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#or their efficiency 5 pick with permanent haste
prismit · 3 years
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so like do all the most annoying people in the world play on hypixel skyblock or
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frogtownhobbies · 4 years
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Let’s start with the top 10 and get to the honorable mentions and longshots after….
Top 10:
10. Tectonic Giant
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(Frequency = Low, Impact = Low) Possible Homes: Temur Elementals
A hard-to-deal-with threat that an opponent must deal with has possible applications in Pioneer but 4 mana is lot for most of the decks that might want this. Temur Elementals is one possible home but I would definitely expect that if I do see this card it will be paired with green accelerants.
9. Woe Strider
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(Frequency = Low, Impact = Medium) Possible Homes: Aristocrats (of some color combination)
Aristocrats is a deck that is perpetually on the fringe of playable in both Modern and Pioneer. There are already more than enough playable cards for the archetype in BR, BRW, BGW or even some more obscure color combinations so the thing that will make the deck better is finding cards that can double up on roles to increase the card quality. Woe Strider fills the two most important roles in an Aristocrats deck; extra bodies in the form of goats and a sac outlet as well as also providing some reach and card selection. I feel sure enough about Woe Strider making Aristocrats playable that I moved it from the “If…then…” section to my top 10. Depending on the best color combination for the deck, Slaughter-Priest of Mogis and Alirios, Enraptured may also see some play.
8. Ashiok, Nightmare Muse
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(Frequency = Low, Impact = Medium) Possible Homes: UBx Control
Makes the list on the power of having a plus ability that makes blockers to protect it while threatening an ultimate in only two turns. If you play Ashiok while ahead you will probably win the game. It’s closest competition is probably The Scarab God, and in parity and while ahead this card is close to that power level. Its worse when you’re behind but has less deck-building restrictions so overall I like this card and I can’t wait to win some games with my opponents’ stuff.
7. Staggering Insight
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(Frequency = Low, Impact = Medium) Possible Homes: UW aggressive flying decks like Spirits
I feel like people are sleeping on this card but as Curious Obsessions number 5-8 that also grant lifelink I think it’s pretty good. Mono-red doesn’t want to see this on a spirit if you also have Selfless Spirit in play and I know that control decks don’t want to get hit by it. The card on this list that’s probably most likely to miss (along with Tectonic Giant) but I think it will see some play.
6. Storm’s Wrath
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(Frequency = Medium, Impact = Medium) Possible Decks = Jeskai Fires, RB Control
Great rates on red’s Wrath of God that also hits Planeswalkers means you will be seeing this card. It does come with some heavy deckbuilding constraints but the value is there for those who can fit it in to their strategy.
5.  Phoenix of Ash
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(Frequency = Medium, Impact = Medium) Possible Decks = Phoenix, Mono-red agro, Dredge
A recursive hasty threat is just what many mono-red decks want as the top-end of their threats and it also plays nicely with a lot of the cards in UR Phoenix, although it fights with Treasure Cruise. Making sure you can interact with graveyards is starting to seem like a priority in Pioneer just like it is in older formats.
4. Kunoros, Hound of Athreos
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(Frequency = Medium, Impact = Medium) Possible homes: BW midrange, Abzan Midrange, 5c Niv to Light
This set’s best “pile of abilities creature”, Kunoros packs a lot of punch into a 3/3 for 3. Having a bunch of abilities on a creature doesn’t always lead to a successful Magic card (see: Savage Knuckleblade), but Having abilities that are particularly good against two disparate kinds of decks makes Kunoros intriguing. If 3 toughness in Pioneer is truly akin to 4 toughness in Modern (outside the range of the most common removal) then I think Kunoros will be giving aggro decks and graveyard decks fits for the foreseeable future.
3. Polukranos, Unchained
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(Frequency = Medium, Impact = Medium) Possible Homes: Hardened Scales, Escape Strategies (Sultai?), BG Midrange Strategies
Polukranos provides a lot of undead beef for its mana cost, both at cmc=4 and cmc=6. I expect to see the big Zombie Hydra augmenting an already good Hadened Scales plan of attack as well as enabling a few other midrange strategies to finish off their game plans. Bonus points if you can utilize the counter aspect or give Polukranos trample and/or Haste but even by itself this is a fine creature.
2. Heliod, Sun-Crowned
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(Frequency = Medium, Impact = High) Possible Homes = Mono-White Devotion, Soul Sisters, Collected Company Decks, Hardened Scales Decks, Any deck that already plays Walking Ballista
The boogie man cometh. Heliod is a card so scary that lots of people are already talking about a Walking Ballista ban in Pioneer’s future. While the combo is obviously scary and something you have on your radar any time you’re playing Pioneer I don’t think it’s quite to that level. Outside of winning the game on the spot, Heliod slots in nicely next to Benalish Marshall in a White Devotion/Beatdown strategy, perhaps utilizing other Theros cards; Favored of Iroas and Taranika, Akroan Veteran (which are both soldiers as well). The other white devotion deck possibility is probably more of a “pillow fort” kind of deck utilizing white’s many enchantments that make it hard for your opponent to win. That deck has the added benefit of wanting to play Walking Ballista alongside Nykthos, Shrine to Nyx already and also likes the lifegain Heliod can provide.
1. Uro, Titan of Nature’s Wrath
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(Frequency = High, Impact = High) Possible Homes = UG Ramp Strategies (including Devotion), 5c Niv to Light, Escape Strategies, Maybe Soulflayer
My pick for the card that will have the biggest impact in Pioneer, Uro packs a lot of value into one card. UG ramp strategies with and without devotion will love this card and it slots perfectly into Niv to Light as a ramp spell which also gains you some life early and gives you more reach late. Uro will probably also spawn some new strategies all by itself like UGx control or some sort of escape deck that includes some self-mill. Expect to see a lot of this card going forward and expect to die to it eventually if you can’t deal with it permanently.
Honourable Mentions
Playable Removal Spells:
Eat to Extinction and Drag to the Underworld will both compete with the format’s best removal and will see some play but I don’t think they are appreciably better than Fatal Push, Abrupt Decay, Vraska’s Contempt, Murderous Rider or even Murderous Cut. Keep in mind that Drag to the Underworld’s upside is a one mana break on Murder, have you ever thought about playing Murder in Pioneer?
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Cards to Help you Out Against Mono-Red:
Erebos’s Intervention, Shadowspear and Setessan Petitioner provide more ammunition for decks that have trouble with mon-red or other aggressive decks. The Petitioner is definitely a sideboard card whose cmc probably makes it an upgrade over Nylea’s Disciple. The other two may be maindeck cards in the right deck (perhaps UR Ensoul for Shadowspear) but probably also head to the sideboard.
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“If _________________ is a good deck then this card will probably see play in it.”
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Callaphe, Beloved of the Sea is a good body for blue Devotion strategies along with Thassa, whose blink effect is proving to be better in testing then I expected. Green devotion decks may want Omen of the Hunt and some will probably try Nyxbloom Ancient but that card definitely screams “win more!” to me.
Longshot Squad
Could any of these have a chance? Probably not, but crazier things have happened.
Gaalia of the Endless Dance
Firedrinker Satyr, Satyr Hedonist, Boon Satyr and the new Careless Celebrant….You’re right, those are not the cards a good Pioneer deck are built around but it’s too bad, this card is efficient and a cool effect to have in an aggressive tribal deck. Maybe when we go to Theros next time we’ll be able to complete this deck. Gaalia might just be good enough to get there on its own in a Gruul agro deck but usually if you’re attacking with three or more creatures in that kind of deck you’re already winning anyway.
Dalakos, Crafter of Wonders & Nyx Lotus
There isn’t a precedent for a three cmc mana-producing creature to be good in the format but I can’t help but wonder if this card can do something with Paradox Engine. Nyx Lotus could go in that deck as well. Maybe mostly blue with a red splash and including Emry, Dalakos, Saheeli, Mox Amber (Which Dalakos helps out), Nyx Lotus, Paradox Engine….
