here]

is this because of tires? only reason i could think of limiting the A5/S5 to 130

[Tiesto]

as though any of us would have a real use for a 130+ limit on US roads...

Why buy cars with V8+ engine's if you're not gonna make good use of em?

[zxsuxr]

Why buy cars with V8+ engine's if you're not gonna make good use of em?

Where can you legally make use of 155MPH? Even on the track there aren't straight aways that an average car can reach 155! Maybe if you were an idiot and lived in Montana you can kill yourself attempting to reach 155mph without anyone caring.[down]

[2003WhiteSVT]

there are plenty of freeways and highways to go that fast if you wanted to

[4-tified]

155 is the limit. Picture below (is) U.S. Spec
(BTW, the reason it is hitting 163 MPH is due to regulations that all speedometers be slightly optimistic. Still don't know any place in the U.S. that we will get to test this much if at all... (legally)



There is no "regulation" that speedometers be optimistic, in the US anyway.
If you have proof to your claim please post.
This "optimistic" claim is myth along with the myth that manufacturers don't want to be liable so they make the speedo read faster to keep you going slower.

The regulation is for accuracy, with allowance for variability.

[Cargo8]

generally the manufactrers do 130 because of the tires. for example, in the bmw 3 series, the non-sport package has different wheels and tires, the tires are rated lower and cannot handle the hih speeds. when the sport package is bought, the tires and wheels are different, the tires being rated higher, the manufacturer raises the speed limiter of these cars to 155, instead of 130. does audi do sport package though? i'm pretty sure not on the s4 and rs4. or maybe the "s" and "rs" have 155, and the a5 has 130?

[QuaTTrings]

Apparently a new Federal law was passed in the late nineties that allows for up to a 5% deviation from the actual speed. Manufacturers are much more likely to have speedometers that display a higher speed than actual, rather than a speed that is actually slower than what is displayed. There is more information on this on the NHTSA site as well as Deparment of Motor Vehicle websites. IMO it is unlikely that the S5 posted above was "actually" doing 163 mph unless on a grade or with a tailwind. The limitation for the S5 in Germany is 155mph


There is no "regulation" that speedometers be optimistic, in the US anyway.
If you have proof to your claim please post.
This "optimistic" claim is myth along with the myth that manufacturers don't want to be liable so they make the speedo read faster to keep you going slower.

The regulation is for accuracy, with allowance for variability.

[4-tified]

Apparently a new Federal law was passed in the late nineties that allows for up to a 5% deviation from the actual speed. Manufacturers are much more likely to have speedometers that display a higher speed than actual, rather than a speed that is actually slower than what is displayed. There is more information on this on the NHTSA site as well as Deparment of Motor Vehicle websites. IMO it is unlikely that the S5 posted above was "actually" doing 163 mph unless on a grade or with a tailwind. The limitation for the S5 in Germany is 155mph

Yes, I am aware of the law, that's why I corrected your claim that the law mandates a higher speedometer reading than actual speed.
As I wrote, the law asks for accuracy with allowance for variance.

The deviation is to allow for manufacturing variance.
The law is for accuracy not for higher than actual. Under the law a speedo can also read lower than actual as long as it is within the deviation spec. Manufacturers are likely to comply with the law, but they do not make the speedo read higher for any other reason.

[QuaTTrings]

Yes I understand that. There are many different factors that could impact the final vehicle speed, including variances in tire pressure, tire diameter, drag (aerodynamics), barometric pressure, differences in vehicle load (weight), other atmostpheric conditions, grade, and temperature. What is your explanation for the reason that the car is traveling faster than the speed limiter of 155? I'd be interested in hearing your reasoning.


Yes, I am aware of the law, that's why I corrected your claim that the law mandates a higher speedometer reading than actual speed.
As I wrote, the law asks for accuracy with allowance for variance.

The deviation is to allow for manufacturing variance.
The law is for accuracy not for higher than actual. Under the law a speedo can also read lower than actual as long as it is within the deviation spec. Manufacturers are likely to comply with the law, but they do not make the speedo read higher for any other reason.

[-Audi_tuning-]

sooooo wait im going to pay 50+ for an S5 and i cant go more then 130... what fun is that and what do i have to do to get around that... also i here its got a tuned down rs4 engine so what will we have to do to get 420 outa this thing!!!!

[CanuckRS]

solution to all the whining...move to germany!

[M power this!]

You buy a V8 to enjoy in the "real world", not to be able to hit a number few will see. pick any road coarse in the U.S. and tell me why you'd not enjoy a V8 over a V6.

on a side note, the S cars are 155, the A cars are 130. The B6/B7 S4s have been all known to hit 162 range even though it was governed. This was first written about in a magazine and for the life of me can't remember the article. 2 of my customers broke the 160 mph mark. Audi has always been known for their accuracy in the speedos, VW were always 3mph high but did stayed that amount off the whole way thru. try it the next time you see a radar gun/ screen

[quantoc]

Buy a sonata, if you want to go over 140. If this is a repost, I apologize, but saw this in a doctor's office and had to share.





http://www.caranddriver.com/carnews/12563/the-147-mph-hyundai-sonata.html

[s6sputnik]

as though any of us would have a real use for a 130+ limit on US roads...

