A5 - Its gonna be a looker...

[tazsura]

http://www.worldcarfans.com/spyphotos.cfm/country/gcf/spyphotoID/6061024.006/audi/spy-photos-audi-a5-coupe

WAlter de Silva said its the most beautiful car he has designed...including the 156...!

:applause:

[Erik]

From what I can see this car has a lot of potential!

[gabbby]

This is the S5 version (four exhaust pipe + apendice on the bottom / side) ! It will be a really beautifull and classic car, with a small touch of neo retro design.

Let start Photoshop cleaning ?...

Gaby

[Skaala]

http://img305.imageshack.us/img305/189/6061024006mini1lpe4.th.jpg (http://img305.imageshack.us/my.php?image=6061024006mini1lpe4.jpg)http://img305.imageshack.us/img305/6685/6061024006mini2lje9.th.jpg (http://img305.imageshack.us/my.php?image=6061024006mini2lje9.jpg)http://img305.imageshack.us/img305/502/6061024006mini3lfk3.th.jpg (http://img305.imageshack.us/my.php?image=6061024006mini3lfk3.jpg)http://img305.imageshack.us/img305/2299/6061024006mini4lvt0.th.jpg (http://img305.imageshack.us/my.php?image=6061024006mini4lvt0.jpg)

http://img305.imageshack.us/img305/1182/6061024006mini5lwc2.th.jpg (http://img305.imageshack.us/my.php?image=6061024006mini5lwc2.jpg)http://img305.imageshack.us/img305/6529/6061024006mini6lcv5.th.jpg (http://img305.imageshack.us/my.php?image=6061024006mini6lcv5.jpg)http://img305.imageshack.us/img305/6608/6061024006mini7lkf8.th.jpg (http://img305.imageshack.us/my.php?image=6061024006mini7lkf8.jpg)http://img305.imageshack.us/img305/9079/6061024006mini8ltl8.th.jpg (http://img305.imageshack.us/my.php?image=6061024006mini8ltl8.jpg)

http://img305.imageshack.us/img305/1681/6061024006mini9lqf0.th.jpg (http://img305.imageshack.us/my.php?image=6061024006mini9lqf0.jpg)http://img305.imageshack.us/img305/6461/6061024006mini10lle0.th.jpg (http://img305.imageshack.us/my.php?image=6061024006mini10lle0.jpg)http://img305.imageshack.us/img305/8281/6061024006mini11lpt8.th.jpg (http://img305.imageshack.us/my.php?image=6061024006mini11lpt8.jpg)http://img305.imageshack.us/img305/1028/6061024006mini12lqb1.th.jpg (http://img305.imageshack.us/my.php?image=6061024006mini12lqb1.jpg)

[Leadfoot]

Looks like it's getting a A6 dash. Does this mean that the new A4 will be the same?

[gabbby]

Here a spyshot rebuilded. It reach the perfection !

Gaby

http://www.z-oxyde.com/downloads/audi_a5_side.jpg

[Iceman]

A5 - Its gonna be a looker...

Based on. :rolleyes:

Hans.

[tazsura]

Based on. :rolleyes:

Hans.

Based on:-

1. My hopes and dreams!:bow:
2. The Nuvolari concept:hahahehe:
3. Details on this test mule - The pronounced crease lines on the front wings for example
4. Walter de Silva quoting that this is his best looking car to date. From a man who has designed numerous, gorgeous Alfa's, I would suspect he know's a good looking car when he see's one.

I'm an optimist! :0:

[MJN]

Does anyone have more information about the A5 being a CoupeConvertible? GermanCarFans stated that the A5 will be a CC ánd a 'normal' convertible?

That would be a nightmare, instead of a great dream. CC's are hideous en useless, in terms of weight en strength. Please tell me it's not true!! :vgrumpy:

[tazsura]

It's most definately NOT a CC! Don't worry. This is a bonafied Coupe! :heart:

[gabbby]

I've never read that the A5 will be a CC, but a cabriollet. CC on a such car is brobably too difficult to build and design. But a cabrio, what a car it could be...

Gaby

[Leadfoot]

Based on. :rolleyes:

Hans.

Now come on Hans, has Audi ever produced anything that doesn't look amazing.

Am more curious how the car is going to perform.

[tailpipe]

This design seems to have lost some of the elegant simplicity that characterised the Nuvolari concept car. In particular, the straight shoulder line now has a subtle S-curve running through it - although this may be an optical illusion created by the disguised panels.

Also the rear windows have lost the long tapering line that echoed the roof shape. The design seems now to be much more conventional.

Overall, the shape has become more solid than the previous sleek, streamlined pebble-smoothed-by-water look of the concept.

Most worrying of all, the front wheels are still set very close to the front of the doors. Which means that the engine is unlikely to be mounted behind the front axle. I am sure the B8 chassis will improve the weight distribution of the platfrom, unfortunately I don't think it is going to be a significant step forward let alone the breakthrough configuation we all hoped Audi would produce.

Sorry to play Devil's advocate. The real point I am trying to make is that the luxury category has become so competitive that, without real engineering integrity, I fear Audi will suffer at the hands of opinion shapers in the Industry.

The new C-Class is going to be a great car. If the Lexus IS didn't unseat the 3-Series, the Merc will. Both cars have an excellent platform. Audi can only meet its ambitious growth targets if the next A4 is a sales knockout. If it isn't, sales could even decline realtive to the growth of the luxury category.

I guess we'll see.

[AndyBG]

I have big expectations from this car, finaly, a normal coupe from Audi, next best thing would be, even bigger and more powerfull A7 coupe, but that would never going to hapend...

[Leadfoot]

Tailpipe, are you sure it's a case of the wheels are still too far back from the nose or more likely the pedestrian safety effects that are changing the look of the cars coming out at present. Just look at the Pug 407 as a perfect sample of this new design/engineering solution to this problem.

This could possibly be the case with the new A5.

Also I noticed on a rear view picture of the A5 that there is a line that runs across the roof from just behind the doors. This is just like on a SLK or another CC type car, now I'm not stating that the A5 will be CC as WCF say not, but it's just interesting that it there at lot. My question is why?

Another thing why only 255hp, it's not exactly a great starting point performance wise for the launch of a so called performance based car. Surely the 3.6L from the Q7 would have been a better choice.

[tazsura]

Leadfoot, I saw that line to...and was wondering what it was too. I came to the conclusion that it could either be a panoramic section to the roof or a sort of bigger sunroof.

I don't think that it is a CC because the rear screen is very big for a Coupe-Conv...and would be very hard to package and there don't seem to be any cuts on the pillars....unless Audi have hid them very well...:confused:

[Iceman]

Another thing why only 255hp, it's not exactly a great starting point performance wise for the launch of a so called performance based car. Surely the 3.6L from the Q7 would have been a better choice.
That's not correct, the A5 will have the new 2.8 litre FSI Valve Lift engine with 210 hp as a base engine.
Further there all so will be a 3.2 liter FSI Valve lift engine with 300 hp. (Roadjet)
The 4.2 litre V8 FSI 350 hp engine will be availeble later.

Hans.

[Leadfoot]

That's not correct, the A5 will have the new 2.8 litre FSI Valve Lift engine with 210 hp as a base engine.
Further there all so will be a 3.2 liter FSI Valve lift engine with 300 hp. (Roadjet)
The 4.2 litre V8 FSI 350 hp engine will be availeble later.

Hans.

But Hans, are you sure that these will be available at it launch?

I know that S5 will probably be introduced soon than before but doubt we will see it this side of '09.

On a different subject, does anyone know if it what the body/chassis is made from and the projected weight balance over each axle.

[gabbby]

This is the S5 on the new spyshots !

If you compare with older spyshots, you can see :
- four exhaust piptes
- a rear spoiler around exhaust piptes
- a typical S appendice on the bottom side of the car

I think the S5 will be avaible at start (353 hp).

Gaby

[Leadfoot]

Best bet is to ask the dealer next time you speak. As yet mine is saying nothing.

[tailpipe]

Here a spyshot rebuilded. It reach the perfection !

Gaby

http://www.z-oxyde.com/downloads/audi_a5_side.jpg


Thanks for the photoshop work, Gabby.

If you look at this profile it is nothing like the original Nuvolari concept. That is not to say this is ugly, simply less distinctive. Maybe the Novolari shape has already dated... but I find this look bland, not sexy.

I need the A5 to be very, very sexy like the R8 above it and TT below it.

