Audi A5 and Audi S5
Not that it matters now but, I’m not sure whether Audi folks had planed to release the A5 & S5 Geneva press kit today or they just gave up due to last week’s online leak. Anyway, apart from three high-res images of the A5 and two of the S5, the kit includes the official press release with details on Ingolstadt’s take on the BMW 3 Series-Coupe. The A5 will be available with two petrol-engines, the 170Hp 1.8TFSI (autumn 2007) and the 265Hp 3.2FSI quattro and two diesel motors, the 190Hp 2.7TDI and the 240Hp 3.0TDI quattro –by the way what a wonderful engine that is. As for the S5 quattro, it gets a 354Hp 4.2 V8. For those of you who dislike scanning press releases we’ve added a small box down below containing the engine range specs. -Continued: Click “Read More…” below
We’ve already underlined our concerns on the A5’s subtle exterior-looks noting though that we’ll wait to see it up close for our conclusion. Something we won’t wait to see if we dislike is Audi’s decision to equip the A5/S5 with a damn standard electromechanical parking brake. What a drag. Apart from taking all the fun out of low-speed “handbraking”, have u ever tried to o park with these systems on a hill? What is that I hear, “hold assist”? If you tick the option-box... On the other hand, we really dig the A5’s “teutonic” interior even if it looks like it was ripped off an A6.
According to Audi, the A5 and S5 will be available to order in Europe from 6 March 2007 with the first vehicles due for delivery from June. US will probably follow towards the end of the year ore early 2008. For more images you click here, Audi A5, here Audi A5 Xtra pics and here, Audi S5
Audi is launching a fascinating new model series for its entry into a highly emotionally charged segment of the market: the A5 successfully unites the acclaimed Audi design language and thrilling dynamic driving performance, and combines generous refinement with the brand’s characteristic quality and sophistication. Its progressive design gives the new coupé an appearance that is both elegant and dynamic. With its muscular FSI and TDI engines, its entirely newly developed high-precision running gear, and a raft of innovative, luxury-class equipment features, the Audi A5 has been crafted to be a modern grand tourer, a touring coupé in the best tradition.
The Audi S5 is an extra sporty offering to complete the new series. A powerful V8 FSI engine gives the S5 a dynamic edge, which underscores its athletically accentuated design. The A5 and S5 are available to order from 6 March 2007 with the first vehicles due for delivery from June.
The Nuvolari quattro concept car of 2003 gave a first taste of Audi’s vision for a powerful and expertly styled coupé with a high performance potential and a progressive, sophisticated design – a bold step into the future.
Many elements from the Nuvolari have been adopted in the Audi A5. The new coupé is a clear and unique statement of sportiness and elegance. At the same time, the A5 offers a driving experience characterised by exhilarating dynamic performance and excellent comfort over long distances.
With a length of 4.63 m, the Audi A5 clearly belongs to a superior class of coupé. Four comfortable seats and a load volume of 455 litres make this car a comfortable long-distance tourer. The dynamic performance is supplied by FSI and TDI engines with rated power ranging from 125 to 195 kW (170 to 265 bhp). All engines share highly eco-friendly and efficient characteristics.
The engines’ power can be transmitted by either front-wheel drive or quattro four-wheel drive and a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox. The running gear developed for the A5 is entirely new and combines agile handling with the utmost driving safety.