If you live in Michigan you do...I removed the limiter on my '95 S6 after hitting it for the third time!!!
My daily ten mile drive on I 75 frequently was above 130 for several miles (exit 89 to exit 108) Clarkston to Holly for what it is worth.

I have been passed by Michigan State Cops while I was above 105mph and they kept going!!! I got a ticket at 115mph and the cop did not show in court so the ticket was dismissed ...one great thing about Michigan you can drive fast!

[M power this!]

i think you just screwed yourself there with the ticket gods

[s6sputnik]

i think you just screwed yourself there with the ticket gods

Nope it was in Michigan...there are no gods there [:D]

[s6sputnik]

So, I finally went down to Audi to meet the salesperson who I've been speaking about ordering, he gave me the brochure for the A5/S5 and while reading it I saw that it said the U.S. top speed is limited to 130MPH, kind of a bummer. Looks like some VAG tuning is in order (eventually)


They have a S5 at your Caventer you should go there and have a ride[drive] [drive]

[YZracer]

I believe only the A5 model is limited to 130mph, but the S5 is limited to 155mph. That's how it worked on the a4 and s4

[QuaTTrings]

The U.S. Spec brochure mentions a 130mph speed limiter but last week I was able to get my S5 to 140mph on the Autobahn. go figure [confused]


I believe only the A5 model is limited to 130mph, but the S5 is limited to 155mph. That's how it worked on the a4 and s4

[utahs5]

i have hit 160 or could be 163 for a fact in my car in higher altitude i will take a pic if u guys would like very safe road on I-215 hit 184 in my rs4 there is some tail wind also and is very smooth down hill road

[Dr Strangelove]

I had a BMW E46 M3 and it was electronically limited to 155 mph. However, some tech guys leaked the fact that the limiter only worked when the car was in 6th gear. In 5th and 4th gears it was unlimited and they were doing 170+. Apparently, the programming was only written for 6th gear. I wonder if the S5 might be the same???

Strangelove

[Silververtu]

I had a BMW E46 M3 and it was electronically limited to 155 mph. However, some tech guys leaked the fact that the limiter only worked when the car was in 6th gear. In 5th and 4th gears it was unlimited and they were doing 170+. Apparently, the programming was only written for 6th gear. I wonder if the S5 might be the same???

Strangelove

Very interesting info! [drive]

[boomer]

Not bragging, nor apologetic but no limiter noted on my S5--moderate headwind, flat road, top speed 165 mph and is accurate with GPS confirmation of speedometer at 70, 80, 90 and 100mph.

[Cargo8]

the reason most cars of this class are limited to 130 is because if you don't buuy the sport package, you don't get higher performance tires which can withstand the speed. If you buy the sport package or the sportier model (S5) it is 155 because the tires are better as well.

[win]

130mph?
Bullshit, I was doing 140ish 15min ago...not racing, empty highway and gave in to temptation. Stable as a rock I might add...can't wait to see how it feels when lowered.

[AAAA]

also i here its got a tuned down rs4 engine so what will we have to do to get 420 outa this thing!!!!

not just detuned. lots of things are different in this car. the bore is different, internals are different, it revs like 2k higher, etc.

[b0ober]

love the 5 freeway in california from SF to LA !! it has a good stretch to go however fast you wana go =) it's basically straight away for 2 -3 hours.

[Silververtu]

love the 5 freeway in california from SF to LA !! it has a good stretch to go however fast you wana go =) it's basically straight away for 2 -3 hours.

Actually I-71 from Cleveland to Columbus is a very good freeway to release the potential of the car too, straight and slightly downhill freeway, but lots of cops!!! [headbang]

[speedee911]

Where can you legally make use of 155MPH? Even on the track there aren't straight aways that an average car can reach 155! Maybe if you were an idiot and lived in Montana you can kill yourself attempting to reach 155mph without anyone caring.[down]

um, you CAN easily reach those speeds in the US on public roads.. recommended? probably not, but if you want to, and you're not endangering nobody else, go for it.. my uncle reached 175 mph on his GSXR in Washington state..

[YelloJello]

I've read 167 mph. And it felt like I could pull a little more. But the answer is. No 155 limited on mine too.

[[email protected]]

The U.S. Spec brochure mentions a 130mph speed limiter but last week I was able to get my S5 to 140mph on the Autobahn. go figure [confused]

Wait, u shipped ur S5 to Germany just to do that?

[[email protected]]

I had a BMW E46 M3 and it was electronically limited to 155 mph. However, some tech guys leaked the fact that the limiter only worked when the car was in 6th gear. In 5th and 4th gears it was unlimited and they were doing 170+. Apparently, the programming was only written for 6th gear. I wonder if the S5 might be the same???

Strangelove

Wow, thanks for sharing that.....crucial piece of info[:D]

[Cargo8]

the reason is because without the sport package or whatever your tires aren't rated to go higher than that speed.

[MaverickUF]

I've seen 150 in my car. I was in 5th gear. Handles like a monorail at that speed, the fastest I'd been before that was 140 in a trans am, and it felt like a 1970 lincoln compared to the a5.

[a2a2pqk]

^
interesting so it could be that limiter is programed on 6th gear is true?
But aside from that I do believe the 130 limiter has to do with the tires as well!