New Audi A5 – first official press information

[Daz]

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 engine’s 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.

The design - Quite simply a desirable coupé

For coupé buyers, emotion plays a major role in their choice of car; the most important reason to

buy, in the case of a sporty two-door car, is the design. And on that point the Audi A5 genuinely

speaks for itself – its design takes Audi’s progressive and stylish design language to new heights.

The sporty silhouette, the precisely drawn lines, which gracefully interplay with the powerful

surfaces, the expressive front face, and the equally distinctive tail end yield a wholly desirable

coupé. “The Audi A5 is the most beautiful car I have ever designed”, says Walter de’Silva, Head of

Volkswagen Group Design, with absolute conviction.

Sportiness, elegance and dynamic performance are characteristics common to all of today’s Audi

models. Naturally the A5 is particularly rich in these elements of the Audi “genetic code”, and the

design makes that immediately clear: the coupé’s proportions, for instance, are characterised by a

very wide and low stance, a short front overhang and a long, flowing transition from the C pillar to

the tail end.

Lines and surfaces play with light and shadows

An expression of determination characterises the features of the front end: the face bears the

hallmark of the new Audi in the form of the single-frame grille, and its right-angled headlights and

large air inlets reinforce the architectural impression of breadth in the car’s face-on outline. The

same holds true for the rear: the distinct horizontal lines and wide, powerfully styled tail lights,

which seem to push outwards, underscore the sporting intent of the A5.

The side line is dominated by the mighty trapezoidal C pillar. This not only emphasises the car’s

sporty appeal, but also creates a look reminiscent of the legendary Audi Ur-quattro.

A second stylistic tribute to Audi’s four-wheel drive pioneer model can be found in the marked

outline of the wheel arches, with their curving contours drawn into the wide shoulder line. The lines

and surfaces of the Audi A5 play with light and shadows, bringing its shape to life and endowing the

body with the sculpted intensity that makes Audi design unique.

Audi’s customary devotion to detail is particularly evident in the headlights: their elaborate styling

perfectly reflects precision and high-tech engineering. The daytime running lights, comprising a

strip of eight LEDs on each side, make the A5’s xenon plus headlights absolutely unmistakeable.

The interior - The luxurious perfection of an Audi

The interior, the interface between person and vehicle, is characterised by ergonomic design and

functionality, and equally by the exclusiveness of the materials selected and Audi’s typically superb

build quality. An atmosphere in which you feel perfectly at ease, even on long journeys – that is the

key feature of the A5 interior.

Making interior design a high-quality tactile experience

The entire cockpit architecture is clearly focused on the driver and brings together the instruments

and the centre console to form one unit. The animated shapes, the precision of the workmanship,

and the sophisticated design of the controls – these represent a visual delight that is also a joy to

touch. The interior design provides a high-quality tactile experience each time you drive the Audi

A5. One example of the all-encompassing design approach can be found in the door panel trim,

where the controls, inlays, armrest and stowage compartment combine to form one visually

harmonious unit.

The instrument panel, with the characteristic droplet-shaped surrounds for the speedometer and

rev counter, does feature typical Audi styling elements, but in all its details has been developed as

a new design.

The A5 also has the screen of the MMI operating system positioned at an ergonomically perfect high

position in the cockpit. A new advanced version of the acclaimed intuitive MMI operating logic

makes the wide range of functions easy to understand.

Key with a sharp memory

The new key is another design item that also provides sophisticated functionality. With its soft

contours and pleasant surfaces it sits beautifully in the hand. But above all, the innovative key

dispenses with the conventional key bit. This is possible because it communicates electronically with

the vehicle’s electrical system as soon as it is inserted into the cockpit. It can also store important

information, such as the vehicle’s current mileage or warning messages from the Audi A5’s driver

information system. The data are always up-to-date and available to allow after-sales staff at a

dealership to receive the vehicle for servicing quickly and easily.

The engines - For powerful driving pleasure

A coupé with a distinctly sporty character requires powerful and highly efficient engines. For the

Audi A5, power is provided by innovative technologies across the board. All engines supplied for the

new model series feature direct fuel injection, for which the petrol engines employ the FSI concept

and the diesels are equipped with common rail TDI. This gives all engines a thrilling free-revving

character, allowing them to effortlessly unwind their generous torque with optimum energy

efficiency. The refined TDI engines with their outstanding sporting talents suit the A5 just as well as

the petrol units. Which type to go for is entirely a question of the driver’s personal preference. All of

the engines impressively demonstrate that efficiency and driving pleasure are by no means

mutually exclusive.