Storm Herald & Mantle of the Wolf
Could Storm Herald spawn an aggressive combo deck? Prodigious Growth and Spectra Ward are probably the two best creature auras to use with Storm Herald and you probably need something like Battle Mastery and/or one of the lifelink enchantments. We have a lot of red rummaging effects like Cathartic Reunion, Tormenting Voice and the new Thrill of Possibility as well as perhaps Thirst for Meaning out of blue to set things up. It’d be nice to be able to bring back Control Magic effects and enchant your opponent’s creatures but, c’est la vie, there may be something here.
Nadir Kraken
Look man, I don’t know why I like this card, but there’s just something about it. Maybe because Squirrel Opposition is my all-time favorite deck and this card makes me nostalgic for constant token generation. I’m at least 95% sure this won’t be a playable card in Pioneer but I’m also 95% sure I will own too many foils of it for the chance that it becomes playable.
Underworld Breach, Aphemia, Calix & Kroxa
What do we do with these cards? I don’t know, but someone is going to try. Underworld Breach obviously has the most potential but may need the larger card pool eternal formats to really shine. If you squint really hard Aphemia has Bitterblossom potential. Calix is a really interesting build around for enchantment-heavy strategies. Kroxa might want someone to introduce them to Davriel to really make opponents miserable.
            - Stephen K Timmons
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the8x8theory · 7 years
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Commander 2017 - A Guide - Draconic Domination
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For what it’s worth, although I conceptually enjoyed Feline Ferocity, Draconic Domination has been my favourite of the decks released in Commander 2017. Somewhere between the balancing act that is a 5 colour deck, and the raw power that is Dragons, I felt at home. I may have just been happy to find a place for all the Dragons I picked up from Khan’s Block. Which in and of itself is one of the incredible things this deck did; allow variety and offer accessibility to Dragon Tribal EDH. But, don’t get me wrong, dragons have always had support. Just not on this level. Scion of the Ur-Dragon was a powerful combo deck that could win exceptionally quickly. But was often very expensive to build and played out the same way. 
At the latest, Turn 5 play Scion. Turn 6 put two instances of its ability on the stack. First instance resolves; turn into Moltensteel Dragon. In response to the second, pump 6+ times. Then, turn into Skithiryx and attack for 10+ with infect.
And sure, that wasn’t the only way to build the deck, but it was by far the best. Outside of Scion, you’re left with either Karrthus, Tyrant of Jund, or Zirilan of the Claw for your commander. The first offering corner case advantage, and haste. While the second can be crazy, but only gives access to one colour. 
Draconic Domination include 5 new Legendary Creatures, 3 of which are 5 colour Dragons. The others are simply powerful cards in their own right who care about what a Dragon deck has to offer. And even putting that aside, each can be a powerful Commander in their own right. 
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The Ur-Dragon
A title no more befitting of a God, the Ur-Dragon stands as the primordial force from which all Dragons across the multi-verse stem from. A creature that has lived since the dawn of time; such a Legendary Creature must reflect that power. And without a doubt it does. A 9 mana 10/10 with the ability to have it’s influence echo through the multi-verse. It doesn’t need to exist with other Dragons for them to feel it’s power. And when it does arrive, and strike, it can pull it’s kin through the Blind Eternities to fight by its side.
The Ur-Dragon is powerful. It’s ridiculous, and so much fun. Once this card lands on the field, the game will only push closer to its end. Not only due to it’s size, but due to how much card advantage it creates. In fact, this creature oozes card advantage. First, The Ur-Dragon’s Eminence ability reduces the cost of Dragon Spells by 1 generic mana. This affects lots of things, even spells with Changeling. But most importantly it reduces the effective cost of (nearly) your entire deck by {1}. This deck cares about Dragons above all else, and that reduction in cost is incredible. It doesn’t affect itself, however, so either way you will be paying 9. But having access to Savage Ventmaw a turn early, can help rectify that problem. 
Even at 9 mana, the Ur-Dragon is a 10/10 with flying. Which will go a long way to close out games. However, some may criticise it a little. Wizards have said that, when designing a card, for each additional colour of mana in a Mana Cost they treat that spell’s power level as though it cost 1 generic more. So a 9 mana creature in 5 colours is effectively a 14 mana creature. So where is that difference made up?
I’m just gonna read off the ability, because it speaks well for itself. “Whenever one or more Dragons you control attack, draw that many cards.” Yeah, so remember what I said about Card Advantage? Even just drawing a single card when attacking is a nice touch. But with a myriad of cheap dragons you’ve just cast, this is even better. But wait, there is more. It follows that up with “...then you may put a permanent card from your hand onto the battlefield”. Couple things. 1) Ur-Dragon doesn’t have to attack. So this can trigger the turn it comes into play without it having haste. 2) It can be the only attacker, and you still get to draw a card and put a permanent into play. Which will 3) probably be another Dragon which can attack next turn. 
I feel like the theme of this deck is simple. Lots of Dragons, lots of mana, lots of card draw and just go ham. And, honestly, for a 9 mana, 5 colour dragon, I’d expect this to be the Timmy-est Legendary Creature imaginable. And it hits that nail on the head. If you are a Timmy player, or are trying to get someone into the game who is, this is where to start. The Ur-Dragon is a big girl who does big things.
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O-Kagachi, Vengeful Kami
O-Kagachi feels like the least pro-active of the Legendary Creatures from Draconic Domination. In terms of strength as a Legendary Creature, this card feels off. But that may simply be due to how unusual a card it is. Off the top of my head, the prospect of a 5 colour pillow fort deck seems prosperous. What O-Kagachi does above all else is present the threat of an Utter End every turn. As well as the threat of a 6/6 with flying and trample. Due to the way the ability triggers on O-Kagachi, the deck would be inherently reactive. You don’t want to pose a threat, and your opponents don’t want to be viewed as a threat by you. So they will hold off attacking, to avoid dealing with O-Kagachi’s wrath. 
So you then use this position to develop a board state that is aggressively non-threatening. Once you finally have enough presence to win, you do quickly, and without ramification because you just spent all this time building up an impenetrable board state.
Additionally, you can take a different approach by using cards like Alluring Siren and Bident of Thassa to force an opponent to attack you. This kind of deck may take some tuning, but I can certainly see it working. Very much like an atypical 5 colour control deck. The ability will trigger if you’re attacked, regardless of whether they deal damage. This means that white spells that exile attacking creatures will be very powerful. However also cards like Maze of Ith will function even better. So a control deck is absolutely a viable option.
I still stand by that it does the least pro-active stuff of all the creatures. But that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It just means that the kind of game it plays will be one of careful choices and politics. Which is incredibly appealing to a lot of people, so I hope it sees play.
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Ramos, Dragon Engine
As a colourless artifact Dragon that gives access to all 5 colours, Ramos breaks the mould in a great many ways. Coming down as a 4/4 for 6 with flying, it won’t stay so small for long. As when you cast a spell, it gets a +1/+1 counter for each colour of that spell. Additionally, once you’ve hit 5 or more counters, you can opt to remove 5 and to add 2 mana of each colour to your mana pool. This may only be done once per turn, but it can be done every turn. Additionally, there is no limit to how often the first ability triggers, meaning you can double the number of counters on Ramos if you play your spells right.
Ramos is a strange creature for a lot of reasons, but each seems self explanatory. It will quickly grow as the game goes on, and because it doesn’t require any colours to cast, it doesn’t restrict you to playing every colour in it’s colour identity. In fact, Ramos has no costs that require colour mana to activate. It simply gives coloured mana. As a result, you aren’t forced to play all 5 colours to see the full benefit of Ramos. Granted, more colours help resolve the weaknesses each individual colour faces, but they aren’t necessary. Romas may very well find a home as the leader of a 4 colour Storm deck. Even without Green in it, as it will get bigger with each spell, and then produce 10 mana for free. Throw in some cheap mana filters, copy abilities and lots and lots of cantrips, you absolutely could storm out.
Another deck I would love to try, that I feel goes perfectly with Ramos, is the Charm Control deck. It’s a 5 colour deck that runs nothing but Charms and Modal cards. With each having no generic mana in their mana cost, Ramos would get counters at an incredibly efficient rate. It might not be the best deck in the world. But I hear it’s made a bit of a scene in Highlander. Perhaps it could translate to EDH.
