Latest from Edmunds
Edmunds
21 hours ago
- Automotive
- Edmunds
Audi RS 6 Avant vs. BMW M5 Touring: Big Wagons Hit the Track
And he's right. When you drive the two wagons back to back, there is an immediate sense that the Audi is more agile. It felt sharper than the M5 in just about every section on the track, save for the straightaways, which favored the BMW. But even with less power, the RS 6 was ultimately the better thrill. Its V8 supplied ample power and included a fun growling soundtrack in every foot-down moment. The gearbox was smooth while operating on its own and got even better when we chose to do the work ourselves with the paddle shifters. And once those Continental tires got some heat in them, the RS 6 clung on around corners more like a supercar and less like a family wagon. Weirdly, the thing we liked least about the RS 6 Performance is one of its highlight features: the self-locking center differential. The Audi's ability to shuffle power between all four wheels depending on the situation is a good thing, but it did so a bit clumsier than we would've liked. During a quick corner, we could feel (and hear) the car trimming the power from the inside wheel, which felt unnatural. A system like this shouldn't be noticeable to the driver, and it definitely was. The M5 has a ridiculous list of ways that you can configure the car for driving. You have individual control over the steering, brakes, engine, transmission, all-wheel-drive system, suspension and exhaust. Then there's a separate manual altogether for the electric elements, controlling whether the Touring drives in all-electric, hybrid or recharge mode depending on battery levels. If reading this was confusing, that's because doing it in real life was as well. It will take the owner multiple track days to figure out the best way to dial in the car to their liking.
Edmunds
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Edmunds
The 2025 Audi A5 and S5 Continue to Raise the Bar
The turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine makes 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, increases of 67 hp and 59 lb-ft over the outgoing model. The A5 delivers power smoothly; acceleration is never more than a modest surge. The seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission can be slow and a little hesitant to react to your commands, whether you try to shift with the wheel-mounted paddles or bury your foot into the accelerator. What impresses me more is how composed the A5 is on the road. Nothing is really able to flummox this sedan's smoothness — the body is always well controlled. Plus, aside from a little highway-speed tire roar, the cabin is perfectly well insulated from the outside world. If you want something with more poke, the S5 has a 362-hp 3.0-liter turbocharged V6. (Need more power? An RS 5 will be coming.) The S5 is sharper than the A5, with more immediate power delivery, plus it's accompanied by a nice yowl from the V6. Whether you're in manual mode or letting the S5 shift on its own, the transmission is much snappier as it runs its way up and down the gears.
Edmunds
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Edmunds
Corvette ZR1X vs. Stingray, E-Ray, Z06 and ZR1: How Do Chevy's Mid-Engine Sports Cars Stack Up?
Spot the differences Despite the massive range of power available across the quintet of C8 Corvettes, it can be tough to tell one from the next. Unless you have the wheel designs committed to memory (we don't), you might have to look for a badge to confirm precisely which level of American performance you're looking at. But there are some tells. The Stingray is the only non-widebody Corvette, and the trim around its side air intakes is sort of L-shaped. Stepping up to the E-Ray and beyond, the body is wider (those with sharp eyes can see a bit more plastic outboard of the headlights and taillights), and the air intake trim forms a pronounced Y. On the ZR1 and ZR1X, the leg of the Y has a second inlet for rear brake cooling. The Z06 with the aero package has a unique rear wing, while the massive spoiler available on both the ZR1 and ZR1X is hard to miss. The two ZR1 variants also have a deep-dish nose that sucks in even more cooling air at the expense of what is a frunk on other models. Look closely through the ZR1X's front wheels and you'll see 10-piston brake calipers wrapped around 16.5-inch carbon-ceramic discs, the largest ever offered on a 'Vette. Those will also be available on the ZR1, so you'll probably have to look for the big X on the badge aft of the doors to make one out from the other.