FSI – The high-tech engine with variable valve lift

The top-of-the-range petrol engine in the Audi A5 is a new 3.2-litre FSI with innovative valve gear

comprising the Audi valve lift system. This innovation varies the valve lift between two levels. To

achieve this, sets of sliding cams are mounted directly on the intake camshafts. These feature two

sets of adjacent cam contours for small and large valve lift. Which cam is used to open the intake

valves depends on the power demand at any one time.

The effect is an appreciable increase in engine efficiency. The driver benefits from greater power

and improved driveability, while enjoying a marked reduction in fuel consumption. At the wheel of

an Audi A5 3.2 FSI there is a whole 195 kW (265 bhp) of power output available and a superb

torque of 330 Nm in a broad rev band of 3,000 to 5,000 rpm, ensuring blistering acceleration at all

times. Within 6.1 seconds the 3.2 FSI quattro with manual six-speed gearbox sprints from 0 to

100 km/h. The top speed is limited to 250 km/h. Despite this thrilling performance potential the

car’s fuel consumption is only 8.7 litres per 100 kilometres (3.2 FSI multitronic).

The all-new high-tech four-cylinder unit in the Audi A5 also does full justice to Audi’s reputation for

leading engine technology. The 1.8 TFSI, delivering 125 kW (170 bhp), will be available from

autumn 2007. It combines turbocharger technology with petrol direct injection and provides a burst

of acceleration and pulling power unrivalled in its class from virtually every rev band. Just as it did

with its TDI engines, Audi has accomplished a pioneering feat of engineering with its turbocharged

petrol units, taking spark-ignition engines to a new dimension in fuel consumption and driveability.

Thanks to a whole raft of technical innovations in the petrol engines, their fuel economy has been

significantly improved, thus yielding a marked reduction in CO2 emissions.

TDI – Impressive performance combined with exemplary eco-friendliness

The V6 TDI units from Audi set the standards in their segment. Their copious torque and

outstanding fuel economy accompanied by superb refinement mean that they score highly on all

counts. In addition to all this, they offer eco-friendly performance that is hard to beat. The TDI

engines fitted in the Audi A5, for instance, are equipped with a diesel particulate filter as standard.

The sporty top-of-the-range TDI in the new Audi coupé is the thoroughly revised 3.0-litre engine. It

now delivers a power output of 176 kW (240 bhp) and its maximum torque is an immense 500 Nm.

But that is not all: with its supreme 0 to 100 km/h acceleration time of 5.9 seconds and a top speed

of 250 km/h, the Audi A5 3.0 TDI quattro is one of the sportiest vehicles of its kind. Added to this,

it also offers an average fuel consumption of just 7.2 litres per 100 km!

The second TDI engine in the Audi A5 range offers even better fuel economy. The 2.7-litre V6

engine delivers 140 kW (190 bhp) and is an ideal complement to the multitronic gearbox for the

comfort-minded coupé driver. Nevertheless, its performance figures are more than impressive: it

offers a top speed of

232 km/h with an average fuel economy of 6.7 litres per 100 km. On top of that, its acceleration

time of just 7.6 seconds confirms the sporty credentials of this version of the Audi A5.

The Audi A5 2.7 TDI multitronic is equipped with front-wheel drive, while the 3-litre TDI with

manual gearbox constantly supplies power to all four wheels. As in numerous other Audi models,

the quattro permanent four-wheel drive in the Audi A5 enhances driving dynamics by distributing

40 percent of engine power to the front axle and 60 percent to the rear axle at its basic setting. The

system adjusts the power distribution depending on the situation and road surface grip.

Multitronic with eight forward gears and sport mode

In the standard specification, the Audi A5 powertrain features a six-speed manual gearbox with

sporty ratios. This gearbox offers uniform short gear lever travel and smooth, easy gear changes.

The continuously variable multitronic automatic gearbox, which offers unparalleled power

transmission comfort, is available in conjunction with the

3.2 FSI and the 2.7 TDI engines. At the same time its high efficiency and tall maximum

transmission ratio make it very economical on fuel, since it operates in the most efficient range at

all times. Whenever the driver prefers a more sporty driving style, the gearbox can be switched to a

manual mode with eight set speeds.

The running gear - Precise instruments for agile handling

Even when stationary, the Audi A5 makes a dynamic impression: the wide track, large wheels and

short overhangs not only characterise its muscular appearance, they also form part of the formula

that produces its peerless active driving feel. The Audi A5 coupé defines the new standard in its

class for precise steering response, outstanding directional stability and superb agility, while also

offering first-class ride comfort.