Additionally, a hard control deck that wins off Door to Nothingness could be very goofy. As one activation of Ramos’ second ability would produce enough mana to wipe someone off the earth. Just a mono blue, or blue / white hard control shell, with space for Ramos at the top, and DtN at the bottom. I think it could perform well.
Which leads into the power of Ramos. Although it does give you access to 5 colours, he lends no obligation to run 5 colours. So don’t limit yourself, and go hard in one. Then use the mana he provides as exactly what it is: mana. In mono blue a creature that creates 2 blue and 8 colourless mana is great. Which is effectively what Ramos is. So to begin building with Ramos, begin at a strategy that you believe either +1/+1 counters will benefit from, or oodles of mana, or both, can go from there. 1, 2, 3 or 4 colours. Go 5 if you want. But either way, colour is no longer so restricting a factor.
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Taigam, Ojutai Master
Here we find Taigam, as he appears in the Dragons of Tarkir timeline. Standing opposed to Taigam, Sidisi’s Hand, as he would appear in Khans of Tarkir. He supports not only Dragons, but all instants and sorceries, by preventing them from being countered. His second ability grants all instants and sorceries you cast from your hand rebound. Which, I don’t know about you, is insane. Narset was crazy because she got things out for free. But she was limited by the chance to whiff and lack of complete control in those 4 cards she exiled. But Taigam goes one step by doubling any number of spells, from your hand. Now, granted. He does need to attack to make this happen. However, there are so many spells that will help him survive combat, it almost doesn’t matter.
I believe this is the place to start. An instant and sorcery heavy deck that aims to go crazy with rebound, and protect Taigam. Blue/White spells. All of this, then, is only further reinforced by Taigam making instants and sorcery spells you cast uncounterable. Just casual throw out a Time Stretch, because you love playing the game, and suddenly you have 4 extra turns. Or a Brave the Elements to ensure that Taigaim will be largely unimpeded when he attacks this turn and next. 
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Wasitora, Nekoru Queen
Wasitora has really been a noodle stratcher in terms of the kind of decks she wants to lead. For all intents and purposes, she is amazing. A 5/4 for 5 with two kinds of evasion and an ability that really cares about dealing combat damage. What’s more, the abilities themselves are incredible. Either forcing the defending player to sacrifice a creature, or giving you a 3/3 with flying. She is absolutely amazing. However, she lacks an underlying theme to really tie her together. Which leads me to say the best strategy is just to JUND ‘EM OUT. 
Which I guess is as fitting as anything, really. A bad beats Jund EDH deck will absolutely adore her. Aggressively midrange with cards that maybe even care about Cats and Dragons. A little bit of ramp from green, burn from red and spot removal from black to maximise the impact of the early turns, before dropping huge creatures turn 5 and on. Very few non-creature spells with CMC over 5, and a very tight list of bonkers beaters and she will feel right at home. 
The deck will likely be where the magic happens, and she functions less as a leader, and more of a consistent threat. Something that will always happen, and will always be in your hand. Which is exactly what Jund Beats wants.
Commander 2017 has offered EDH players everything that they’ve asked for in the last couple of years. Not only tribal support, but access to colours unseen before. Additionally, powerful new cards that care about those tribes, and ways to play with the Legendary Creatures printed that are different in ways both staggering and nuanced ways. 
Draconic Dominance is no exception, and in many ways is the most evident of it. Each new Legendary Creature printed cares about Dragons in their own way, without being defined by it. They work to better The Ur-Dragon’s deck, but on their own have unique strengths. Each can find their own power, and come together to create something exceptional.
This also wraps up my analyses of the Commander 2017 Preconstructed EDH decks. I hope to do more stuff like this in the future. It wasn’t perfect. I made a couple little mistakes. But I hope that, with each new article, I get a bit better at it! Next week, I’m going to spend it breaking down a real deck I built from my collection at home using the 8x8 theory. The hope is that it’s a practical example and shows the interesting stuff you’ll find when pushing to fill a package. I can’t wait for you to see it!
---Max, @commandtower-solring-go​
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loreleywrites · 7 years
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The Limited Archetypes of Modern Masters 2017 Edition
So, how ‘bout that Modern Masters 2017 Edition?
While the majority of the hype surrounding the newest Magic set was for the sheer volume of sexy reprints at rare and mythic rare, don’t forget that this set was designed for limited play as well. If you’re gonna be spending more money on booster packs, you might as well throw a draft together and get some extra value out of them!
Like all sets, Modern Masters 2017 Edition has a few different archetypes to build around. Unlike most Standard sets, however, these archetypes are loosely defined. There are five basic ally-color themes that support a heckload of multicolor cards. There’s a lot going on, so today’s article is going to help give you some direction when drafting this set.
And as always, make sure to check out the whole set in the Card Image Gallery! Drafting is always easier when you know what you’re looking for.
White/Blue – Flicker
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Aethermage’s Touch by Randy Gallegos
“Flicker” is Magic slang that means to exile a permanent and return it to the battlefield. Sometimes the object returns immediately, and sometimes the object doesn’t come back until the end of the turn (slow flickering).
The goal of this strategy is to accrue value from creatures with enter-the-battlefield effects. It’s not a fast archetype, but it’s not always slow either. These colors have access to a lot of fliers, which can end the game quickly if left unchecked. Flickering can also help those creatures dodge removal spells; keeping tempo is important.
It’s tempting to draft a bunch of flickering spells, but you’ll still want to focus on creatures first. In limited, drawing a card like Momentary Blink when you have nothing to flicker is not good (AKA bad). You can win games if you only draw creatures, but no flicker spells. The other way around does not work.
Key cards: Attended Knight, Flickerwisp, Ghostly Flicker, Wing Splicer
Blue/Black – Control
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Pilfered Plans by Michael C. Hayes
This is easily the least-defined archetype in this set. Am I supposed to be milling myself? Do I want evasion? Is there a Blue flash package here? So much confusion.
Regardless of how this color pair shapes up, it’s gonna be slowww. Overall, I think a general “control” label can be applied to the Blue/Black strategy. You’ll want to draw cards, counter some spells, and kill whatever else gets through. Card advantage is the name of this game, which is where some of the graveyard shenanigans come into play. Flashback gives your spells an extra use. It also gives you a place to spend your mana later in the game.
What you will inevitably need is a way to win the game. A few powerful, resilient threats should do it. Evasion is also key, so keep an eye out for fliers with 3 or more power. Being a slow deck also means more time to find lands for a splashed color. If you see a bomb rare that can win the game if it sticks, take it. You’ll probably be fine playing it.
Key cards: Rewind, Compulsive Research, Cower in Fear, Abyssal Specter
Black/Red – Sacrifice
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Falkenrath Aristocrat by Igor Kieryluk
Death reigns supreme if you’re drafting Black/Red.
The battlefield is only a temporary residence for your creatures, as you’ll practically be sending them from your hand to your graveyard. Of course, you won’t be doing this for no reason. You’ll also be drafting cards that care about creatures dying or cards that have nifty effects that cost creatures to activate.
And if you can send your army from cradle to grave so easily, why not the other way ‘round? Unearth, the “flashback for creatures,” is a mechanic that shows up in this color pair. You can sacrifice creatures for value and attack with them later, or unearth can bring them back to be sacrificed yet again. There’s a lot of value here, and how you use it depends on how you build your deck.
In general, I think this archetype is going to lean aggressive. Unearth grants haste, so you’re often better off focusing on offense and ending the game as quickly as possible. But I also think there’s a slower, grindier, more controlling deck to be had here.
Key cards: Grixis Slavedriver, Entomber Exarch, Scourge Devil, Skirsdag Cultist
Red/Green – Go Wide
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Wort, the Raidmother by Dave Allsop
Ain’t no breaks on the Goblin train! Because Goblins haven’t invented breaks yet. That’s not their style.
In this set, Red/Green wants to flood the battlefield with creatures, turn them sideways, and then take a nap after 2-0ing its opponent in ten minutes. It wants to employ abilities like menace and first strike to make combat miserable for any blocking force. It wants to deploy far more threats than any deck can deal with.