I don't know about you, but I liked the reinvented Bauhaus look that was the original TT and that paid hommage to the Auto Union racers of the 1930s, while having an extremely contemporary feel.

I feel that Walter de Silva is Audi's own version of Chris Bangle. No amount of verbage can convince me that a design language is right if it doesn't instinctively have something that draws you to it.

I will reserve judgement until i see the production version.

[gabbby]

Yes. It is certainly not the most expressive and radical design !

But what I think is true is that this car have "perfect" curvs. This is a perfection in a styling direction : the starting point, I think, is to build a real GT coupé, not with too muche exclusivity or sportivity, but with class and gorgeous proportions.

Let say it's as wide as the A6, with the same wheel base, and a reduced overhang. The goals of Da Silva is to draw a design reference in his target market : the 4 seat luxury GT coupé. It's a direct competitor of the 6 serie, not of caymen, 911 or wathever.

Don't confuse cars and target :
- the small smart compact coupé is the TT.
- the big sedan is the A6.
- the sportwear avant is the Allroad
- the luxury limousine is the A8
- the extremly fast sport car is the R8
- the classic big coupé will be the A5
- the extremly gorgeous 4 door coupé will be the A7
- the extrem handling car will be the R4 (KTM-Dallara-Audi), with a central engine

R = extremly fast car with central engine
A = classical cars for mass market (never forget it's for mass market - what make living the company)
Q = SUV classic cars
S = sport version
RS = extrem sport version

1 = low entry car
3 = compact
4 = premium market
5 = higher premium market
6 = luxury and spacious
7 = gorgeous and big
8 = high end car

Combine the letter and digit, and you will understand how Audi is building something like the most complete product range. And to be able to build such products, they need a B8 platform wich will be used for 4 to 8 product range. Perhaps the next A3 could be based on the B8 too.

What is important to see is how the A5 car is designed taking car of his market. In this way, it is a perfectly designed car, with incredible perfect curvs : the goal of Audi is NOT do build 10 R8-TT-Coupés for ONLY the sports car customers. This car is a complement of the current audi product line : the customers will be poeple wich need a really smooth, spacious and luxury 4 seats coupé.

I think this is a right response ! I think this car will be a new design icon...

Gaby

[tailpipe]

Gabby,

What a great reply! Thank you for taking the time to write such an intelligent pice of analysis.

[chiphead]

I don't know if the A5 is even based on the Nuovolari. Some of the design cues were used in the A6 and Audi LeMans, which then became the R8. The Shooting Brake beget the TT. All I can say is that there is a familiar theme amongst the family...

http://www.fourtitude.com/gallery/generated//Audi/A5-S5-RS5/A5%20Coupe/Digital%20Renderings/001__scaled_600.jpg
http://www.fourtitude.com/gallery/generated//Audi/A5-S5-RS5/A5%20Coupe/Digital%20Renderings/002__scaled_600.jpg
http://www.fourtitude.com/gallery/generated//Audi/A5-S5-RS5/A5%20Coupe/Digital%20Renderings/024__scaled_600.jpg
http://www.fourtitude.com/gallery/albums//Audi/Studies/Nuvolari%20quattro/Photos%20-%20Paris/009.jpg

http://www.fourtitude.com/gallery/gallery2.php?mode=album&album=/Audi/A5-S5-RS5/A5%20Coupe/Digital%20Renderings#
http://www.fourtitude.com/gallery/gallery2.php?mode=album&album=/Audi/Studies/Nuvolari%20quattro/Photos%20-%20Paris#

[gabbby]

Well... of course, I think the Nuvolari is beautyfull... but in some years, not a lot, it will be a little bit out. That is the reason why designers have smoothed the curvs of the A5, to make a shape that will still sexy for many years. The cars have to be loved by most of the people : the nuvolary is only loved by people who have been impressed by the TT. That's a reality Audi must care of. I think the face of the A5 will be impressive. The full body with his face migh be really armonious.

So...

The question I'm thinking about is the platform. Here a explanation of the question.

http://www.z-oxyde.com/downloads/RS4-A5_layouts.jpg

I have made a reporting of the measurement from the A5 to the RS4. This is really interesting.

We can see that the A5 have a really longer wheel base. It is 10 cm longer too. It is a lot wider, i can't see how many. To enhance handling, of course, I hope they have both pusched the front axle forward (15 cm) and the engine a lot backward (15-20 cm - the Idealy positioned engine). Seats seems to be little bit rearer.

When we read in the papers or on the net that "the V8 engine is just beyond the front axle", do they said the engine center, the engine bloc or the engine+gear boxe center of gravity ?

This Idealy positionned engine layout is not imposible. When I look at the front spyshot, it seems that the car is wider, and the passenger and the polite closer the doors. In other word the car is more squared than the previous one. That mean the central part of the car is wider to let the engine and the gearbox "enter" in the cockpit. In this case the quattro system can be place in front of the engine, and not near the gearbox behind the engine like on the RS4. The engine can be placed really low too. This structure is similar to the xDrive system and the Q7 one.

This possibility should made this car killing weight distribution and an afficiency similar to central rear engined cars.

I think I will not have the aswer for a while...

Gaby

[puhpuh]

http://www.xelopolis.com/blog/images/audi/audia53.jpg
http://www.xelopolis.com/blog/images/audi/audia54.jpg
Source: Le Blog Xelopolis (http://www.xelopolis.com/blog/future-audi-a5-coupe-2008-photos.html)

[Leadfoot]

When you compare the new A5 with this picture of a side view of a 3 Series Coupe you can see that the front over-hinge is getting a lot closer to what BMW are doing and it's likewise at the back.

http://www.rincondelmotor.com/imgdecalle/dc0076-5.jpg

The A5 does look to be a long car with a wheelbase to match so I reckon it just might surprise us all in the handling department. :jlol: I just hope they can give it some steering feel.:rolleyes:

My concerns center around the interior, look closely at the picture in WCF and you can just make out the A6 dash.

http://www.worldcarfans.com/spyphotos.cfm/spyphotoID/6061024.006/pageview/photo/photo/Mini9/page/1/country/gcf/audi/spy-photos-audi-a5-coupe

I hope this is just a mock up as it give it an interior in not the same style as the TT and R8 would be a shame and selling the car short.:w:

[gabbby]

http://www.z-oxyde.com/downloads/a5_in_france.jpg

It's more Nuvlari inspirated here...

Gaby

[chewym]

The black car is interesting, nice work gabbby.

[gabbby]

http://www.z-oxyde.com/downloads/B8_layout.jpg

What i'm showing here is that the B8 Audi platform will not be as optimised than the mercedes and BMW ones. The ideal position is rearer the front axle.

This is only a theory : I don't know what is the truth...

Gaby

[gabbby]

This is a the fastly and dirty rebuilded spychots I have done.

So gorgeous A5-S5... ;-)

http://www.z-oxyde.com/downloads/S5_rear.jpg

http://www.z-oxyde.com/downloads/a5_rear_3-4.jpg

http://www.z-oxyde.com/downloads/a5_in_france_rear.jpg

http://www.z-oxyde.com/downloads/a5_in_france.jpg

http://www.z-oxyde.com/downloads/audi_a5_side.jpg

My high quality rebuild :

http://www.z-oxyde.com/downloads/audi_a5_preview.jpg

[gabbby]

For the last time... I think the engine position will be over the front axle in the better case. But the gearbox will be more back than actual setup. I think that we are far from the ideally placed engine.

I read again the Autobild explanation, and I don't understand what mean "exchange clutch and front differencial position" : this is enigmatic. Farer clutch from the engine is a extraordinary setup ! But a director of Audi said that the engine will be "over the front drivetrain...", not behind. This is the most significant revelation.

Of course, how could be run the cardan joints not perpandicular to the engine ??? Is it possible ? A very little, yes. Cardans joint are really longer on the RS4 than on BMW. So, with a wider car and an exchanged clutch - differantial, we can imagine 20-25 cm engine backward in the better case. With a such layout, a L4 or a V6 can be really well positionned, but a V8 or V10 will still in front....

What do you think of that ?

Gaby

[Leadfoot]

Gaby,

I think what you reckon on the engine position in the A5 is spot-on. No doubt the BMW and Mercedes AWD systems place the engine farther back but as we already know, quattro is better than both of them.

But why are we concerned that it isn't quite in the right place, after all it will be a lot better than is currently on offer in the RS4 and it out-performs all of it's main rivals as a hi-performance saloon. So surely with what Audi has learned from the RS4 combined with the new set-up, the A5 and A4 will stay ahead of it's competitors.