The Audi engineers have achieved this with a completely new design of running gear: the front

wheels are located by a five-link suspension arrangement with upper and lower wishbones. The

wishbones are mounted on a subframe, which is firmly bolted to the body for high rigidity. Another

completely reengineered component is the rack and pinion steering. It is located in front of the

front axle close to the wheel centre line, and enhances the car’s very agile handling by its direct

transmission of the steering forces.

Long wheelbase, short overhang

Overall, the front axle is located a long way forward for a longitudinal engine configuration with

front- and four-wheel drive. This new vehicle architecture makes it possible to have a long

wheelbase with a short front overhang, and to optimise the axle load distribution. These are all

additional elements that enhance the supreme handling qualities of the new Audi A5. To accomplish

this special design, the engineers used a trick adopted from the Audi A8: the front axle differential

is located in front of the clutch.

A key element of the rear running gear is its trapezoidal-link rear suspension with completely new

kinematics. It provides a high degree of ride comfort combined with excellent directional stability.

At both the front and rear, the main components of the suspension are made of aluminium. The

generous dimensions of the brakes are designed to match the car’s high performance ratings. The

braking force can be precisely modulated and the kinematics of the new rear suspension

significantly reduce the so-called braking dive effect.

The standard electromechanical parking brake, familiar from the A8 and A6, is activated via a

button next to the gear lever. The A5 is also available with the option of Audi hold assist: this

ensures that the car cannot accidentally roll back after stopping on a hill.

The body - Generous and superlatively solid

The Audi A5 is nothing if not generous to its driver and passengers. Its generosity begins with its

luxurious spaciousness – not just for the front row. On the rear seats, too, the A5 is a full-size

touring car. Likewise, with a luggage compartment volume of 455 litres, there is always space left

over for a bit of extra shopping, even on a long tour. The loading width of one metre allows easy

stowage of large items of luggage, and even well-filled golf bags will fit widthways into the Audi A5

boot. The rear seat folds in two separate sections, and can be released conveniently from the boot.

The extremely high bodyshell rigidity, typical of an Audi, provides the basis both for the car’s crisp

handling and its agreeable feeling of solidness and comfort. In the development of the A5 the

engineers have successfully combined supreme sporty performance and agility with outstanding

vibrational comfort. Its lightweight body construction was achieved using the latest technologies,

such as metal plates with varying wall thicknesses (tailored blanks), combined spot welded and

bonded joints, and the use of aluminium, for example, in the front wings.

The smooth surfaces of the additional underbody panel enhance the Audi A5’s inherently good

aerodynamics. One small but typical example of the extensive high-precision work carried out in

the wind tunnel can be seen in the spoilers moulded into the sides of the tail lights.

The equipment - Luxury class high-tech features

Where equipment is concerned, the Audi A5 is characterised by a comprehensive standard

specification. This includes 17-inch alloy wheels along with automatic air conditioning, the MMI

information and operating system, an audio system with CD player and separate screen, and the

automatically opening boot lid. The new comfort key and the electromechanical parking brake are

also among the items included in the standard package.

The list of options offers even more luxury class high-tech: Audi adaptive light combines bi-xenon

headlights with the dynamic cornering light system and the LED strip of daytime running lights.

Keyless access for the doors and boot and keyless engine starting are all features of the advanced

key system. The deluxe automatic air conditioning system with three temperature zones allows the

passengers to adjust the climate for their individual comfort. The extra-large panoramic tilting roof

lends the A5 an especially generous feeling of open space. The Audi parking system advanced

features a rear-view camera, helping to make tricky parking in cramped multi-storeys easily

negotiable.

The infotainment system is a special highlight of the options range. Alongside the navigation

system with DVD including MMI, DAB digital radio reception and DVB TV reception, this system also

offers pure delight for the ears: the premium sound system for the Audi A5 is supplied by the

Danish hi-fi specialist Bang & Olufsen. It comprises 14 speakers, 500 watts of music output,

surround sound, active driving noise compensation and, above all, the expertise of a worldwide

renowned specialist for high-end audio equipment, making every drive in the Audi A5 a delightful

acoustic experience.

Customisation - A made-to-measure coupé

The decision to drive a coupé is always a very emotional one. That makes it all the more important

for a coupé to reflect the personal wishes and express the ideas of it owner. If any coupé can fulfil

special requests, it is the Audi A5: how about seat side sections in stone blue Valcona leather,

accompanied by seat centre sections in star silver leather, with matching interior headlining also in

star silver? To go with that, you can add aluminium hologram inlays or maybe rather laurel wood?