It’s not really a difficult deck to draft at first glance, but Modern Masters 2017 Edition has a lot of smexy cards that help this deck out a lot. People often tend to forget that they need cheap removal for their aggressive draft deck too. You won’t want to spend more than one or two mana to trade for an opponent’s creature. The burn in this set is very good at this, as much of it also hits players. Being removal when you need it, but the final bits of damage when you don’t, gives those spells lots of value. Absolutely pick them up if you’re in Red at all.
Key cards: Magma Jet, Goblin Assault, Strength in Numbers, Gaea’s Anthem
Green/White – Tokens
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Call of the Conclave by Terese Nielsen
In most limited formats, “tokens” is synonymous with “go wide.” While there is certainly overlap in these adjacent archetypes, this Green/White deck is looking to go much bigger than the Red/Green deck.
Populate, the Selesnya mechanic from Return to Ravnica, prefers a few large tokens to a bunch of small ones. You’ll notice that both colors have the ability to make tokens that are at least 3/3. This makes the archetype more of a midrange beatdown strategy than an aggressive swarming one. White’s ability to flicker creatures is also relevant here.
You’ll notice a lot of different tokens in this set. From 1/1 flying Birds, 3/3 Golems, and 4/4 Beasts to 4/4 Angels, 5/5 Wurms, and massive X/X Oozes. All creatures big and small are welcome in this army.
Key cards: Slime Molding, Baloth Cage Trap, Rootborn Defenses, Master Splicer
Multicolor Madness
All that said, this set is loaded with multicolor cards. With Guildgates at common and Signets at uncommon, it’s very easy to splash a third color in your draft deck. You can sure as heckfire just draft a full three-color deck too. Maybe even four! Sky’s the limit!
Because the main archetypes, and thus the bulk of the gold cards, are ally-color pairs, you’ll most often end up drafting a shard (color and its two allies) if you do go three colors. So I’m going to briefly talk about how all these themes overlap if you do walk this yellow-bricked road.
Green/White/Blue (Bant)
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Stoic Angel by Volkan Baga
This combines the Green/White Tokens strategy with the White/Blue Flicker strategy. As I mentioned above, flickering works great with the creatures that create tokens when they enter the battlefield. Can you imagine casting Ghostly Flicker on two Splicers to get two extra 3/3 Golems? Because you should be imagining that. It’s the dream of this deck.
Green brings a beatdown speed to the White/Blue archetype that turns the Bant deck into more of a tempo deck. You’ll want to stick a meaty creature early and then use spells to disrupt your opponent’s plans. Because you get to recycle so many effects, this deck has some huge late-game plays too.
White/Blue/Black (Esper)
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Tower Gargoyle by Matt Cavotta
Flickering and Control are kind of a weird pair, but this is the three-color deck that most wants to win the card advantage game. Doing more with less is the goal, and you can see that in both individual strategies.
If you want to draft this deck, efficiency is your top priority. Play the cheapest, but most impactful, cards from all three colors. Find threats with a lot of stats. Disrupt your opponent’s plans while furthering yours at the same time. You’ll eventually win if you have more resources than your opponent.
Blue/Black/Red (Grixis)
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Cruel Ultimatum by Todd Lockwood
I mentioned that the Black/Sacrifice deck probably has a grindier game plan in it somewhere. Combined with Blue/Black Control is a surefire way to bring that slow side out.
This deck can look a lot like the Esper one, just with the value focused on the graveyard instead of the battlefield. Then again, Blue’s bounce spells can simply supplement the aggressive Black/Red strategy you have. There’s a lot of flexibility in three-color decks, so try not to lose focus on what your specific draft deck is trying to accomplish.
Black/Red/Green (Jund)
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Broodmate Dragon by Vance Kovacs
Sacrifice decks need food, so give it to them with Red/Green’s surplus of little creatures. Green pushes Black/Red in the more aggressive direction for sure. This is a deck that wants to put a lot of stuff onto the battlefield and then use it as needed.
Having the option to simply attack with your forces or sacrifice them for other effects is the dilemma the Jund deck thrive in. And really, it’s not much of a dilemma. Attack when you can, sac when you can’t. You’re getting closer to victory either way, so stay adaptable.
Red/Green/White (Naya)
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Woolly Thoctar by Wayne Reynolds
If you want to draft the most brutal curve-out creature deck in Modern Masters 2017 Edition, these are the colors you’re going to do it in. Many limited games are won by simply casting effective bodies on turns two, three, and four.
Red provides the damage reach that a Green/White deck might struggle with, while White provides some of the better removal for larger creatures that burn spells can’t hit. Together, this strategy has some of the most impactful spells in the format. Playing good cards is always a good idea.
Mastering Limited
If you think this is a lot to keep track of, note that I didn’t even mention the enemy-color gold cards that enhance this format even further. I, for one, am hoping to get to draft Simic Sky Swallower, Urban Evolution, and Coiling Oracle for that Green/Blue Ramp action. In Modern Masters 2017 Edition limited, almost anything seems possible if the cards get passed your way. I can’t wait to get a draft in.
Until next time, planeswalkers, may you draft bomb rares and have your favorite colors always be open.
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numberplates4u-blog · 6 years
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Audi RS5 review - Audi's most entertaining coupe yet?
For  Effortless performance, confidence-inspiring handling, impressive refinement and comfort Against  Characterless engine, lack of driver involvement A more rounded car than before, delivering crushing all-weather pace, but comfort and refinement comes at the expense of character The original Audi RS5 debuted in 2010 and was arguably the brand’s best attempt yet to recapture the magic of its legendary ur Quattro. Featuring a similar four-seat coupe body, flared wheel arches and four-wheel drive, it ticked all the right boxes. And while it lacked the original’s five-cylinder soundtrack, it compensated with its howling V8.In fact, this naturally aspirated 4.2-litre 8-cylinder unit was the dynamic highlight. The rest of the car just failed to live up to the promise of its raw ingredients. It was fast and composed, but it lacked the driver involvement that marked out the best, such as the BMW M4. > Audi RS5 vs BMW M4 vs Mercedes-AMG C63 S - Supertest review However, there’s now an all-new Audi RS5 that’s been developed to address the old version’s shortcomings. Lighter, faster and powered by a powerful new twin turbocharged V6, it promises to be one of the firm’s most engaging and entertaining machines yet. At least that’s what Audi claims. Before you even so much as open the driver’s door Audi is keen to point out that the RS5 has been designed to cover a wider brief than its immediate rivals. In fact, bosses stress that this is a high performance GT car that can be transformed into razor-sharp sports coupe as and when the mood takes. Audi RS5 in detail  > Performance and 0-60 time - The RS5 edges out the competition in a launch style start covering 0-62mph in 3.9sec and is capable of de-limited 174mph top speed. > Engine and gearbox - The 2.9-litre, twin-turbocharged V6 develops 444bhp, but the gains have been made in the mid-range courtesy of 442lb ft of torque available from 1900rpm. > Ride and handling - The new RS5 has progressed significantly over the old model, lighter, more focused and hugely capable, although it still feels a bit inert alongside rivals. > MPG and running costs - The smaller blown engine makes the RS5 more efficient than its predecessor, with Audi claiming 32.5mpg on a combined cycle. > Interior and tech - The RS5 does justice to Audi’s reputation of producing class-leading interiors crammed with an endless list of tech functions. > Design - A collection of tasteful exterior tweaks imbue the RS5 with the necessary aggression to wear the RS badge. > Audi RS5 vs rivals - evo 240 saw the Audi RS5 meet the M4 Competition Pack and Mercedes-AMG C63 in an evo Supertest. Prices and specs Image 1 of 33 Image 1 of 33 The Audi RS5 weighs in at £62,900, which means it undercuts natural rivals such as the BMW M4 Competition Pack (£64,010) and Mercedes-AMG C63 (£63,475). It matches the competition for kit, too, with sat-nav, LED headlamps, and Nappa leather seat trim. Yet it’s still possible to go overboard with options and splash out on items such as 20-speaker Bang and Olufsen hi-fi, a carbon fibre exterior styling pack and a driver pack that raises the top speed to 174mph. The latest RS5 is no more powerful than before with 444bhp, but weight savings of 60kg mean it’s faster than its predecessor. For instance, the firm claims the 0-62mph sprint is covered in an electrifying 3.9 seconds, while we recorded our own 0-60mph time of 3.6 seconds – neither the M4 nor C63 can duck under