Edmunds
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Edmunds
P0133: Oxygen Sensor Slow Response (Bank 1, Sensor 1)
What does the P0133 error code mean? The P0133 check engine diagnostic trouble code stands for "Oxygen Sensor Slow Response (Bank 1, Sensor 1)." The presence of this code indicates that the powertrain control module is no longer receiving signals from the oxygen sensor located on bank 1, sensor 1, quickly or frequently enough for the car to run optimally. This code may also be present on certain vehicles if there is a failure on bank 1, sensor 2. Why is this issue important? Oxygen sensors in your car are sensors able to detect the oxygen content in the exhaust gases leaving the car's engine. These gases are read and transmitted to the car's powertrain control module. From there, the powertrain control module uses this information to regulate the amount of fuel injected into the engine before the air and fuel mixture inside the engine's cylinder is ignited by the spark plugs. Usually, the result is a check engine light and other symptoms of an engine running poorly, like rough idling. Can I safely drive my car with this error code? Depending on the severity of the fault, it may be possible to drive with a P0133 code. However, the code does not always indicate the severity of the issue, and you should avoid driving if possible. The delayed sensor response may cause poor fuel economy and slight performance issues. More importantly, if the air-fuel mixture becomes too rich (meaning there's too much fuel and not enough air) or too lean (meaning the opposite), it could lead to engine misfires or damage. Common symptoms of the P0133 error code Illuminated check engine light Poor fuel economy Rough idling or hesitation Engine misfires Slower acceleration Black smoke from the exhaust How is the P0133 error code diagnosed? Use an OBD-II scanner : Retrieve the P0133 code and check for any related trouble codes. : Retrieve the P0133 code and check for any related trouble codes. Inspect the oxygen sensor wiring : Look for damaged, corroded or loose connections to the O2 sensor. : Look for damaged, corroded or loose connections to the O2 sensor. Test the oxygen sensor : Use a multimeter or scan tool to measure the sensor's voltage fluctuations to determine if it responds slowly. : Use a multimeter or scan tool to measure the sensor's voltage fluctuations to determine if it responds slowly. Check for vacuum leaks : Unmetered air entering the engine can affect sensor readings and lead to the P0133 error code. : Unmetered air entering the engine can affect sensor readings and lead to the P0133 error code. Inspect the fuel system: Issues such as a clogged fuel injector or a faulty fuel pressure regulator can potentially impact the air-fuel mixture and trigger the error code. How is the P0133 error code repaired? Replace the affected oxygen sensor. Repair or replace damaged wiring and connectors associated with the O2 sensor. Fix vacuum leaks that could be affecting sensor readings. Clean or replace clogged fuel injectors to restore the correct fuel ratio. Related reading On-board diagnostics (OBD-II) and diagnostic trouble codes are part of your car's self-diagnostic system. The five-character alphanumeric code identifies the part and problem. Check out Edmunds' growing database of diagnostic trouble code information here.
Edmunds
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Edmunds
P0505: Idle Control System Malfunction
What does the P0505 error code mean? The diagnostic trouble code P0505 means your car has detected an 'Idle Control System Malfunction.' The code triggers when the idle air control system goes bad in some way. There are a number of faults that can cause this code, including a vacuum leak. When your car's primary computer, or powertrain control module, detects a fault with the idle air control system, it will notify the driver via this diagnostic trouble code as well as a check engine light. Why is this issue important? The idle control system relies on an idle air control valve, typically located on or near your car's throttle body. It does what it says on the box: When your car idles, the throttle is closed, which limits the air supply heading into the engine. The engine does still need some air to keep going, however, and at the request of the car's powertrain control module, the idle control system will open a bypass air system that allows a little air into the engine to keep it running. This, too, can be adjusted by the system, allowing more or less air in as needed while the car is at idle. Can I safely drive my car with this error code? It could be possible to drive a short distance with a P0505 code, but it'll certainly be difficult if not downright hazardous. The faulty idling system will most likely present itself in the form of stalls, with your engine shutting down once it reaches an idle or when you stop hitting the gas pedal. It's best not to drive the car while this code is active — the car may end up stalled somewhere you don't want to be. Common symptoms of the P0505 error code Engine stalling at idle High or low idle speed Trouble starting your car The check engine light is on How is the P0505 error code diagnosed? Code verification : Use an OBD-II scanner to confirm the presence of the P0505 (or related) code. : Use an OBD-II scanner to confirm the presence of the P0505 (or related) code. Visual inspection : Inspect your engine's intake system for vacuum leaks, damaged hoses or loose connections. : Inspect your engine's intake system for vacuum leaks, damaged hoses or loose connections. Idle air control valve test : Inspect and test the idle air control valve for carbon buildup or electrical failure. : Inspect and test the idle air control valve for carbon buildup or electrical failure. Throttle body inspection : The mechanic will examine the throttle body for dirt or debris that may affect airflow. : The mechanic will examine the throttle body for dirt or debris that may affect airflow. Wiring and connector check : Inspect electrical wiring and connectors leading to the idle air control valve for corrosion or damage. : Inspect electrical wiring and connectors leading to the idle air control valve for corrosion or damage. Check powertrain control module functionality: The mechanic will test the powertrain control module outputs to see if all physical components appear to be in working order. How is the P0505 error code repaired? Clean or replace the idle air control valve if clogged or faulty. Repair or replace damaged vacuum hoses or intake components. Fix or replace any corroded or broken wiring or connectors. Reprogram or replace the powertrain control module if it is found to be defective. Clear the code and test the vehicle to ensure symptoms are removed. Related reading On-board diagnostics (OBD-II) and diagnostic trouble codes are part of your car's self-diagnostic system. The five-character alphanumeric code identifies the part and problem. Check out Edmunds' growing database of diagnostic trouble code information here.