The customer has the choice: in terms of design variety, the Audi A5 is luxury class in the full sense

of the word, with two types of cloth, two leather varieties, the combination of leather and

Alcantara, five different inlays and a wide range of interior colour schemes. Above and beyond that,

the Audi exclusive programme from quattro GmbH can fulfil virtually every individual wish.

For those looking for an even stronger sporting intent in the A5, the Audi S line offers an extradynamic

look. The S line exterior package comprises, for example, more distinctive bumpers at the

front and rear. The S line sports package includes items such as sports seats, steering wheel and

gear lever in perforated leather, black headlining, and special inlays. Even here, there is scope for

individual choice between matt aluminium, piano finish black or Vavona wood assam grey. The 18-

inch alloy wheels and exclusive paint finishes underscore the look of the S line sports package,

while the sports suspension provides a distinct driving feel.

In a league of its own

The Audi S5

The Audi S5 is a unique competitor among high-performance coupés, thanks to its combination of

V8 FSI technology and quattro permanent four-wheel drive. The eight-cylinder engine with its

superb power delivery has worthy counterparts in the specially tuned sports suspension and highperformance

brakes. Subtle, but clear design elements inside and out serve to distinguish this

coupé as a high performance athlete in a league of its own. The Audi S5 goes on sale with the

launch of the Audi A5 series.

Engine and running gear - Fascination no figures can express

The figures alone are fascinating enough, but they only hint at the impressive driving experience

the S5 offers. The eight-cylinder engine has a rated power output of 260 kW (354 bhp). Its peak

torque is 440 Nm, which it already delivers at 3,500 rpm. Within just 5.1 seconds the Audi S5 can

sprint to 100 km/h. But no figures can adequately describe the supreme free-revving character, the

spontaneous response, the continuous power build-up, or the thrilling sound of this eight-cylinder

engine. The V8 naturally derives its enormous power potential from the innovative FSI direct

injection technology with high compression and optimum fuel mixture formation.

The six-speed manual gearbox with its very precise guiding of the gear lever and short throw action

makes every gear change a pleasure. The quattro permanent four-wheel drive of course provides

perfect traction with variable torque distribution from its basic setting of 40 percent to the front and

60 percent to the rear axle. Within a fraction of a second, the dynamic drive train system adapts to

the current driving conditions and constantly delivers the ideal distribution of drive torque.

The Audi S5’s sports suspension is tuned to enhance the coupé’s performance with particularly

dynamic handling. The special high-performance brakes, recognisable by their black painted brake

calipers, always ensure precise deceleration. And finally, the ESP electronic stabilisation programme

can be deactivated in two stages whenever the driver wishes to exploit the potential of the Audi S5

to the full on a suitable stretch of road.

Design and interiors - Sporty aesthetics with clear functionality

While the design of the Audi A5 forms a balanced synthesis of sportiness and elegance, the Audi S5

displays the more vigorous features of a powerfully built athlete: the radiator grille possesses the

specific look of an Audi S model – painted in platinum grey and fitted with vertical chrome inlays.

The front and rear bumpers have a more pronounced outline and the air inlet grilles are more

striking. The aluminium-look exterior mirror housings make an overtly sporty impression, as do the

colour-keyed door sill trim and the dual-branch exhaust system with four oval tailpipes.

Nevertheless, the model’s sporty attributes always have a functional aspect: for instance, the more

pronounced spoiler in the boot lid yields additional aerodynamic downforce.

However, true strength comes from within and the interior design of the

Audi A5 thoroughly underscores its athletic character. The sports seats, sports steering wheel,

instruments with grey dials and aluminium door sill plates provide a dynamic and refined

atmosphere. The programme does, of course, provide ample scope to fulfil individual interior design

wishes: the inlays are one example – here the choice is between carbon, aluminium, stainless steel

or wood. After all, the Audi S5 should perfectly match its owner’s individual ideas and expectations.

Alongside the coupé’s 18-inch wheels with the new S design and 245/40 R 18 tyres, the standard

equipment specification for the S5 features items such as xenon plus headlights with impressive

daytime running lights in the form of an LED light strip, or sports seats with electronic adjustment.

[rottenbend]

I wish they'd tell us how heavy it is!

I've tried to extrapolate the weight by comparing it to other Audi's but it's difficult because all the engines have been updated. One of the better comparisons I've come up with it the 3.2 manual quattro (A5 0-100 km/h in 6.1 secs versus A4 0-60 6.9 secs). The A5 has only 9HP more so that points to a the A5 being a fair bit lighter than the A4.