Well that will only be the case if Audi see fit to offer the S5 and RS5 nearer the start of the production life-span instead of the end.:thumb:

[RXBG]

gabby. excellent reporting. i agree with all of your projections as well. though i believe the engine may be even partly behind the front axle.

i also expect the next A4/5 to be at least half aluminum. this make up combined with the weight layout will make for an amazing piece of work. the next 3.2 liter engine will be a 300 hp version. the next entry level engine will be an uprated 2.0 turbo with about 240 hp. these are my personal predictions.....

[Iceman]

My prediction is that there will not be a 4 cylinder turbo in the A5 Coupe'.
It will start with the new 210 hp V6 2.8 litre FSI Engine.

Hans.

[Leadfoot]

I was with the understanding that the new quattro system to be used in the next A4/5 was the same or similar to the one in the Q7. Now it's again my understanding that it has the BMW's holy grail 50/50 weight balance. If the next A4/5 does use as RXBG says a large percentage of aluminium, then surely the will be able to give it very close to a 50/50 weight balance.:D

With regards to the engine line-up. Iceman might be correct to begin with, six cylinder engine will possibly be the only choice at launch but as Audi will want to increase profits smaller 4 cylinder engines will be added along side smaller diesel engines.

I predict the full line-up to be

2.8FSiv6 - 210hp FWD

2.0FTSi - 230hp ~ 265hp AWD

3.2FSiv6 - 300hp AWD

4.2FSiv8 - 365hp AWD (S5)

4.4FSiv8 - 450hp AWD (RS5)

2.0TDi - 200hp FWD & AWD

3.0TDiv6 - 230hp AWD

3.0TDiv6TT - 280hp AWD (S5 Diesel)

I also predict either Air-suspension or Magnetic Ride suspension making an appearance along side a 7 speed DSG.:D

[Toto89]

This sounds good. AutoZeitung says the 3.0TDI V6 will have 250hp.
What you have written here sounds realistic but i don't feel like the RS5 will have the same engine as the RS4 had(by the time it will be past tense...).
Just think again:the A5 will have far more powerful engines than the current A4 has and it will be 2-3 years later....so i don't think it will have the same engine as the (by that time) 4 years old RS4 had, IMO.
Maybe a very powerful (400hp+) S5 and no RS5??

[Iceman]

The S5/RS5 will have a 4.2 liter V8 FSI Valve lift engine with 395-465 hp.

Hans.

[Iceman]

I predict the full line-up to be,
2.8FSiv6 - 210hp FWD
2.0FTSi - 230hp ~ 265hp AWD
3.2FSiv6 - 300hp AWD
4.2FSiv8 - 365hp AWD (S5)
4.4FSiv8 - 450hp AWD (RS5)
2.0TDi - 200hp FWD & AWD
3.0TDiv6 - 230hp AWD
3.0TDiv6TT - 280hp AWD (S5 Diesel)

Nice, but you forget to mention the new 2.8/3.2 litre V6 FSI Valvelift Biturbo Engine.

Hans.

[Leadfoot]

Nice, but you forget to mention the new 2.8/3.2 litre V6 FSI Valvelift Biturbo Engine.

Hans.

Nope, I just thought I would let you tell us about that one. :D My line-up was only a fantasy and to be perfectly honest, I hope we don't see a V8 engine at all as I would prefer less weight over the nose if at all possible.

To tell you the truth, I reckon the 3.2v6FSi and the 3.0TDi will be the only engine choices at launch and maybe the 2.8v6FSi, but no more than that. And the range sad to say will move downward first before will will get the models we are most interested in.:cry:

[quattro Gmbh]

i've heard rumors that the new a5 will be released here in istanbul auto show 2006 which is going to take place between 3-12 november.

the source comes from the manager of an audi dealer here.

[Leadfoot]

i've heard rumors that the new a5 will be released here in istanbul auto show 2006 which is going to take place between 3-12 november.

the source comes from the manager of an audi dealer here.

I think your dealer's manager is telling you porky pies. Lets face it, we are only about a week from the 3rd of November and as yet no official micro-site is on any Audi website previewing small bits of the finished car like they did with the TT, Q7 and S3. As yet we haven't even seen an A5 hammering around the ring with next to no cladding at all.

Until this happens I doubt we will see the A5 on show anytime soon or should I say anytime within the next four months at least.:looking:

[Iceman]

Until this happens I doubt we will see the A5 on show anytime soon or should I say anytime within the next four months at least.:looking:

I.A.A.Frankfurt 2007. ;)

Hans.

[chewym]

Nope, I just thought I would let you tell us about that one. :D My line-up was only a fantasy and to be perfectly honest, I hope we don't see a V8 engine at all as I would prefer less weight over the nose if at all possible.


Well, the V8 FSI engine is lighter than the 3.0TDI. I think it would be awesome if there would be a V8 FSI Valvelift engine with 400 hp. About the same power as the RS4, but with lower RPM engine like the Roadjet. Would make a perfect S5.

[Leadfoot]

Well, the V8 FSI engine is lighter than the 3.0TDI.

Unless you didn't know it, the 3.0TDi uses a iron block so to say that the v8FSi engine is lighter isn't any great shakes. Weight is king, just look at all the reports comparing the 2.0 TT with the 3.2 TT, everyone of them rate the smaller engined one better to drive and with better dynamics even though it doesn't have the extra grip of awd. My opinion from that is to much weight on the nose makes more of any problem than bad weight balance. So as I says weight is king.

[gabbby]

For sure, the weight is king. But at the same weight, we need to have the maximum mass nearer the center of the car. It's easyer to turn a car with the weight near the center than a car with the masse on both front or rear. It's better to have the wheel the most "outside" of the car, the tire can do the job with lesser constraints. Look at the R8 : the weight is in center of the car, between the drivetrain. It's the best configuration. The TT will never be as good as a central engine coupé if the weight economy isn't balancing the masses position.

On the RS4, we must never forget the DRC system. It's a killing component that avoid the weight lateral and longitudinal effects on movements.

I hope they have concentrate most of the weight between drivestrains on the A5, and not only optimise the weight distribution.

Gaby

[Toto89]

I think it would be awesome if there would be a V8 FSI Valvelift engine with 400 hp. About the same power as the RS4, but with lower RPM engine like the Roadjet. Would make a perfect S5.

Exactly;) An S5 with around 1500kg, 4,2 Valvelift engine,~420hp at 7000RPM and we don't need RS5.
Maybe it is strange to say this but i don't really want to have more RS cars*.They are so unique...More powerful and much faster S cars is the way i prefer:incar: :revs:
*:I mean RS4&6 for ever, but no more kind of RS cars

[Leadfoot]

Nice idea, but it isn't going to happen. Firstly RS cars are meant to be the hi-performance models in the Audi range so why not make the sportier looking coupe version (A5) of the saloon (A4) be the RS model, it's the logical car to get the treatment. Second do we want RS to stand for Race Series or Really overpowered Saloon.

Remember BMW's M = Audi's S and CSL = RS. The A5 = 3 series coupe but in the past it was an A4, if BMW bring out a M3 in saloon than we should see a RS4 in the new model as well but firstly we need to see a RS5.:thumb:

[chewym]

Unless you didn't know it, the 3.0TDi uses a iron block so to say that the v8FSi engine is lighter isn't any great shakes. Weight is king, just look at all the reports comparing the 2.0 TT with the 3.2 TT, everyone of them rate the smaller engined one better to drive and with better dynamics even though it doesn't have the extra grip of awd. My opinion from that is to much weight on the nose makes more of any problem than bad weight balance. So as I says weight is king.

Well, I was confused (and still am) about how you said that you don't want a V8 A5 because of the heavier V8 engine, but would be ok with the even heavier V6 TDI [heavier than the V8 FSI] While on the topic of the V8, if the Valvelift V6 makes 300 hp (I hope it does/it better) then the current 350 hp FSI V8 wouldn't make much sense. Judging by previous Audis, the V6 Valvelift engien with 300 hp would be the top engine for the A5. The S5 would come with a 400 hp Valvelift V8. The RS5 would have the 500 hp Valvelift V10. Of course this would all depend on the effictiveness of the Valvelift concept and the competition. It looks like the biggest engine in the next C Class AMG will be a reworked 5.4 liter V8 with about 400 hp. The M3 will have a 4 liter V8 with 400 hp. Of course the Audi is most likely will be heavier, and will come out later, so a 500 or so hp RS version is not out of the question.

