The Audi A5 (Internally Designated Typ 8T) is a compact executive car produced by the German automobile manufacturer Audi since 2007. It is the coupé and cabriolet versions of the fourth generation (B8) Audi A4 saloon and estate models. The A5 marks Audi's return to the mid-size coupé market since the (B3/B4) Audi 80-based Coupe model ended production in 1996. The B6/B7 A4 spawned a convertible variant but not a coupé. For the fourth generation A4 (B8), Audi decided to spin off the cabriolet and new coupé into a nameplate of its own as the A5. The new A5 and B8 A4 were based on the Audi MLP platform (Modular Longitudinal Platform) which is planned to underpin the next generation A6 and A8.It is slotted between the audi a4 and larger audi a6 The platform is notable for its departure from Audi's trademark "overhung" engine mounting position over the front axle, in favour of the powertrain being located behind the front axle - in an effort to achieve a more even weight distribution (52:48) between the front and rear wheels. The A5 is the third coupe in Audi's line-up, next to the second-generation TT and the R8. The A5 has adopted many design elements of the Nuvolari quattro concept. The A5 debuted with the 3.2-litre FSI V6 engine delivering 265 PS (195 kW; 261 hp).
Roadfly.com - 2008 Audi A5 Coupe
The design was based on Nuvolari quattro concept car. Audi A5 and S5 Coupé models were unveiled simultaneously in Salon International de l'Auto (Geneva) and Melbourne International Motor Shows on March 6, 2007. Ordering of the A5 and S5 began on June 6, 2007 and the first delivery was made 11 months later. Launch models included 3.2 FSI V6 multitronic and 3.0 TDI quattro 6-speed, with 1.8 TFSI available in autumn 2007. Early US models included A5 3.2 FSI quattro, S5 quattro. Both vehicles included choice of a 6-speed manual or 6-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. The S5 model went on sale in November 2007, equipped only with a manual transmission, while the A5 and the Tiptronic went on sale beginning spring of 2008. Canadian models went on sale in 2008. Launch model included A5 3.2 FSI with choice of 6-speed manual or 6-speed Tiptronic transmission. Audi A5 and S5 Cabriolet (convertible) models were scheduled for production in early 2009. A5 Cabriolet included a fabric roof as opposed to a retractable hardtop as on the Volkswagen Eos. The engine ranges are same as contemporary A5 coupé models, but S5 Cabriolet came with a 3.0 TFSI V6 supercharged engine. The A5 Cabriolet replaces the A4 Cabriolet. Delivery of A5 Cabriolet began in the second quarter of 2009. The vehicle was unveiled in 2009 New York Auto Show. US versions of A5 and S5 Cabriolet went on sale in September 2009 as a 2010 model. Early models included A5 2.0 I4 TFSI multitronic, A5 2.0 quattro Tiptronic, S5 quattro S Tronic.
The A5 Sportback has 4 doors and a long, tapering roofline, giving it a "coupe-like" appearance. The Sportback model will be available in Europe, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico and South Africa, and will start at EUR 36,050. However it is not sold in the United States and Canada. It is designed to be "as emotional and elegant as a coupe, as comfortable as a sedan, and as practical as an Avant" according to Audi. Early production models included 2.0 TFSI quattro (211PS), 3.2 FSI quattro, 2.0 TDI (170PS) with 6-speed manual gearbox and start/stop system, 2.7 TDI, 3.0 TDI quattro. Production version went on sale in 2009-09, with additional unannounced models beginning in the middle of 2010. The A5 Sportback will be available with two gasoline engines or three diesel engines: Audi A5 Sportback: the prices at launch (Germany). The Aluminum A5 coupe is a prototype vehicle demonstrating the benefits of the aluminium Audi Space Frame (ASF) concept. It is based on Audi A5 Coupe 2.0 TFSI with 211PS engine, but it uses the aluminium Audi Space Frame, aluminium and carbon fibre-reinforced plastics body. Punch riveting, bonding or laser-MIG hybrid welding replaced spot welding. The vehicle is 110 kg lighter than the equivalent steel-bodied production model. The vehicle was built by Audi's Aluminium and Lightweight Design Centre in Neckarsulm. The car was praised for its design and build quality, but some critics claim that it doesn't live up to expectations dynamically, notably in comparison with the BMW 3 Series coupé.