Has anyone seen the weight of the A5 published anywhere?

[J_C]

No idea on the weight, but

[Dave]

S5= 354bhp

To me that is rather disappointing. I was hoping for more

[Merlot]

I've looked at it the other way. The A6 4.2 saloon is 1770kg so take off 30kg for tip and allow for the S5 being a bit smaller and using some fancy metals then I would guess the manual S5 will come in a little under 1700kg. Funnily that would just give it a tad more power to weight than an S4 saloon (1660kg from memory, 344 PS)but as I said earlier, Audi are now stating their performance stats much more aggressively.

[rottenbend]

I'm hoping for less than 1600Kg

[Merlot]

[ QUOTE ]

I'm hoping for less than 1600Kg

[/ QUOTE ]

So would I ideally but I'm not sure how much aluminium is in it. I would guess 1650-1675kg. Remember even the R8 is 1550kg so <1600kg is probably asking too much (or too little).

PS I'm just talking about the S5.

[Merlot]

The way I look at it, is that if its less than 1770kg then its got more power to weight than my manual B6 S4 Avant and I find that plenty fast enough.

Of course it will weigh less than 1770kg, therefore it is faster! At 1675kg it would have 208 bhp/tonne which is not hanging about.

[rottenbend]

[ QUOTE ]

[ QUOTE ]

I'm hoping for less than 1600Kg

[/ QUOTE ]

So would I ideally but I'm not sure how much aluminium is in it. I would guess 1650-1675kg. Remember even the R8 is 1550kg so <1600kg is probably asking too much (or too little).

PS I'm just talking about the S5.

[/ QUOTE ]

S5 for me too. 1650Kg would still be a pretty good for a bigger/safer car than the S4. But <1600Kg would be ideal

[Golfer]

[ QUOTE ]

I wish they'd tell us how heavy it is!

I've tried to extrapolate the weight by comparing it to other Audi's but it's difficult because all the engines have been updated. One of the better comparisons I've come up with it the 3.2 manual quattro (A5 0-100 km/h in 6.1 secs versus A4 0-60 6.9 secs). The A5 has only 9HP more so that points to a the A5 being a fair bit lighter than the A4.

Has anyone seen the weight of the A5 published anywhere?

[/ QUOTE ]

No I have not seen weights (still looking) but NO auto box!!!!, Thats a shame as I like the auto's.

[Merlot]

I'm sure that the tip option will be on the price lists when they come out. They are probably focusing on manual cars at the mo (what I want!) and not mentioning the tip to hide the fact that there is no DSG for longitudinal engines yet.

[Daz]

Price lists should be available next week sometime.

[Merlot]

I wonder how forward orders are looking on this one?

[mark88]

[ QUOTE ]

Price lists should be available next week sometime.

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm hedging my bets on a £43k base price for the S5

[Merlot]

[ QUOTE ]

[ QUOTE ]

Price lists should be available next week sometime.

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm hedging my bets on a £43k base price for the S5

[/ QUOTE ]

I hope you are high by £3k but knowing Audi pricing on premium products recently you won't be!

[mark88]

[ QUOTE ]

[ QUOTE ]

[ QUOTE ]

Price lists should be available next week sometime.

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm hedging my bets on a £43k base price for the S5

[/ QUOTE ]

I hope you are high by £3k but knowing Audi pricing on premium products recently you won't be!

[/ QUOTE ]

Sat Nav is standard in the S6, do we think it will be the same for the S5?

[rottenbend]

[ QUOTE ]

[ QUOTE ]

[ QUOTE ]

[ QUOTE ]

Price lists should be available next week sometime.

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm hedging my bets on a £43k base price for the S5

[/ QUOTE ]

I hope you are high by £3k but knowing Audi pricing on premium products recently you won't be!

[/ QUOTE ]

Sat Nav is standard in the S6, do we think it will be the same for the S5?

[/ QUOTE ]

It's not even standard on the R8 though...

[Merlot]

I didn't think it was standard on the S6. Maybe its changed. There is no way in this world that it will be on the S5. Audi are not that nice!

[Golfer]

[ QUOTE ]

S5= 354bhp

To me that is rather disappointing. I was hoping for more

[/ QUOTE ]

It's actually 350BHP that was 356PS.

But with a weight of 1630KG = 4.79secs 0-60 which ain't too bad.

[Merlot]

Have you got some 0-60 calculator linked to power/weight, which driven wheels and engine location?

[Irnbrukid]

http://www.letstorquebhp.com/calculator.asp

[Merlot]

Neat!