the four second barrier. What’s more, the combination of launch control and four-wheel drive mean that this figure can be achieved come rain or shine. However, it’s fair to say the RS5 never feels as dramatic as the figures suggest. Make no mistake; the Audi is a seriously quick car that can cover ground with truly indecent haste. Yet the extremely linear power delivery (peak torque of 442lb ft is delivered at 1,900rpm) means you’re treated to a smooth and relentless increase in pace, rather than the more exciting top end frenzy of, say, the M4. Like all fast German machines, the RS5 is limited to a top speed of 155mph. Yet if you’re willing to fork out an extra £1,450 then Audi will raise this figure 174mph - useful if you live just down the road from an Autobahn. Yet perhaps the biggest change is to be found under the heavily creased bonnet, where the current trend for downsizing means you’ll now find a twin-turbocharged 2.9-litre V6. It delivers the same 444bhp as the old car, but torque has swelled by 125lb ft to a heady 442lb ft. There’s a new eight-speed auto that replaces the seven speed S tronic, which is claimed to shift gears as quickly as the old twin-clutch unit. On the move, drivers can choose between Drive, Sport and manual changes via the steering wheel mounted paddles. As before, the quattro four-wheel drive system splits the engine’s torque 40/60 front to rear, but the system now reacts faster and can send up to 70 percent of the engine’s output to the rear axle in extreme situations. There’s no doubting the V6’s effectiveness when it comes to outright performance, but it can’t match the old V8 for visceral apppeal. This is partly down to the engine’s delivery, and partly the drama-dulling effects of four-wheel drive and a slick, seamless gearchange. Also playing its part is the muted soundtrack, which lacks the spine-tingling, 8,000rpm-chasing excitement of the old naturally aspirated V8. > Click here to read our Mercedes-AMG C63 review Image 8 of 33 Image 8 of 33 There’s a muted growl when you really start to work it, but it’s not a noise that has you deliberately holding onto each gear just to hear it again. You are further discouraged from doing this by the small, cheap-feeling plastic paddles on the wheel, which are a far cry from the gorgeous aluminium items on the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrafoglio. The transmission slurs unobtrusively up the gears as quickly as possible. Yet with so much torque available at such low revs, the Audi still accelerates strongly. As a car to use everyday on everything from scarred city streets to smooth motorways, the cultured Audi is unrivalled.Selecting the car’s Dynamic model sharpens the gearchanges, plus it adds some bass to the engine note, as well as more obvious exhaust rasp on upshifts. It also initiates a strange noise on the overrun that sounds like there’s someone trapped in the boot and they’re playing the drums to attract your attention. Audi has left no stone unturned in its quest to make the RS5 a more engaging drivers’ car than its predecessor. A key aim of the development process was weight reduction, with the result that the car is up to 60kg lighter than before, tipping the scales at 1,655kg – the Mercedes-AMG C63 weighs in at 1,710kg, but the BMW M4 is just 1,585kg. The use of aluminium and high-strength steel in the structure means that the body is 15kg lighter. The front and rear axle assemblies are 6kg and 5kg lighter respectively, while the electro mechanical steering gear shaves a further 3.5kg. The biggest reduction, however, is reserved for the engine. With fewer cylinders than before, the 2.9-litre unit is an impressive 31kg lighter than the old V8. That’s a big saving, and one that aims to boost performance and, crucially, improve the handling. > Click here for our BMW M4 review Image 12 of 33 Image 12 of 33 And if that’s not enough for you, then the optional carbon fibre roof panel cuts a further 3kg, while the milled and forged alloys are 8kg lighter than the standard rims. Unsprung mass is further reduced by the ceramic brakes, which chop a further 8kg from the total. Elsewhere, the RS5 features a specially developed version of the brand’s quattro all-wheel drive system. It’s permanently engaged with a standard torque split of 40/60 front to rear – a set-up that’s claimed to deliver more agile handling. Yet it has the ability to vary the torque channeled to either axle depending on the conditions, with front able to take up to 85 percent of the engine’s effort and the rear 70 percent. More importantly, this process now happens more quickly, helping to promote more natural handling characteristics.Also included on all UK cars is the Sport rear differential, which can shuffle power across the axle and, in extreme situations, overdrive the outside wheel for a more rear-wheel drive feel.m the kerbweight. Image 5 of 33 Image 5 of 33 Leave the car to its own devices in Auto mode (there’s also Comfort, Dynamic and Individual, where you can pick ‘n’ mix your favourite engine, steering, suspension and transmission settings) and the RS5 is impressively easy going. The optional adaptive dampers soak up bumps that would send a shudder through the M4 and C63. Turn into a corner with and it’s immediately clear the RS5 feels lighter on its feet than the old car. With less weight over the nose and quicker steering the RS5 turns in more eagerly, while the firmed-up dampers help keep it on an even keel during harder cornering. And with the benefit of four-wheel drive traction, the Audi fires out of corners with the sort of rocket-propelled energy that its rear-drive rivals can’t match. If you want to travel from point-to-point as quickly as possible, the RS5 has few equals in this class. It’s more organic in feel than before, flowing down roads that the old car often felt like it was taking in scrappy chunks. This is largely down to the improved quattro four-wheel drive, which seems more natural than before. Power hard out of a tight corner and there’s a sense the rear axle is helping rotate the tail a little, reducing understeer and helping you carry more speed down the next straight. Be more aggressive and in slippery conditions the car will start to slide – although the system quickly sends torque to the front wheels to counter this. > Click here to see evo's best sports car of 2017 Image 6 of 33 Image 6 of 33 The steering is quick, accurate and naturally weighted, it lacks any real feedback. The Audi RS5 isn’t as throttle adjustable as its rivals either, meaning you have fewer options into and out of corners. Carry a little too much speed into a bend and you get mild understeer, which can be cancelled out by lifting off. However, try and tighten the car’s line with a little more throttle, and the Audi washes even further wide. To really appreciate the Audi’s deep reserves of talent you’ve got to put the dampers into their sportiest settings and really drive it hard. It’s at this point that you can appreciate the cast iron body control, limpit-like grip and impressive balance. No it’s not as exciting as its rear-wheel drive rivals, but as way to cover ground quickly, effortlessly and with a modicum of engagement it’s in a class of its own.  Downsizing to the smaller turbo-unit has improved fuel consumption by 24 per cent over the old model. Standing in a petrol station forecourt is one place you certainly won’t miss the free-breathing V8. In our long term RS5 we’ve managed to exceed the claimed 32.5mpg on a combined cycle, achieving 34mpg on a cruise up to Scotland. This instance aside, the mpg has failed to escape the twenties, with the poorest return of 22.3mpg over 884 miles and best of 28.1mpg. You’d hope the tyres would wear more evenly compared to its rear-driven competitors, but when a new set of boots is required you should budget about £1000 for Hankook Ventus S1 evo2s fitted to our long termer.  Inside, the RS5 builds on the foundations of the standard A5, which means few rivals come close for quality or upmarket appeal. The slick design is enhanced by some carefully chosen upgrades, including alcantara coverings for the steering wheel and gear selector, a smattering of RS5 badges and some supremely supportive high-backed seats. Tech fans can revel in the now familiar Virtual Cockpit, which is standard. Featuring a 12.3-inch configurable TFT screen, it features a host of useful functions, plus a barrage of performance data, such as turbo boost pressure and a G-meter. It’s a quiet and comfortable place to be, too. With the driver modes set to Comfort there’s very little wind and road noise, while the engine settles to a barely audible background hum. The ride is far more supple than that of the Mercedes-AMG C63 S and BMW M4, too. The new RS5 certainly looks the part, thanks to muscular styling that’s said to be influenced by the firm’s monstrous 90 quattro IMSA GTO race car, which dominated American sportscar racing in late eighties. Based on the standard A5 Coupe, the RS gets subtly pumped wheelarches, a larger grille and a deeper front bumper that’s crammed with intakes and sharply defined creases. Neat touches include the small vents either side of the headlamps and tail lights, plus the familiar silver door mirror caps. You get 19-inch alloys as standard, with larger 20-inch items available as an optional extra. Other upgrades include the Carbon, Carbon Black and Carbon Matt Aluminium styling packs that add different coloured spoilers, sill extensions and door mirror caps. For the full lightweight look you can add the £3,250 for