The 2017 Audi A5 coupe
Audi just showed the world its all-new 2017 A5 Coupé at its headquarters in Ingolstadt, though if you’ve seen the 2017 A4 upon which its based, you probably won’t be surprised by its specs.
Audi just lifted the veil off its 2017 A5 Coupé, showing a fascia resembling that of the Audi A4. It’s a handsome design, if a bit sharp and aggressive compared to the elegant, rounded shapes we’ve come to expect from Audi.
Design of new Audi A5 coupe
The A5 is already one of the oldest models in Audi’s line-up, having been introduced in 2007. The new model will feature an extended wheelbase, adding extra cabin space in a class where a little more practicality can go a long way.
The original A5 was one of the most handsome cars in its class, with elegant proportions, clean lines and unmistakably Audi details that made it a winner at home and abroad.
Audi’s new coupe follows its example with bolder bodywork – exaggerated Coke-bottle hips, a muscular stance and a facial expression described by its design team as confident, but not aggressive.
The proportions are timeless, and there are clever details everywhere you look.
It’s a credit to young exterior designer Jakob Hirzl; replacing the arse end of Skoda’s Rapid Spaceback was the highlight of his portfolio before this.
Engine and power of new Audi A5 coupe
The entry point is likely to be served by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that offers 185kW of power and 370Nm of torque along with fuel economy of about 6L/100km. Driving all four wheels through a seven-speed dual clutch automatic transmission, the A5 2.0TFSI can reach 100km/h in 5.8 seconds en route to a top speed of 250km/h.
Confusingly, Audi offers two different types of all-wheel-drive system for 2.0-litre petrol and diesel models. Customers who opt for an automatic transmission get a full-time all-wheel-drive system that usually sends 60 per cent of drive to the rear wheels, though it can shuffle power back and forth through a centre differential capable of sending 30 to 85 per cent of torque to the back axle.
Manual customers receive a new system Audi calls “quattro with ultra technology”, a setup that sends drive to the front wheels during urban or economy driving, kicking up to 100 per cent of power to the rear axle as required.
The latter eschews a centre diff in favour of clutch packs on the front and rear differentials, quickly distributing power throughout the car. Audi is set to roll out the new system across many other models as it looks to boost efficiency while retaining its quattro USP.
Audi prepare a new RS5
Audi will also prepare a new RS5 to rival the Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupé and BMW M4. As with the next generation of RS4, it will switch from a normally aspirated V8 with 444bhp to a twin-turbocharged V6 producing around 500bhp. The performance model should arrive soon after the regular editions; Audi is said to have been focusing on delivering its RS versions earlier in the product cycle, due to customer demand.
TheA5 coupé is being lined up for an introduction in the first six months of 2017. Its June debut in Germany comes a little earlier than insiders had previously predicted, suggesting order books could also open earlier in next year than was first thought.
Further down the line, Audi will launch successors to the A5 Cabriolet and A5 Sportback. The drop-top is considered key for the US market, while the five-door is needed in order to offer an alternative to BMW’s 4 Series Gran Coupé.
latest video
news via inbox
Nulla turp dis cursus. Integer liberos euismod pretium faucibua