[Leadfoot]

Well, I was confused (and still am) about how you said that you don't want a V8 A5 because of the heavier V8 engine, but would be ok with the even heavier V6 TDI [heavier than the V8 FSI] While on the topic of the V8, if the Valvelift V6 makes 300 hp (I hope it does/it better) then the current 350 hp FSI V8 wouldn't make much sense. Judging by previous Audis, the V6 Valvelift engien with 300 hp would be the top engine for the A5. The S5 would come with a 400 hp Valvelift V8. The RS5 would have the 500 hp Valvelift V10. Of course this would all depend on the effictiveness of the Valvelift concept and the competition. It looks like the biggest engine in the next C Class AMG will be a reworked 5.4 liter V8 with about 400 hp. The M3 will have a 4 liter V8 with 400 hp. Of course the Audi is most likely will be heavier, and will come out later, so a 500 or so hp RS version is not out of the question.

Chewym,

I know BMW are bring out a v8 M3 and Merc have a 6.3 v8 in their C-class, but you have to remember that both these cars are rwd with their engine are mounted a lot farther back than is possible with the quattro system at present and even with the new version the engine in the Audi will still be mounted to far forward. I as you will already know drive a S4v8 and I love it, the engine's torque is amazing but I would swap it tomorrow if Audi give me the same power and performance but in a lighter form, like a 3.2L Bi-turbo.

What Audi did with the RS4 is truly amazing, but unless they fit DRC or something similar, the new A5 at least in standard form will not be as good as the 3 series coupe purely from a dynamic point of view. The less weight you have over the nose the better the car will be and we all would like Audi to make it 50/50% like the Beemer but with quattro transmission it isn't going to happen, period. So go back to turbos and keep the engine sizes smaller and try to make the best of what is a compromised package.

[gabbby]

I think the Turbo path is a good thing. It permit the down sizing for consumption reduction, and to have a better power to weight ratio of the engine. To my point of view, the engine is more funny too. The first RS4 2.7 T is amazing but, for performance, the V8 is better because of a more linear torque.

After that, the handling is determined with many factors :
- the weight distribution
- the movement control of the car (wich is linked to the weight distribution)

The idéal point of view is :
- weight in center of the car
- perfect weight balacing between the rear and the front
- weight must be the as low as possible.

This parameter are relative to the wheel position, never absolute. An exemple : the RS4. When enginer are making wider drivetrains, it is equal to reducing the front overhang. When they are mounting bigger wheels, the mass center is lower.

So, when the enginer are making a really large A5, they are reducing the overhang too and the car have a lower gravity center. Every tuners are lowering cars to optimise the handling.

The large new cars builded by Audi will have really supperior handling in comparison with the current B7 ones, because they are far larger - the A5 is large like an A6, and 10 cm longuer the current A4. Its a more square car, wich I hope is really better for handling.

Gaby

[Toto89]

Just a question: how weight a 4,2 V8 biturbo?Much more than current RS4 engine?
It would fit in (R)S5 if it is not too heavy.

[RXBG]

i agree with the valvelift version of the current FSi 4.2 V8 as the next S4/S5. additionally there is the chance of audi skipping up to a 4.5 L version of the same engine in order to obtain a higher torque figure (valvelift does little for torque numbers, though it improves flexibility and fuel consumption).... and overall power, of course.

my guess is that the A5 will start with a 230 hp version of the 2.0 or maybe even a 5-cyl engine of some sort. i doubt it will start with a 2.8 L FSi engine, though i could be wrong. next will be the roadjet engine. and finally one of the above options.

the next RS4/5 engine could be a turbo version of the V8.... who knows.

[roadrunner]

I.A.A.Frankfurt 2007. ;)

Hans.

First Iceman and than RXBG http://www.rs6.com/forum/showpost.php?p=78731&postcount=8

why do you think that the A5 will debut in 10 months in Sep. 2007 at the IAA?

The mules we are seeing look quite finished and if you recall how long it took Audi to presend the R8 from the mule pics to paris i strongly believe that the A5 wil be shown in Geneva March 2007. It might well be that it will be available for sale at a later time.

The general understanding is that Audi will debut the B8 A4 at Frankfurt, which would not make sence if the A5 would debut there at the same time.

Just my thoughts, as i am as ancsous as you to see the real thing.

Greets.
Seb.

[chewym]

Two points. I do hope that Audi does build a bigger V8. 4.2 liter version has been out for a long time, 4.5 liters or 4.8 will allow Audi for more torque and performance. Also, a turbocharged 3.2 V6 might not be much or any lighter than a V8.

[RXBG]

you are right. i meant to say A4 at the IAA. i also personally believe the A5 will bow first- in geneva....

[Leadfoot]

you are right. i meant to say A4 at the IAA. i also personally believe the A5 will bow first- in geneva....


I know Autocar isn't always the best source for info, but they have in all of their editions stated that the new A5 will be on sale in the UK in 2rd quarter '07. Or should I say the same time as the R8.:thumb:

[Toto89]

Two points. I do hope that Audi does build a bigger V8. 4.2 liter version has been out for a long time, 4.5 liters or 4.8 will allow Audi for more torque and performance. Also, a turbocharged 3.2 V6 might not be much or any lighter than a V8.

I don't have any new information about A5 but i don't think Audi will replace it's 4,2 V8 engine.This seems to be a traditional engine in Ingolstadt...IMO.
Maybe Valvelift is the most realistic.

[chewym]

I don't have any new information about A5 but i don't think Audi will replace it's 4,2 V8 engine.This seems to be a traditional engine in Ingolstadt...IMO.
Maybe Valvelift is the most realistic.

Audi should. The engine is too small to really compete with the bigger engines from the competitors. It is lacking in torque. Also, I am not sure why Audi has long stroke engines (stroke is bigger than bore) This forces Audi to have higher piston speed, [especially on high RPM engines, the RS4 V8 has the highest piston speed of any production engine] Valvelift is a must on the V8.

[Leadfoot]

Problem is to change this Audi would have to change all it's tooling which would be very expensive and anyway, why when the RS4 engine is regarded as one of the greatest engines currently in production.

[quattro Gmbh]

I think your dealer's manager is telling you porky pies. Lets face it, we are only about a week from the 3rd of November and as yet no official micro-site is on any Audi website previewing small bits of the finished car like they did with the TT, Q7 and S3. As yet we haven't even seen an A5 hammering around the ring with next to no cladding at all.

Until this happens I doubt we will see the A5 on show anytime soon or should I say anytime within the next four months at least.:looking:

the possible line up is s3 s4 rs4 s6 s8 r8 tt and maybe r10 :)

[Lateknight]

Most of Audis engines have been undersquare (longer stroke than bore) since as long as I can remember.

Although;
2.4 & 2.8 versions of the Alloy blocked V6 are oversquare.
aswell as the 3.7 V8 in the A8 (its a short stroke 4.2)

:mech:

[chewym]

But what are the advantages of undersquare engines?

[gabbby]

Having more torque at low rpm. A square engine find his power in higher rpm. Power is the multiplication of torque and rotationnal speed. The filling of a long course engine is better at low rmp but cannot run a high rotationnal speed.

The advantage of the valvelift sysem is to have two engine in one : it's a two position system wich optimise the filling in low rpm and high rpm, wich permit to have a more square engine to reduce friction looses.

[Leadfoot]

Having more torque at low rpm. A square engine find his power in higher rpm. Power is the multiplication of torque and rotationnal speed. The filling of a long course engine is better at low rmp but cannot run a high rotationnal speed.

The advantage of the valvelift sysem is to have two engine in one : it's a two position system wich optimise the filling in low rpm and high rpm, wich permit to have a more square engine to reduce friction looses.

Spot on, and after sampling the 4.2v8 for over two years and having to odd drive in the brother-in-law's M3, I can honestly say that low-rev torque is far more important on the road than hi-rev power.

Or better still, why not have both and get a RS4.:hihi:

[chewym]

Having more torque at low rpm. A square engine find his power in higher rpm. Power is the multiplication of torque and rotationnal speed. The filling of a long course engine is better at low rmp but cannot run a high rotationnal speed.


Well, it might add some more torque. But Audis 4.2 V8 is the smallest of the bunch and is definately low on torque. Hope Audi gives it some more bore for more displacement.

[Iceman]

http://www.auto-news.de/webcore/data/content/Auto_Article_EXT/17805_1162914814641.jpg

Hans.