the carbon fibre roof panel. The supertest in evo 240 pitched the Audi RS5 against its key rivals, the BMW M4 Competition Pack and the Mercedes-AMG C63 S. The RS5 exceeded expectations with its sheer breadth of abilities allowing it to transform from a GT car to a hardcore performance coupe at a touch of a button. The RS5 won praise against its rivals for the sophistication of its damping and its real-world pace. Criticism came for the way it denies instant access to the kind of thrills the M4 and C63 give up readily. You have to dig a little deeper for the excitement but that almost makes you appreciate the RS5 more. Weights, dimensions and performance data The Audi RS5 we tested weighed 1799kg, well up on the 1645kg BMW M4 but well down on the 1847kgcars Mercedes-AMG C63 S, but four-wheel-drive traction and a gearbox that features eight closely stacked ratios let it erupt off the line without wasting a single horsepower. > Click here for the supertest There’s launch control just like in the other two but the Audi’s system far more brutally effective. The result is 60mph in an incredible 3.6sec – Audi modestly claims 3.9sec to 62. The BMW and and Merc could only manage 4.4sec and 4.3sec respectively. But things change at higher speeds where the RS5’s mass and lack of top-end power sees it start to lose ground. By 150mph it was a full two seconds in arrears on its rivals. Lap time and track driving  On our hot laps of Bedford Autodrome’s West Circuit, the RS5 split the BMW and the Mercedes with a time of 1:25.0. In most of the corners, particularly the tighter ones, it’s able to use its power earlier than its two rivals – proof of its fabulous power and immense low-down grunt. But every time it’s surpassed on the straight by the other pair which can accelerate faster. > Click here for the supertest Part of the RS5’s impressive lap time can be traced to the confidence it instils in the driver. With little to fear from snap oversteer the driver of the RS5 can use more of its power for more of the time. Yet there’s balance and poise there, and unless you carry far too much speed into a bend then understeer is virtually non-existant. Supertest data and specs table Audi RS5 Engine V6, 2894cc, twin-turbo Power 444bhp @ 5700-6700rpm Torque 442 lb ft @ 1900-5000rpm Transmission Eight-speed auto, four-wheel drive, electronically controlled rear LSD Tyres 275/30 R20 front, 275/30 R20 rear, Hankook Ventus S1 Evo 2 Height/width 1360mm/1861mm Weight 1799kg as tested (1655kg claimed) Power-to-weight 251bhp/ton using test-car weight, (273bhp/ton claimed) 0-60mph 3.6sec as tested (3.9 to 62 claimed) Top speed 174mph (optional raised limiter) evo mpg 19.6 (average over duration of test) Basic price £62,900 PCP monthly price £833 (36 months, £8000 deposit, 10,000 miles per annum limit)         24 Nov 2017
http://www.evo.co.uk/audi/rs5
0 notes
privateplates4u · 6 years
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Audi RS5 review - Audi's most entertaining coupe yet?
For  Effortless performance, confidence-inspiring handling, impressive refinement and comfort Against  Characterless engine, lack of driver involvement A more rounded car than before, delivering crushing all-weather pace, but comfort and refinement comes at the expense of character The original Audi RS5 debuted in 2010 and was arguably the brand’s best attempt yet to recapture the magic of its legendary ur Quattro. Featuring a similar four-seat coupe body, flared wheel arches and four-wheel drive, it ticked all the right boxes. And while it lacked the original’s five-cylinder soundtrack, it compensated with its howling V8.In fact, this naturally aspirated 4.2-litre 8-cylinder unit was the dynamic highlight. The rest of the car just failed to live up to the promise of its raw ingredients. It was fast and composed, but it lacked the driver involvement that marked out the best, such as the BMW M4. > Audi RS5 vs BMW M4 vs Mercedes-AMG C63 S - Supertest review However, there’s now an all-new Audi RS5 that’s been developed to address the old version’s shortcomings. Lighter, faster and powered by a powerful new twin turbocharged V6, it promises to be one of the firm’s most engaging and entertaining machines yet. At least that’s what Audi claims. Before you even so much as open the driver’s door Audi is keen to point out that the RS5 has been designed to cover a wider brief than its immediate rivals. In fact, bosses stress that this is a high performance GT car that can be transformed into razor-sharp sports coupe as and when the mood takes. Audi RS5 in detail  > Performance and 0-60 time - The RS5 edges out the competition in a launch style start covering 0-62mph in 3.9sec and is capable of de-limited 174mph top speed. > Engine and gearbox - The 2.9-litre, twin-turbocharged V6 develops 444bhp, but the gains have been made in the mid-range courtesy of 442lb ft of torque available from 1900rpm. > Ride and handling - The new RS5 has progressed significantly over the old model, lighter, more focused and hugely capable, although it still feels a bit inert alongside rivals. > MPG and running costs - The smaller blown engine makes the RS5 more efficient than its predecessor, with Audi claiming 32.5mpg on a combined cycle. > Interior and tech - The RS5 does justice to Audi’s reputation of producing class-leading interiors crammed with an endless list of tech functions. > Design - A collection of tasteful exterior tweaks imbue the RS5 with the necessary aggression to wear the RS badge. > Audi RS5 vs rivals - evo 240 saw the Audi RS5 meet the M4 Competition Pack and Mercedes-AMG C63 in an evo Supertest. Prices and specs Image 1 of 33 Image 1 of 33 The Audi RS5 weighs in at £62,900, which means it undercuts natural rivals such as the BMW M4 Competition Pack (£64,010) and Mercedes-AMG C63 (£63,475). It matches the competition for kit, too, with sat-nav, LED headlamps, and Nappa leather seat trim. Yet it’s still possible to go overboard with options and splash out on items such as 20-speaker Bang and Olufsen hi-fi, a carbon fibre exterior styling pack and a driver pack that raises the top speed to 174mph. The latest RS5 is no more powerful than before with 444bhp, but weight savings of 60kg mean it’s faster than its predecessor. For instance, the firm claims the 0-62mph sprint is covered in an electrifying 3.9 seconds, while we recorded our own 0-60mph time of 3.6 seconds – neither the M4 nor C63 can duck under the four second barrier. What’s more, the combination of launch control and four-wheel drive mean that this figure can be achieved come rain or shine. However, it’s fair to say the RS5 never feels as dramatic as the figures suggest. Make no mistake; the Audi is a seriously quick car that can cover ground with truly indecent haste. Yet the extremely linear power delivery (peak torque of 442lb ft is delivered at 1,900rpm) means you’re treated to a smooth and relentless increase in pace, rather than the more exciting top end frenzy of, say, the M4. Like all fast German machines, the RS5 is limited to a top speed of 155mph. Yet if you’re willing to fork out an extra £1,450 then Audi will raise this figure 174mph - useful if you live just down the road from an Autobahn. Yet perhaps the biggest change is to be found under the heavily creased bonnet, where the current trend for downsizing means you’ll now find a twin-turbocharged 2.9-litre V6. It delivers the same 444bhp as the old car, but torque has swelled by 125lb ft to a heady 442lb ft. There’s a new eight-speed auto that replaces the seven speed S tronic, which is claimed to shift gears as quickly as the old twin-clutch unit. On the move, drivers can choose between Drive, Sport and manual changes via the steering wheel mounted paddles. As before, the quattro four-wheel drive system splits the engine’s torque 40/60 front to rear, but the system now reacts faster and can send up to 70 percent of the engine’s output to the rear axle in extreme situations. There’s no doubting the V6’s effectiveness when it comes to outright performance, but it can’t match the old V8 for visceral apppeal. This is partly down to the engine’s delivery, and partly the drama-dulling effects of four-wheel drive and a slick, seamless gearchange. Also playing its part is the muted soundtrack, which lacks the spine-tingling, 8,000rpm-chasing excitement of the old naturally aspirated V8. > Click here to read our Mercedes-AMG C63 review Image 8 of 33 Image 8 of 33 There’s a muted growl when you really start to work it, but it’s not a noise that has you deliberately holding onto each gear just to hear it again. You are further discouraged from doing this by the small, cheap-feeling plastic paddles on the wheel, which are a far cry from the gorgeous aluminium items on the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrafoglio. The transmission slurs unobtrusively up the gears as quickly as possible. Yet with so much torque available at such low revs, the Audi still accelerates strongly. As a car to use everyday on everything from scarred city streets to smooth motorways, the cultured Audi is unrivalled.Selecting the car’s Dynamic model sharpens the gearchanges, plus it adds some bass to the engine note, as well as more obvious exhaust rasp on upshifts. It also initiates a strange noise on the overrun that sounds like there’s someone trapped in the boot and they’re playing the drums to attract your attention. Audi has left no stone unturned in its quest to make the RS5 a more engaging drivers’ car than its predecessor. A key aim of the development process was weight reduction, with