2008 Audi A5 Review

Specifications

A beautiful new coupe, the 2008 Audi A5, goes on sale on this fall along with a high-performance S5. Audi hopes enthusiasts will see its new A5 coupe as a re-launch of the classic grand touring car, though designed and engineered for the modern driver.

Pricing won't be announced until it goes on sale, but we're guessing the base price of the Audi A5 to start around $40,000. The Audi S5 will be a limited-production, high-performance version and will come with an appropriately higher price.

Both models were unveiled at the 2007 Geneva auto show in Switzerland.

A 3.2-liter V6 will power the A5 that's expected to generate 265 horsepower and should provide 0-60 mph sprint times in the 6.1-second range. The V6 features FSI direct gasoline injection and has been designed for enhanced fuel economy and reduced emissions. TDI diesel engines will be available in Europe, but Audi says they will not be offered in the U.S.

The A5 will be available with a choice of six-speed manual gearbox and continuously variable multitronic automatic (CVT), and a choice of front-wheel drive and quattro all-wheel drive.

The S5 will come with a 4.2-liter V8 that pumps out 354 horsepower, providing 0-60 times of 5.1 seconds. The S5 will be available only with quattro and a manual shifter. As with current S models, the S5 will come with many exclusive interior enhancements and aerodynamic trim.

The styling of the A5 is stunning. The A5 traces its design inspiration to the Nuvolari Quattro concept car that Audi unveiled at Geneva in 2003. Named for a famous European racecar driver from a bygone era, the Nuvolari featured a long hood set above a deep grille, thin pillars around shallow windows and a high shoulder line that rises toward the rear, as well as a wide stance and very short front and rear overhangs.

This new Audi automotive architecture applies not only to the A5's exterior design but to its engineering. Axles are pushed far forward and back and engines now sit behind rather than above the front axle. Audis are known for their outstanding dynamic capabilities and this new architecture and other changes should take performance to an even higher and more sure-footed level.

Dimensionally, the new A5 coupe is less than two inches longer than the current A4 sedan, but its stance and design make it dramatically different in appearance.

The front suspension features double wishbones, while the trapezoidal-link rear suspension is designed to enhance both ride comfort and dynamic handling. Standard wheels will be 17 inches in diameter. The S5 comes with 18-inch wheels and 245/40R18 tires.

Inside, Audi calls the A5's four-seat interior an interface between the person and vehicle with the design, materials, ergonomics and functionality all focused on long-distance driving. Audi knows there are drivers who often prefer to take the long way home.

Also standard will be a power-opening trunk lid. Optional equipment includes navigation, 500-watt Bang & Olufsen audio, three-zone automatic climate control, rearview camera to aid in parking, and a large panoramic sunroof.