[gabbby]

Not really good... lots of distorsions and errors...

BUT, the interpretation of the front face could be nearer the reallity.

Gaby

[MihokS5]

I'm gonna have to see the final version, because right now I'm not really blown away with the shape of this car

[Leadfoot]

http://www.auto-news.de/webcore/data/content/Auto_Article_EXT/17805_1162914814641.jpg

Hans.

I'm not sure if I like the swish at wrist level, the TT's straight one looks a lot better IMHO. But will hold judgement until I see the finish product, as I was surprised how good the 3 series coupe looked in the fresh.

[Iceman]

http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/12/01/audi-a5-spotted-with-less-disguise

Hans.

[JavierNuvolari]

Judging from Iceman's last post that is going to be a very good looking and elegant car. I love the sort of muscular shaped side of the car.


Javier

[chewym]

http://images.leftlanenews.com/content/8-dec1-audi-a5.jpg

I think it will look very nice. From the report it is 4.7 meters long, or about 185 inches. So there should be decent rear seat space.

[Leadfoot]

4.7 meters is very long indeed, good rear space and big boot. Does anyone know a release date as yet?

[chewym]

Well, it should debut in March in Geneva. So Europe will get it not long after that, but probably a fall release here in the states.

[Leadfoot]

The UK is to get the A5 in May '07. Also info is that the 350hp V8 is to be release on launch or shortly after, whether this is the S5 is unsure but if it's not what will the S5 and RS5 be like!!!!!

Here footage of the V8 in action...........enjoy.

http://www.worldcarfans.com/videos.cfm/country/gcf/videoID/4061208.008/audi/spy-video-all-new-audi-a5

[Iceman]

The UK is to get the A5 in May '07. Also info is that the 350hp V8 is to be release on launch or shortly after, whether this is the S5 is unsure but if it's not what will the S5 and RS5 be like!!!!!
S5 420 hp 4.2 V8 FSI, RS5 480 hp 5.2 V10 FSI, IMHO.

Hans.

[Leadfoot]

S5 420 hp 4.2 V8 FSI, RS5 480 hp 5.2 V10 FSI, IMHO.

Hans.


Hans, ever the optimist. I like your style.:thumb:

[chiphead]

The UK is to get the A5 in May '07. Also info is that the 350hp V8 is to be release on launch or shortly after, whether this is the S5 is unsure but if it's not what will the S5 and RS5 be like!!!!!

Here footage of the V8 in action...........enjoy.

http://www.worldcarfans.com/videos.cfm/country/gcf/videoID/4061208.008/audi/spy-video-all-new-audi-a5

Nice engine note. Sounds almost like a V8 :thumb:

"the new coupe will be considerably larger than the current A4, actually almost the size of today’s A6.":doh:

[chewym]

Nice engine note. Sounds almost like a V8 :thumb:

"the new coupe will be considerably larger than the current A4, actually almost the size of today’s A6.":doh:

Don't worry, it will only be 185 inches compared to 193.5 inches long current A6. The A4 is 180.6 inches right now.

[El_cucaracha]

I love A5, it is like nuvolari concept... and it has to be real quick..

[Iceman]

http://images3.fotosik.pl/301/11bd3202bdf1260f.jpg

Hans.

[Cale24]

Hmmm, that pic looks interesting. I'm sure the final article will be great, especially after the positive words da Silva had to say about it. And about that video (driving on nurburgring) - it sounds like a 'lazy' V8 of maybe bigger capacity. Perhaps its the regular A6 4.2? What do you guys think? And the size being inbetween an A4 and A6 is the biggest I would want- as long as its smaller than a 6 series I'm happy.:cool2:

[Iceman]

The hole A5 story will only be interesting if it will have a 5.2 V10 FSI engine under the bonnet.

Hans.

[chewym]

The hole A5 story will only be interesting if it will have a 5.2 V10 FSI engine under the bonnet.

Hans.

This is why Audi has to develop a bigger displacement V8 and V6 engines. Because the current ones can't really compete on horsepower and especially torque. Any news on this development?

[Iceman]

This is why Audi has to develop a bigger displacement V8 and V6 engines. Because the current ones can't really compete on horsepower and especially torque. Any news on this development?
I dont like the sound of crossplane V8's only Flatplane one's like Ferrari.
A V10 produce a much better sound.

Hans.

[Leadfoot]

On re-watching the video of the A5, I noticed just how good the body was controlled on entering, during and exiting every corner. Either this thing has a very firm suspension set-up or some form of air/magnetic damper system similar to the R8/TT. I hope it is the latter as this system has done wonders for the TT and will do even better with the improved set-up the new B8 has over the though greatly improved but not as good TT chassis.

The engine note sounds very similar to my S4 v8, for us not RS4/6 members of the group, this combination of B8 chassis and V8 muscle will be an amazing drive.

If only it was a little smaller, it might have got the choice over the TT-S from me.

[Leadfoot]

This is a question to the group.

Which photoshop looks the closest to the real thing?


I reckon the rear is this.
http://www.bilnorge.no/export/bb_35824.jpeg

And the front is this.
http://www.xelopolis.com/news/2006/juin/a5.jpg

[Iceman]

New cold weather test mules.
2 different cars, one with 2 exhausts on the left side and one with single exhausts left and right.

A5 Coupe'. (http://blogs.edmunds.com/Straightline/2210)

Hans.

[Toto89]

The one with 2 pipes on one side probably mean it's a 4 cylinder turbo, and the other one could be a V6 N/A....Like in TT.

[Iceman]

The one with 2 pipes on one side probably mean it's a 4 cylinder turbo, and the other one could be a V6 N/A....Like in TT.
Yes, and with quad pipes is probably the 4.2 V8 FSI.

Hans.

[Leadfoot]

Yes, and with quad pipes is probably the 4.2 V8 FSI.

Hans.

Would that not mean that the one with four pipes is the S5 model as this is now it's trade mark.

[Iceman]

Would that not mean that the one with four pipes is the S5 model as this is now it's trade mark.

Most likely it will.

Hans.

[Leadfoot]

So Hans, what are you saying. This A5 we have seen lapping around the ring with it's four pipes is in fact the soon to be released S5, if so I think I need to hold off buying the TT-S until more info is released.

P.S.
On another subject, I was talk that the R36 is back on again and will be wih us late '07 ~ early '08 with the same power as the Passat R36.

[Iceman]

So Hans, what are you saying. This A5 we have seen lapping around the ring with it's four pipes is in fact the soon to be released S5, if so I think I need to hold off buying the TT-S until more info is released.
Yes the black Mule with white/Black camo on it is the S5.
@ Geneve we will see probably all models (2.0T FSI, 2.8 V6 FSI VL, 3.2 V6 FSI (VL ?) and 4.2 V8 FSI = S5, except for the RS5 (2009).


P.S.
On another subject, I was talk that the R36 is back on again and will be wih us late '07 ~ early '08 with the same power as the Passat R36.
R36 ??? you mean TT with 3.6 VR6 or Golf R36. ???

Hans.

[Leadfoot]

Yes the black Mule with white/Black camo on it is the S5.
@ Geneve we will see probably all models (2.0T FSI, 2.8 V6 FSI VL, 3.2 V6 FSI (VL ?) and 4.2 V8 FSI = S5, except for the RS5 (2009).


R36 ??? you mean TT with 3.6 VR6 or Golf R36. ???

Hans.

Saw the video of the S5, looks like a good handler with great body control. Is there a power figure for the S5 yet? I know we have all got our own ideas, I think 380hp is around the mark, but only if they have lightened it over the current S4.

Golf R36. Also if as I have been told that the R36 does appear before the new model, than where will this leave the S3 or the RS3 if it is ever coming.

[AndyBG]

Maybe a re-post..

But it looks like new pic's to me...

http://blogs.edmunds.com/Straightline/2210

[Leadfoot]

Oh by the way, will the spot lights on the roof be on the options list at launch.:D

[Damienr8]

Maybe a re-post..

But it looks like new pic's to me...

http://blogs.edmunds.com/Straightline/2210


Wow looks like Huckfeldt is correct once again. How does that man know this information lol. I remembered like in 2005 he sketched the 2007/2008 bmw m3. From the latest spyshots, its looks EXACTly like his sketch lol.

Well from now on, im just gonna go by huck's sketches. The previous A4, A6, etc. sketches were over 90% correct. He definitely knows something.