the result that the car is up to 60kg lighter than before, tipping the scales at 1,655kg – the Mercedes-AMG C63 weighs in at 1,710kg, but the BMW M4 is just 1,585kg. The use of aluminium and high-strength steel in the structure means that the body is 15kg lighter. The front and rear axle assemblies are 6kg and 5kg lighter respectively, while the electro mechanical steering gear shaves a further 3.5kg. The biggest reduction, however, is reserved for the engine. With fewer cylinders than before, the 2.9-litre unit is an impressive 31kg lighter than the old V8. That’s a big saving, and one that aims to boost performance and, crucially, improve the handling. > Click here for our BMW M4 review Image 12 of 33 Image 12 of 33 And if that’s not enough for you, then the optional carbon fibre roof panel cuts a further 3kg, while the milled and forged alloys are 8kg lighter than the standard rims. Unsprung mass is further reduced by the ceramic brakes, which chop a further 8kg from the total. Elsewhere, the RS5 features a specially developed version of the brand’s quattro all-wheel drive system. It’s permanently engaged with a standard torque split of 40/60 front to rear – a set-up that’s claimed to deliver more agile handling. Yet it has the ability to vary the torque channeled to either axle depending on the conditions, with front able to take up to 85 percent of the engine’s effort and the rear 70 percent. More importantly, this process now happens more quickly, helping to promote more natural handling characteristics.Also included on all UK cars is the Sport rear differential, which can shuffle power across the axle and, in extreme situations, overdrive the outside wheel for a more rear-wheel drive feel.m the kerbweight. Image 5 of 33 Image 5 of 33 Leave the car to its own devices in Auto mode (there’s also Comfort, Dynamic and Individual, where you can pick ‘n’ mix your favourite engine, steering, suspension and transmission settings) and the RS5 is impressively easy going. The optional adaptive dampers soak up bumps that would send a shudder through the M4 and C63. Turn into a corner with and it’s immediately clear the RS5 feels lighter on its feet than the old car. With less weight over the nose and quicker steering the RS5 turns in more eagerly, while the firmed-up dampers help keep it on an even keel during harder cornering. And with the benefit of four-wheel drive traction, the Audi fires out of corners with the sort of rocket-propelled energy that its rear-drive rivals can’t match. If you want to travel from point-to-point as quickly as possible, the RS5 has few equals in this class. It’s more organic in feel than before, flowing down roads that the old car often felt like it was taking in scrappy chunks. This is largely down to the improved quattro four-wheel drive, which seems more natural than before. Power hard out of a tight corner and there’s a sense the rear axle is helping rotate the tail a little, reducing understeer and helping you carry more speed down the next straight. Be more aggressive and in slippery conditions the car will start to slide – although the system quickly sends torque to the front wheels to counter this. > Click here to see evo's best sports car of 2017 Image 6 of 33 Image 6 of 33 The steering is quick, accurate and naturally weighted, it lacks any real feedback. The Audi RS5 isn’t as throttle adjustable as its rivals either, meaning you have fewer options into and out of corners. Carry a little too much speed into a bend and you get mild understeer, which can be cancelled out by lifting off. However, try and tighten the car’s line with a little more throttle, and the Audi washes even further wide. To really appreciate the Audi’s deep reserves of talent you’ve got to put the dampers into their sportiest settings and really drive it hard. It’s at this point that you can appreciate the cast iron body control, limpit-like grip and impressive balance. No it’s not as exciting as its rear-wheel drive rivals, but as way to cover ground quickly, effortlessly and with a modicum of engagement it’s in a class of its own.  Downsizing to the smaller turbo-unit has improved fuel consumption by 24 per cent over the old model. Standing in a petrol station forecourt is one place you certainly won’t miss the free-breathing V8. In our long term RS5 we’ve managed to exceed the claimed 32.5mpg on a combined cycle, achieving 34mpg on a cruise up to Scotland. This instance aside, the mpg has failed to escape the twenties, with the poorest return of 22.3mpg over 884 miles and best of 28.1mpg. You’d hope the tyres would wear more evenly compared to its rear-driven competitors, but when a new set of boots is required you should budget about £1000 for Hankook Ventus S1 evo2s fitted to our long termer.  Inside, the RS5 builds on the foundations of the standard A5, which means few rivals come close for quality or upmarket appeal. The slick design is enhanced by some carefully chosen upgrades, including alcantara coverings for the steering wheel and gear selector, a smattering of RS5 badges and some supremely supportive high-backed seats. Tech fans can revel in the now familiar Virtual Cockpit, which is standard. Featuring a 12.3-inch configurable TFT screen, it features a host of useful functions, plus a barrage of performance data, such as turbo boost pressure and a G-meter. It’s a quiet and comfortable place to be, too. With the driver modes set to Comfort there’s very little wind and road noise, while the engine settles to a barely audible background hum. The ride is far more supple than that of the Mercedes-AMG C63 S and BMW M4, too. The new RS5 certainly looks the part, thanks to muscular styling that’s said to be influenced by the firm’s monstrous 90 quattro IMSA GTO race car, which dominated American sportscar racing in late eighties. Based on the standard A5 Coupe, the RS gets subtly pumped wheelarches, a larger grille and a deeper front bumper that’s crammed with intakes and sharply defined creases. Neat touches include the small vents either side of the headlamps and tail lights, plus the familiar silver door mirror caps. You get 19-inch alloys as standard, with larger 20-inch items available as an optional extra. Other upgrades include the Carbon, Carbon Black and Carbon Matt Aluminium styling packs that add different coloured spoilers, sill extensions and door mirror caps. For the full lightweight look you can add the £3,250 for the carbon fibre roof panel. The supertest in evo 240 pitched the Audi RS5 against its key rivals, the BMW M4 Competition Pack and the Mercedes-AMG C63 S. The RS5 exceeded expectations with its sheer breadth of abilities allowing it to transform from a GT car to a hardcore performance coupe at a touch of a button. The RS5 won praise against its rivals for the sophistication of its damping and its real-world pace. Criticism came for the way it denies instant access to the kind of thrills the M4 and C63 give up readily. You have to dig a little deeper for the excitement but that almost makes you appreciate the RS5 more. Weights, dimensions and performance data The Audi RS5 we tested weighed 1799kg, well up on the 1645kg BMW M4 but well down on the 1847kgcars Mercedes-AMG C63 S, but four-wheel-drive traction and a gearbox that features eight closely stacked ratios let it erupt off the line without wasting a single horsepower. > Click here for the supertest There’s launch control just like in the other two but the Audi’s system far more brutally effective. The result is 60mph in an incredible 3.6sec – Audi modestly claims 3.9sec to 62. The BMW and and Merc could only manage 4.4sec and 4.3sec respectively. But things change at higher speeds where the RS5’s mass and lack of top-end power sees it start to lose ground. By 150mph it was a full two seconds in arrears on its rivals. Lap time and track driving  On our hot laps of Bedford Autodrome’s West Circuit, the RS5 split the BMW and the Mercedes with a time of 1:25.0. In most of the corners, particularly the tighter ones, it’s able to use its power earlier than its two rivals – proof of its fabulous power and immense low-down grunt. But every time it’s surpassed on the straight by the other pair which can accelerate faster. > Click here for the supertest Part of the RS5’s impressive lap time can be traced to the confidence it instils in the driver. With little to fear from snap oversteer the driver of the RS5 can use more of its power for more of the time. Yet there’s balance and poise there, and unless you carry far too much speed into a bend then understeer is virtually non-existant. Supertest data and specs table Audi RS5 Engine V6, 2894cc, twin-turbo Power 444bhp @ 5700-6700rpm Torque 442 lb ft @ 1900-5000rpm Transmission Eight-speed auto, four-wheel drive, electronically controlled rear LSD Tyres 275/30 R20 front, 275/30 R20 rear, Hankook Ventus S1 Evo 2 Height/width 1360mm/1861mm Weight 1799kg as tested (1655kg claimed) Power-to-weight 251bhp/ton using test-car weight, (273bhp/ton claimed) 0-60mph 3.6sec as tested (3.9 to 62 claimed) Top speed 174mph (optional raised limiter) evo mpg 19.6 (average over duration of test) Basic price £62,900 PCP monthly price £833 (36 months, £8000 deposit, 10,000 miles per annum limit)         24 Nov 2017
http://www.evo.co.uk/audi/rs5
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armorroofing · 7 years
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Wow! Armor Roofing - Liberty MO Roofing Contractor
The article Wow! Armor Roofing - Liberty MO Roofing Contractor originally appeared on Armor Roofing Kansas City.
