Audi, the main Volkswagen subsidiary and user of quality VW steering rack, has been planning to build a coupe that can outperform its TT and it will finally happen this fall once the 2008 Audi A5 hits American showrooms. Measuring 182 inches from nose to tail, the A5 is about 18 inches longer than the redesigned TT coupe and 7 inches shorter than the BMW 6 Series, but is about the same length as the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz coupes. CLK that are among its closest rivals.
The A5 looks a bit like the Nuvolari concept, which has the reduced version of the A8’s aluminum space frame, but Audi claims the production car has a completely new chassis design that will underpin several future models.
Comparing the A5 to other Audis, its front axle is pushed further forward, making it easier for this car to meet European pedestrian safety standards. This configuration also allows engineers to mount the coupe’s north-south engine on the centerline of the front axle to provide better weight distribution.
The A5 will be powered by a 3.2-liter FSI V6. European-spec A5s will also get an inexpensive four-cylinder and a pair of six-cylinder diesel engines. The 3.2-liter V6 is equipped with a variable lift valve that produces 262 horsepower and 243 feet of torque. Both a six-speed manual transmission and CVT will be available, as well as front-wheel drive and Quattro all-wheel drive configurations. The Quattro-equipped A5 and manual gearbox will allow this coupe to hit 60 in about 6 seconds according to Audi.
The suspension bits equipped on the A5 are mostly aluminum and are comprised of a new five-link design at the front that locates its upper and lower wishbones on a subframe bolted to the body for added strength, while a trapezoidal link arrangement was made for the back. The latter design is already used for other Audi models, but for the A5, the company revised the geometry.
Engineers have also placed the steering box in front of the front axle, which improves the direct feel according to Audi. Seventeen-inch wheels are standard on the A5, while eighteen-inch wheels will be available through an S-line sport package.
The interior of the A5 is a combination of the elegant design styles of the A4 and A6 and the all-in-one Multi Media Interface (MMI) control system is standard. Audi will also offer various grades and shades of fabric and leather upholstery, allowing customers to mix them with different wood and metal inlays based on their preferences. Other factory options available for the A5 include a panoramic glass roof, keyless start, triple zone climate control, a rearview camera, and a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system.