[PeterJohn]

http://www.autobild.de/projektor/galerie.php?pos=0&artikel_id=12176

...here's a page with a bunch of Huckfeldt impressions. Puts me a little more at ease with that 'bump in the swoush'. It's the same swoush as the R8, btw.

[Iceman]

6 more pics.

http://www.germancarfans.com/spyphotos/6070126.002/6070126.002.mini1L.jpg
http://www.germancarfans.com/spyphotos/6070126.002/6070126.002.mini2L.jpg
http://www.germancarfans.com/spyphotos/6070126.002/6070126.002.mini3L.jpg
http://www.germancarfans.com/spyphotos/6070126.002/6070126.002.mini4L.jpg
http://www.germancarfans.com/spyphotos/6070126.002/6070126.002.mini5L.jpg
http://www.germancarfans.com/spyphotos/6070126.002/6070126.002.mini6L.jpg

Hans.

[Damienr8]

6 more pics.

http://www.germancarfans.com/spyphotos/6070126.002/6070126.002.mini1L.jpg
http://www.germancarfans.com/spyphotos/6070126.002/6070126.002.mini2L.jpg
http://www.germancarfans.com/spyphotos/6070126.002/6070126.002.mini3L.jpg
http://www.germancarfans.com/spyphotos/6070126.002/6070126.002.mini4L.jpg
http://www.germancarfans.com/spyphotos/6070126.002/6070126.002.mini5L.jpg
http://www.germancarfans.com/spyphotos/6070126.002/6070126.002.mini6L.jpg

Hans.

Front overhand still looks pretty long....hummmm. :noshake:

[tailpipe]

When I first saw these pictures, I was worried that somehow the visual impact of the new A5 had somehow lost the elegant simplicity of the original Novolari concept. Actually, I couldn't be more wrong. As the title of this thread correctly states, the new A5 is going to be a looker. While the car featured in the above pictures is a final prototype, it is NOT how the final A5 will look. It has been very cleverly disguised and will not compromise Audi's extremely sharp and orginal design language that is now emerging.

The line that runs along the shoulder of the car is false - the true line runs in a very different way and is much straighter -while the lid of the trunk is also covered with a false top to disguise the effect of the rear glass. The rear glass is more obviously covered as is the front. Expect leaked pictures to make their way onto the net any day now...

What I would add is that the next A4 will also be a looker, especially in Avant form. I just hope that the next RS4 is indeed due as soon as 2009, as rumoured, and will have 450 bhp on a B8 platform.

[Leadfoot]

You can also tell from these pictures that when the finished product gets it's 18" alloys it will be one of the beefiest looked coupes on the market. I just hope that to start with all models are quattro with fwd filtering in shortly after, give the car it's sporting credentials before releasing the cheaper almost there version.

Tailpipe when I look at those pictures I find it hard to see how the body line is not the finished article.:brag:

[AndyBG]

Not to many ''revolution'' engines...

A5 2.0 T quattro - 220 hp

A5 3.2 quattro - 255 hp

S5 (4.2) - 350 hp

A5 3.0 TDI quattro - 233 hp

Is this correct ?

[chewym]

All of the A5 prototypes have been heavily camoed, it does look a bit akward in the spy shots. However I am sure the A5 will look great when it is done. I think there will be a 300 hp V6, well actually Audi needs one to compete. I also think that the V8 needs like 380 hp to be well prepared for competition. The V6 TDI should be pumping out at least 250 hp with the new 2,000 bar common rail system from the Q7 V12 TDI. A 7 speed S-Tronic for all power levels should be present as well to position the A5 as the class leader.

[Leadfoot]

It is very unlikely that a 3.0L or 3.2L standard A5 will put out 300hp, especially as the 3.6L in the Q7 only puts out 280hp. Currently the A4/6/8 3.2L engines put out 255hp, now when the 1 series introduced the 3.0L into the model it's power jumped from the then 230hp to 265hp so one must reckon that Audi will with it's newest model give it's engine a slight boost, maybe 275hp but nothing more, at least with the current engine.

If the A5 is released with the Roadjet engine then maybe a 3.2L with 300hp is possible. As for the V8, again the likelihood is that it will be the very same engine as used in the Q7, reason being Audi doesn't want to add to many new parts to a car that is just launched. Think about it, new 7speed S-Tronic gearbox, the possibility that it will have a new suspension system and then adding a totally new engine system, I reckon they will want to introduce some of these things slowly. Any memories of the M5/6 transmission problem is something Audi would not want to repeat.

I totally agree that they will release the 3.0TDi with around the 240~250hp, and the big possibility is their will be a twin-turbo version of this engine as well, but not on release and might carry the S badge.

[Iceman]

http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/971/2008audia5iw4.jpg
A5 Coupe' by AM2.

Hans.

[Toto89]

Hmm obviously this PS is from the Roadjet concept, nice anyway:0:

[SFW]

http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/971/2008audia5iw4.jpg
A5 Coupe' by AM2.

Hans.

Does anyone have an ideea how is the back going to look?

[Speedou]

From that view the back end looks a lot like new BMW 3-series Coupe, or is it just me?

[Leadfoot]

http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/971/2008audia5iw4.jpg
A5 Coupe' by AM2.

Hans.

I may be the only one here about to say this, but I think it looks awful. The nose looks really heavy handed but the side line of the car looks great.

[Damienr8]

I may be the only one here about to say this, but I think it looks awful. The nose looks really heavy handed but the side line of the car looks great.

Agree Lead, The side profile looks nice at this angle, but the front looks too conservative. I want a sporty, muscular yet elegant coupe. Ah well, this is just a photoshop, we will see very soon!

[SFW]

If you look at the line of the hood on this photoshop and of the spy photos you can see that they are not similar ...

I am more worried about the tail lights, in one of the winter spy photos (the one with 4 exhaust pipes), the shape seems to differ from the one on the concept, or of the A4, the led lights have a straight, pointy line, and they seems to be quite big (wide).

I like this photoshops and the lines of the hood seem to match ... :

[chewym]

http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/971/2008audia5iw4.jpg
A5 Coupe' by AM2.

Hans.

Not bad but maybe Audi can make it a bit better.

[FrenchAudi]

Here is the microsite for the A5!!!!!!!!!:heart: :heart:

http://microsites.audi.com/audia5/html/index.php

[chewym]

Here is the microsite for the A5!!!!!!!!!:heart: :heart:

http://microsites.audi.com/audia5/html/index.php

Finally, Audi always listens to my commands. Check out this thread

http://www.rs6.com/forum/showthread.php?t=10999

[Damienr8]

Finally, Audi always listens to my commands. Check out this thread

http://www.rs6.com/forum/showthread.php?t=10999

LOL I hope Audi Listens to me with the Q5 Microsite LOL.:trash:

[tailpipe]

Hans,

You are usually a very reliable source of info. This is an awful photoshopped image that bears no relation to the real thing. What's going on?

[Leadfoot]

Hans,

You are usually a very reliable source of info. This is an awful photoshopped image that bears no relation to the real thing. What's going on?

A bit harsh, though I do hope you are right. Look at all recent designs from Audi and you just know this one will be a real stunner.

But enough of it's looks, what about this new chassis, gearbox and engine position?

[tailpipe]

This is what it looks like.

The curved line is a bogus disguise. This picture was created by Germany's Auto motor und Sport; it got the RS4 right, it got the M3 right and it got the new C-Class right. it is the most reliable source of actual model styling.

What is interesting about this discussion is that Audi has gone to such lengths to mislead people about the A5's looks.

The people at Autocar chatting to Audi representatives in Detroit recently were told that the handling of the A5 is incredible. Obviously, it has Quattro, but the handling balance is such that you can throw it around like a rally car, yet it will always understeer on the limit. In most situations yo just back off and it steps back into line. While you can induce a tail slide with T/C switched off, if you over-cook it, a prod of the accelarator will correct it. The movement of the engine backwards, while not behind the front axle, is still enough to have made an impressive difference to the A4s traditional nose heavy dynamics. in short, Audi was saying prepare to be amazed.

What I also understand is that the handling of the A5 is such a revelation that a 350 bhp S4 is likely to embaress the latest RS4. For this reason an RS4 Mk III should arrive sooner rather than later, with a 450 bhp version of the current FSI V8. I am hearing 2009. Anyone else heard anything similar?

[roadrunner]

...an RS4 Mk III should arrive sooner rather than later, with a 450 bhp version of the current FSI V8. I am hearing 2009. Anyone else heard anything similar?