A number of people underrate how urgent it can be to have intermittent roof inspections. For lots of people, a comfortable house may be their most important permanent investment. You shall spend a substantial amount of time in your own home with your family. As a consequence, it follows that you need to make it a pleasant setting for both you and your household. The subsequent issue you want is definitely for your ideal existence to be messed up by a roof shingles leak and the associated water destruction to your most valued goods. The most effective care of your roof is certainly thereby of the utmost importance to you and your relatives.
Without an efficiently functioning rooftop, you might as well end up sleeping outdoors. Therefore, when you spot glaring signs of conceivable roofing damage such as tiles on the grass or sharp dings on your AC unit, you have to look for an examination of your roofing at once to refurbish any menacing problems.
At Armor Roofing, client happiness is undoubtedly our most fundamental metric. Anyone can potentially establish this by browsing a lot of 5-star testimonies put up at Internet rating sites. We surely have long-standing relationships with insurance operations in your local area and know precisely the process of receiving your insurance claim remunerated in all due haste. We at Armor Roofing warranty our great quality jobs. We deliver you at least a five-year guaranty on all jobs.
The last thing you desire to have is for a limited roof covering ruptures to wreck your residential home and treasures inside. Communicate with us now to be sure that your roofing is ready previous to the next weather system hitting the Liberty local community.
Call Us Today!Call Us Today! (816) 331-7663
Speaking about roofing your home, there are a lot of major property or home routine service problems everyday people are more likely to dismiss, and beneath all of these, you will discover practices that can be done to ensure your roof covering will resist the weather when some type of rainstorm approaches. In a case where your roof covering is specifically old, then it can potentially really need to be ultimately replaced, and this can easily become largely costly. But, you can not use this as an excuse to wait to have it managed. It is usually easy to be able to see a reason why this is usually the situation. As water commences seeping into the property or home simply because you delayed the new roof, renovating water problems can be a lot more pricey than the starting roofing financial impact you were warding off. Getting open to severe storms continuously, the shingles will some day require repairs, it is simply a matter with regards to the moment.
Fortunately, these cases may also be easily managed for most individuals for two conditions. Firstly, you should try to understand that some roof deterioration may be solved with a relatively easy or spot procedure which is usually easy in the pocket. As long as you currently have a property loan on your property or home, you likely are forced to seek well-rounded household insurance coverage. You quite likely have a policy even if you possess the domicile 100%. In both situations, you would be covered with insurance for any roof covering damages, therefore you will certainly rest well at night if you just think you currently have roof top issues. Just accept they exclusively provide for fine quality repairs that they may also look at. For this reason, it makes good sense to pick and choose the right roofer to increase the chances the roofing job is accomplished with the required quality, and in turn, your insurance adjuster is appeased.
How Could I Encounter A Roofing Materials Devastation?
To finally evaluate the roof covering's health condition, you will find different questions you might want to respond to according to the design and style of roof you have now:
Each Of The Beneficial Properties
Is your rooftop underlayment corroded? A stratum beneath the roofing materials is known as underlayment. Warped underlayment has the capability to trigger leaks, especially by way of tile or metal roof top varieties which specifically really rely on the further rainwater containment. Really, you will have to contact a licensed roofing expert to visit your home and consider the magnitude of the ruin to give protection to the household value.
Do you see any kind of deteriorated metallic material in the metallic roof? Rusting is unquestionably not an incredibly good indicator. Right now may likely end up being a sound time period to seek out the counseling of a roofing company. Where ever you find decay, there can be a water leak, which generally will probably be extremely nasty info for your house.
Have roofing layer tiles cracked or slipped apart from the household? Unquestionably, now is the time to utilize a licensed roofing expert. A replacement patch service is undeniably paramount. In cases where the deterioration is serious enough, you could possibly require having the 100 % roof covering installed.
A refurbishment or new installation is probably great if you answered in the affirmative to several of the above issues. Most people definitely will wish to retain the services of a roofing repair contractor equipped with impressive experience previous to resolving if a roofing repair or roof replacement will be most appropriate. If at all possible, you should preferably have a roofer implement the check-up on top of that because going on the roof covering can be taking your life into your own hands and properly trained professionals can detect damage which unfortunately a number of women and men might not.
Get in touch with is by dialing (816) 331-7663 to obtain your 100% free roofing material inspection. You have got no risk!
Call Us Today!Call Us Today! (816) 331-7663
Contact at Armor Roofing now by going to the button following below. Upon a total review, your roofing expert will describe to you with appropriate certainty what precisely your improvement choices are and specifically how much each one will surely cost. Where the person does recommend a 100% roof installation, perhaps you must know a multitude of facts first ahead of coming to a decision on if you want to just do it.
Exactly What Are Extra Benefits Related With Rooftop Replacements?
The leading effect of a replacement, certainly, is that your roof structure would be totally renovated! You might unwind comfortably for quite a while simply because the roof should certainly withstand no matter what nature throws at it with the exception absolute disaster. However, if the decline isn't necessarily that extreme, and you won't be required to possess the relief that goes with a new roof replacement, in that case, a even less downright costly remedy may just be fairly easy.
A new ıssue which must remain considered is whether or not you are sure to trade in your residence. A very good roof top will certainly amplify a building's price tag reasonably notably.
Reasons Behind Why You Should Keep Clear Of A Full Roof Covering Package in Liberty
Plainly, a fresh roof covering construction is certainly an extensively more time-consuming and tough business when compared to a trouble-free refurbishing. But if or when you select a certified roofer complete with an entire team at your disposal, the work could very well be executed really in the near future. Regarding the expenses, 5,000 and 10,000 dollars will be a total range of costs needed for a roof structure replacement. A gigantic estate or high-end shingle are dramatically more overpriced even while more compact households would likely fall under this span. Luckily for us, most homeowners do not ever pay a dime for A full-blown new rooftop in the case the endeavor is in fact conducted and acknowledged with high quality a consequence of building insurance policy coverage. Armor Roofing LLC has been doing work in Liberty for several decades and is aware of virtually all of the nearby insurance brokers and the conditions expected to get your case taken care of.
Armor Roofing Service is able to work for you in the instance that you really feel the roofing might just be having to get some mending. Not one person bests Armor Roofing Services when one evaluates end user endorsement and top notch service. Smart homeowners do not take any chances with the rooftop. Call up Armor Roofing today at (816) 331-7663!
Call Us Today!Call Us Today! (816) 331-7663
Armor Roofing LLC - Kansas City 6600 NW Tower Dr #104 Kansas City, MO 64151 (816) 935-9312 http://kansascity.roofsareus.com
The post Wow! Armor Roofing - Liberty MO Roofing Contractor appeared first on Armor Roofing Kansas City.
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