After photos of its new 2008 Audi A5 and S5 variant were recently splattered all over the Web well in advance the vehicle's official Geneva Motor Show world debut, Audi decided the gig was up and has released more details on its new coupe before it starts spinning on the Swiss-powered turntables.
Powering the A5 is a newly-revised 3.2-liter V-6, direct fuel-injection block pushing out 265 horsepower and 243 lb-ft of torque, which Audi claims will move the coupe from 0 to 62 mph in 6.1 seconds, according to Audi. A 1.8-liter direct injection four cylinder delivering 170 horsepower will also be available starting in the fall. Top speed is limited to 155 mph. A5 will also come with two diesel options for Europe only - a revised, 240 horsepower 3.0-liter and a 2.7-liter V-6 that pushes 190 horsepower.
Mated to the A5's engine will be a six-speed manual, automatic or Audi's multitronic continuously variable transmission depending upon the configuration, with either front or quattro all-wheel-drive.
Suspension-wise, there's a five-link arrangement with upper and lower wishbones up front mounted on the subframe for extra rigidity, and a trapezoidal-link setup in the rear. The rack and pinion steering has been reengineered and is located in front of the front axle close to the wheel center line in an effort to enhance vehicle handling.
Using a trick adopted from the Audi A8, the front axle differential is located in front of the clutch, making it possible to lengthen the wheelbase, shorten the front overhang, and to optimize the vehicle's axle load distribution.
A5's lines and wide and low stance are reminiscent of the automaker's 2003 Nuvolari quattro concept and the new coupe's proportions are characterised by the now familiar Audi grille and a long, flowing transition from the C pillar to the rear of the car. The vehicle is a shade over 182 inches long.
Standard equipment on the A5 includes 17-inch alloy wheels along with automatic air conditioning, Audi's MMI information and operating system, an audio system with CD player and separate screen, and an automatically opening trunk lid which opens to a 16 cubic foot trunk.
Among the optional equipment: Bi-xenon headlights, an advanced key system that allows keyless access for the doors, trunk and keyless engine start, a parking system featuring a rearview camera, an advanced infotainment system and a Bang & Olufsen sound system.
Audi S5
Audi A5 can also be personalized with a wide range of interior and color schemes, and an S line exterior package, featuring sports seats, steering wheel and gear and other interior enhancements, 18-inch alloy wheels and exclusive paint finishes and a sport suspension, will also be available.
As for the S5, power comes from via a 354 horsepower version of Audi's 4.2-liter V-8 that moves the car from 0-62 mph in just 5.1 seconds, mated to a six-speed manual. S5 will also come equipped with quattro, 18-inch wheels, sports suspension and slightly more aggressive interior and exterior effects packages.
Audi S5
Both the A5 and S5 are available to order in March with the first vehicles due for delivery in Europe this summer and in the U.S. late this year. Stay tuned for more on the A5 and all the rest of the Geneva show unveilings during the show press days, March 6-7.