Couple of months ago an Audi manager stated that they are planning to bring the high performance modells (S & RS) earlier in the model life cycle.

There are rumours that the S5 will be launched from the beginning or shortly after, therefore 2009 for the RS5 seems plausible.

They brought the RS4 MkII already earlier than the Mk I. THe RS6 MkII seems to be comming earlier than RS6 MkI as well.

Greetings
seb.

[tailpipe]

Couple of months ago an Audi manager stated that they are planning to bring the high performance modells (S & RS) earlier in the model life cycle.

There are rumours that the S5 will be launched from the beginning or shortly after, therefore 2009 for the RS5 seems plausible.

They brought the RS4 MkII already earlier than the Mk I. THe RS6 MkII seems to be comming earlier than RS6 MkI as well.

Greetings
seb.

I would like to say that bring out RS models earlier in product lifecycles is something I asked Michael Renz, Audi's Worldwide Head of Marketing, directly when I met him two years ago.

It is ridiculous to bring out RS variants so late in the model cycle because it limits the halo effect such cars have on other models in the range as well as for the brand in general. With a new A4 just around the corner, lateness also limits the overall number of sales, because people tend to hesitate before buying a car that is close to its replacement date. RS cars do tend to depreciate quite quickly for this reason too. In effect, most RS cars have a shelf life of a little more than two years. It seems dumb to forego the extra profit margin such cars deliver. Seeks like Audi now agrees. Hurrah!

[Leadfoot]

I would like to say that bring out RS models earlier in product lifecycles is something I asked Michael Renz, Audi's Worldwide Head of Marketing, directly when I met him two years ago.

It is ridiculous to bring out RS variants so late in the model cycle because it limits the halo effect such cars have on other models in the range as well as for the brand in general. With a new A4 just around the corner, lateness also limits the overall number of sales, because people tend to hesitate before buying a car that is close to its replacement date. RS cars do tend to depreciate quite quickly for this reason too. In effect, most RS cars have a shelf life of a little more than two years. It seems dumb to forego the extra profit margin such cars deliver. Seeks like Audi now agrees. Hurrah!

I can asure you that from a very reliable source the S5 will be here no later than late 2008. Also the power of 350hp is not the S5 but the standard 4.2L V8 that will be here at launch, no the S5 will be in the regions of 380~400hp and at least 325ft/lbs of torque.

The RS will be here late 2009 unless the S5 appears sooner than late 2008 but what ever happens the RS5 will be 1 year after the S model.

[El_cucaracha]

this one look suckss, i think it is made of roadjet photo.... looks similiar

[jonas_dg]

just saw this teaser on "autoweek.nl"
http://www.autoweek.nl/newsdisp.php?ID=5917&cache=no

didn't see it right away, but I don't think it's been posted before

Article says "Audi is teasing with top view of A5"

edit: ok nm just found the post :)
well, at least I reminded you on the A5! :D

[chewym]

just saw this teaser on "autoweek.nl"
http://www.autoweek.nl/newsdisp.php?ID=5917&cache=no

didn't see it right away, but I don't think it's been posted before

Article says "Audi is teasing with top view of A5"

edit: ok nm just found the post :)
well, at least I reminded you on the A5! :D

I don't like this article, as they list the same engines that the current A/S/RS4 have. I want something new for the A5.:revs:

[Iceman]

South African Spyshots.

http://www.wheels24.co.za/Images/Photos/20070205074759A5spy.jpg

Hans.

[Damienr8]

South African Spyshots.

http://www.wheels24.co.za/Images/Photos/20070205074759A5spy.jpg

Hans.

Thanks ICEMAN. The proportions look sexy but I would like to get a clearer shot of the rear. :cool2:

[SFW]

I thought the photo from the back is from the A5, but it's a rs4(or A4) :cry:

[Iceman]

http://www.wheels24.co.za/Images/Wheels24/Images/Feature_cars/20070205074704A5_spy2.jpg

Hans.

[Damienr8]

http://www.wheels24.co.za/Images/Wheels24/Images/Feature_cars/20070205074704A5_spy2.jpg

Hans.

Looks quite 'long' if I may say.

[Iceman]

Looks quite 'long' if I may say.
It will be almost A6 size.

Hans.

[Damienr8]

It will be almost A6 size.

Hans.

I have heard that also. I think i may just have to settle with the B8 A4 then :cool2:

[tailpipe]

What is interesting about these shots is that they reveal two important bits of information about the styling:

1. The rear windows do not go all the way back as the silver protype pretends to show. The C-pillar is in fact larger and longer at the base than it was on the Nuvolari show car - but it is not necessarily more ugly. It looks well resolved. This is also confirmed by the overhead view of the car on A5 microsite.

2. The shoulder line looks much straighter than on other protypes, indicating that it will follow the lines of the TT, B8 A4 and Audi family styling, instead of having the curved line of the earlier protypes seen on the Ring.

All in all it looks like it will be an elegant design and quite a big car.

[Iceman]

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h76/ahura929/visie.jpg

Hans.

[Damienr8]

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h76/ahura929/visie.jpg

Hans.


UUUUHHHHHHH, what is with those passat-like head lights :confused:

[Erik]

Passat meets Bentley CGT

[tailpipe]

This is pure photoshop.

[Leadfoot]

This is pure photoshop.

May be but I like it.:dance:

[Damienr8]

This is pure photoshop.

A brutally heinous photoshop...:trash:

[chewym]

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h76/ahura929/visie.jpg

Hans.

I think the general shape will be very close, but I really don't think that it will have the same headlights. In the end, I think the real A5 will look great.

The article says that it will be 4.7 meters or 185 inches, which isn't that long.

The other article said that the A4 would be 4.8 meters or 189 inches long, which is quite a bit longer than the current one.

[chewym]

Now this is what I think it will look like. Auto Express P-Shop.

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/images/front_picture_library_UK/dir_425/car_photo_212769_7.jpg

[darkart]

I like this. It looks like a real Audi!

[Damienr8]

Now this is what I think it will look like. Auto Express P-Shop.

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/images/front_picture_library_UK/dir_425/car_photo_212769_7.jpg

Looks exactly like Huckfeldt's impression. And from the last couple of years, Huck's been dead on. :dig:

[Iceman]

Audi A5 Coupe and Cabrio.

http://www.autozeitung.de/online/bildDB/37703_1024.jpg
http://www.autozeitung.de/online/bildDB/37701_1024.jpg

Hans.

[Damienr8]

Audi A5 Coupe and Cabrio.

http://www.autozeitung.de/online/bildDB/37703_1024.jpg
http://www.autozeitung.de/online/bildDB/37701_1024.jpg

Hans.

While I enjoy the lines of the coupe, the front styling leaves more to be desired. It seems a bit conservative. I was looking for a front end with a little bit of a radical design but still exuding class. :trash:

[quattro Gmbh]

headlights not looking good:nono:

[Iceman]

Found these on the Audiworld site with some Nuvolari put to it.

http://www.audiforum.nl/phpBB2/files/a5-mock3_953.jpg

btw: i don't like that, it's not looking good ad all, very dated IMHO.

Hans.

[Auto]

I hate the wave like lines on the sides, the car looses its agressivity and becomes much softer.
I want that raw, pure straight looking lines like on the A4 B7.

[gabbby]

This photoshop are awfull and unrealistic ! I think the rear lights will not look like that at all.

Gaby

[markwm]

headlights not looking good:nono:

Nevermind the headlights, all the photoshops have those horrible fog lights that audi and many other car makers seems to like so much.

[Leadfoot]

If you believe Autoexpress which I don't, then they are comfirming my opinion that the A5 will only be available in Quattro form :doh:.

Only my reckoning was that Quattro will only be available at launch and fwd will only be introduced when the A4 comes along in 2008. The engine range will be quite wide because it is competing with two differing models (3series Coupe and the 6series) and in differing price brackets.

If the A5 only has awd then the engine range won't go below 6 cylinders be it petrol or diesel but this would mean the A5 will only compete with the more expensive 3series Coupe models, if it includes fwd then we will see 2.0TFSi, 2.0TDi engines and it's appeal will be greater.

