[Brookside]

A5 - Audi's Coupe deLuxe
Debuts at Geneva in March



Wow.


Counting down to the launch of the new BMW 6-Series rival at the Geneva Motor Show in March, Audi has launched its own A5 microsite. This will be updated with teaser images and information leading up to the big unveiling, and is designed to drum up interest in the newcomer.

Click on to the website, and you are treated to a Google Earth-style graphic that slowly zooms in on the world. It then homes in on Audi's headquarters in Ingolstadt, Germany, where an overhead image of the new car on a display stand appears.

No other details of the new two-door are given away, other than the simple statement: "A new design. A completely new construction." This doesn't reveal much, but does hint at the possible adoption of a similar composite aluminium body assembly to the R8 supercar.You can also get a glimpse of the official A5 badge online, which confirms the name of the new model in public for the first time.




Link: Audi A5 micrositehttp://microsites.audi.com/audia5/

Sitting in Audi's sporting line-up between the TT coupé and R8, the new front-engined machine will be available with a range of diesel and petrol engines. Range-toppers will get a high-revving naturally aspirated V8. However, an even hotter version is also expected later, badged RS5. This will take on both BMW's M3 and M6 and break new ground for performance Audis.

Unlike most other models in the firm's range, the A5 is unlikely to be offered with anything but the company's famous all-wheel-drive quattro drive*train. Buyers will also have the choice of a conventional three-pedal or automated twin-clutch manual transmission, as well as a slick-shifting Tiptronic automatic.

Offering seating for four, the A5 will get a similar cabin to the A6. The emphasis will be on style, with a central MMI controller for the in-car entertainment and climate control keeping the dashboard clutter free.

When the new car goes on sale in Europe later this year, it will be offered only as a coupé. However, as it will rival the entire 6-Series range, there are also plans for a drop-top to be added to the line-up in the future. This is likely to use a fabric hood rather than a folding metal roof and will offer the most luxurious top-down motoring of any Audi model.


Source: AutoExpress

[imported_sbw]

Unfortunately this A5 will likely be like most Audis — a heavy front- and all-wheel-driver. Quattro is wonderful technology but makes Audis heavy, especially considering the competition.

[Brookside]

Originally Posted by sbw

Unfortunately this A5 will likely be like most Audis — a heavy front- and all-wheel-driver. Quattro is wonderful technology but makes Audis heavy, especially considering the competition.

Audi's have never caught on in N/A in the way BMW's and Merc's have.
But in Germany and the Scando countries Audi is considered the premium automobile manufacturer with more cars placing first in their class than any other car maker...
the latest Auto Motor und Sport reader poll reflects those preferences...btw only one BMW (the 3-series) won in it's category with the A4 a close second.

The A5 is the first model with Audi's new chassis/drivetrain configuration that allows the engine to sit further back from the front wheels
thus shifting the balance of the weight between front-back to a 50-50 weight distribution.
Audi is finally on a roll.