[Iceman]

If the A5 only has awd then the engine range won't go below 6 cylinders be it petrol or diesel but this would mean the A5 will only compete with the more expensive 3series Coupe models, if it includes fwd then we will see 2.0TFSi, 2.0TDi engines and it's appeal will be greater.
Personaly i see no reason to use 4 cylinder engine in the heavy A5 Coupe' and certainly not if they only will be availeble as Quattro.
The engine range will be most likely as follow:
A5 2.8 V6 FSI Valve-lift 210 hp.
A5 3.2 V6 FSI 260 hp.
A5 3.2 V6 FSI Valve-lift 300hp, this engine will come probably later in combination with a 7 speed DSG/S-tronic.
A5 4.2 V8 FSI 350 hp, it's not sure if the A5 with this engine is the S5 or just the A5 4.2 Quattro.
If not then the new S5 can get a 350-420 hp 4.2 V8 FSI or a 3.2 V6 FSI Valve-lift Bi-turbo with 350-400 hp engine.
And the 2009 RS5 can get a 480 hp 5.2 V10 FSI engine.

On the Diesel front it will have a 3.0 V6 TDI with 250 hp from the start and maybe a 4.2 V8 TDI with 326 hp in the future.

Hans.

[Leadfoot]

I am certain that the 4.2v8 will be there at launch and it won't be the S5:thumb: . UK launch is May and though they haven't release spec or prices all dealers have a healthy order books full of orders for both models.:D

No date as yet on when the S5 will be introduced most likely time is a month or two after the A4 launch so as not to steal the limelight from this very important model. We can only speculate as to what engine Audi will give the S5 and later RS5, I like your good self would prefer a smaller twin-turbo unit (3.2Lv6) with the RS5 getting either a larger version of this (3.6/3.8L) or a 4.2Lv8 with turbos. There is no doubt that the engine bay will take the 5.2Lv10 but I personally feel if it gets it then the draw to the R8 and RS6 will be lessened because of this. Keep the v10 for the top of the range, there is already a v10 in the A8, A6 and soon R8 do we need any more.

I feel they should keep the N/A engine for the R8 and no more RS version but if like a lot here believe the RS6 will be N/A then that would most likely spell the end of the turbo engine in the RS models for the foreseeable future.

[Iceman]

I feel they should keep the N/A engine for the R8 and no more RS version but if like a lot here believe the RS6 will be N/A then that would most likely spell the end of the turbo engine in the RS models for the foreseeable future.
If N/A then it will be a 5.2 V10 FSI with 520 hp 100 hp per litre like the RS4.
But i still think it will be a 4.2 V8 FSI Bi-turbo.

Hans.

[Iceman]

http://img240.imageshack.us/img240/780/jensxe8.jpg

Hans.

[SFW]

http://img240.imageshack.us/img240/780/jensxe8.jpg

Hans.

And the back? :confused:

Anyway ... it looks good :0:

[Damienr8]

And the back? :confused:

Anyway ... it looks good :0:

Front looks way too conservative. :nono: Nothing special in my opinion

[PeterJohn]

The A8 has FWD versions, and I doubt the A5 will outweight that even with a conventional steel chassis.
The FWD A8 handles amazingly well, BTW. I remember a German comparison test with the 7series and old S-class, and it beat them on handling. Granted, the A8 was the newest of the bunch, at that time.

Audi will want to spread the A5 over an as big as possible market. Especially for those tax heavy countries where a big engine will cost you thousands in the long run. So I expect to see FWD version with the same engine options as the A6.

I'd like to see it with the V10. Mercedes shoehorns their AMG engines in every model that can take it. They've been doing it for a while, and don't seem to think it hurts their image. The whole point of these halo models is that they shine their glory on the whole range. The purpose of the R8 is not to glorify itself, but to glorify the Audi range. So it would be a counter productive to shield the R8 from the lesser image of the A5. You want the R8 to be related to the A5, so you want the A5 to take on board R8 technology.

Just like Subaru uses the WRX technology in their whole range. And it hasn't hurt their sales at all. Or diminished the WRX name.

I'm sure there are people that prefer a big RS-coupé over a flashy sportscar (R8) or an executive sedan/stationwagon (RS6).
Hell, if it wasn't for the performance sacrifice, I'd take an RS5 over an RS6 or R(S)8. Not so flashy that you feel self-concious all the time, but flashy enough to be the chest pounding Alfa male on your avarage parking lot.

With the RS4 badge on every incarnation of the A4 (Sedan, Avant, Cabrio), instead of just the Avant, I'd say that Audi is trying to reach as many different tastes as possible.

It's a new road for Audi. They want to fill every niche that there is, and probably invent some new ones. I'm sure every enthusiast was surprized to see the RS4 Cabrio in particular. The A3 3.2 is another example of that. Not too many people will go for an expensive hatchback like that. Most will probably look at A4s in that price range.

So I expect the A5 to come with everything it can easily take. From small FWD engines, to the big AWD performance engines.
Also note that this is a big Coupé. It's more 6series than 3series. It's an A6 coupé, more than it is an A4 Coupé. So it'll probably take the engine range from the A6.

[Auto]

Front look good but what's with those shity lines on the sides?!

[tailpipe]

http://img240.imageshack.us/img240/780/jensxe8.jpg

Hans.


Hans,

My criticism of your previous A5 picture was obviously justified, because it made you go out and find this. I don't know where you got this image - product brochure, perhaps? you naughty boy - but thanks. It looks great in this shot.

[Leadfoot]

PeterJohn,

How could someone so sensible like your good self be driving a Beemer instead of an Audi, I will never know.

But back to the subject in hand, at the start I feel Audi will want this car to be establish in the market place as the new driver's car among the brands and to do this they will want it to use Quattro to start with, after the A4 is launched with it's full compliment of engines and it's two forms of drive (fwd & Quattro) then I think we will see Audi bringing the A5 model to the masses with smaller engines (2.0FSi, 2.0TFSi & 2.0TDi) with the choice of fwd.

Another reason why you are right is that Audi has design this car to appeal to a much large audience than either the 3 series or 6 series, the 3 can seat 4 adults in reasonable comfort but hasn't the presence of the 6 which doesn't has the space, the A5 combines both and word is it will be a much more balanced handling car than the RS4 while providing the best ride quality of any Audi to date S8 included. And when you look at what Hans has provided in the latest picture is a beautiful proportioned car and every inch a sporty Audi.

[chewym]

Hans,

My criticism of your previous A5 picture was obviously justified, because it made you go out and find this. I don't know where you got this image - product brochure, perhaps? you naughty boy - but thanks. It looks great in this shot.

Yes, I haven't seen this pshop anywhere else.

[PeterJohn]

You're probably right. Some big engines at the debut to establish its competitive intentions, but also a range of "sensible" engines once the car is on the showroom floor.

I think the A5 will maybe introduce some of the new valvelift engines.

PS: I looked at Audis first when I bought my bimmer. But I needed a car ASAP, and couldn't find an Audi I liked. The BMW ticked all my boxes, and was immediatly available. It's a great drive, but I think I'm an Audi driver trapped in a BMW chassis. I'll probably come out of the closet, and buy an Audi, when they combine ASF, Valvelift, Turbos, DSG, Torsen Quattro and Magnetic ride in one package.

[El_cucaracha]

PeterJohn dreaming is not not harmfull.. :D

[Leadfoot]

I'll probably come out of the closet, and buy an Audi, when they combine ASF, Valvelift, Turbos, DSG, Torsen Quattro and Magnetic ride in one package.

Pete,

I thought I understood you, but I was wrong. Considering what you are looking for with an Audi yet you are content with so little from a Beemer.:vhmmm:

Anyway back to the A5, it unsure what construct they are using, it might be ASF as they talk about new construction in their microsite. Valvelift is a sure thing as is DSG and Quattro, whether they combine these with a turbo or two :hahahehe: is again unsure but alas Magnetic ride is only meant to be available with the TT and R8 :noshake: . I hope I'm wrong with this last one.

But I will say that you will be very surprised at the abilities of the A5 and the A4, I reckon the next 3 series will be brought forward by a couple of years because of these two cars.:p

By the way, the 5 series is a nine looking car, but the A6 Avant is a much better looking car as is all Audi Avant. No one does Estates like Audi.:D

[PeterJohn]

The problem was I couldn't find an Audi with Quattro, plus all the other stuff I wanted. And I didn't want another FWD. Those LEDs on the back of an A6 Avant look great though. Like a spaceship. The R8 will look mean as hell in the dark, once it gets the full LED treatment.

Are you sure about magnetic ride? I can see no technical reason why it couldn't be done. It's basically an upgrade of the traditional damper. If people are willing to pay, Audi will be willing to sell.

Fingers crossed for ASF.