The Audi A5 is a two-door compact executive sports car available since 2007.
Audi A5 Design and Introduction
The A5 was first unveiled in 2007 at the Geneva Motor Show, based on the Nuvolari Quattro concept car. It shares the B-platform along with the A4. The first generation A5 used the B8 platform, which uses a Volkswagen Modular Longitudinal Platform (MLP) construction design. The A5 was designed to be fun and sporty, but also an executive car that is comfortable with hints of luxury throughout. Although heavily based on the A4, the A5 takes things to the next level of fun. Eventually, the A5 was proven to be a flexible platform, coming in many variations including coupe, Sportback, and cabriolet. While the Audi TT technically sells as a coupe, it more closely resembles a true two-seater. This is the gap that the A5 came to fill. It was Audi’s first proper 2+2 coupe since the Audi 80 stopped production in 1996.
Engine and Performance
The first generation three-door four-seat A5 used a 3.2L FSI V-6 engine with 261 horsepower (265 PS), a 3.0L turbodiesel, or a 1.8L TFSI engine (first available in late 2007). The North American models received a 3.2L FSI in the A5 Quattro, while the S5 coupe featured the larger 4.2L FSI engine. A 6-speed manual transmission or 6-speed tiptronic automatic transmission were the two options offered. Showing that this vehicle is geared towards performance and driving prowess. In 2009, the Audi A5 was released with a convertible cabriolet option. This also came as an S5 option with the supercharged 3.0L V-6 engine. This effectively replaced the A4 cabriolet, even though the naming change didn’t reflect this. On top of the cabrilet, the A5 is also available as a Sportback. It is a four-door vehicle with frameless doors and a tapering fastback roofline, mincing the smaller coupe. The extended wheelbase and different lines of the Sportback share more resemblance to the A4 lineup than most A5s. The Audi RS5 was released in 2010 and came with a 4.2L 444 horsepower (450 PS) engine with 318 lb ft of torque. It used the Quattro technology with a center differential and electric torque vectoring to make sure all four-wheels put power down at just the right moment. Larger wheels, tires, brakes, and brake calipers were part of the ultra-performance RS5, along with improved speed-adjustable servotronic steering and four driving modes (comfort, auto, dynamic, and custom).
2012 Redesign
A major redesign came to the Audi A5 in 2012. It now featured more aggressive styling that fit the sporty drive experience one had behind the wheel. The prominent LED daytime running lights helped add a punch of flair to the front end, while new bumpers, grille, and headlights/taillights completed the transformation. The RS5 also saw changes in 2012, including upgraded suspension dampers and springs, electric power steering, retractable rear spoiler, and a sport exhaust system.
Second Generation Audi A5
The second generation of Audi A5 came in 2017 at the Paris Motor Show, once again turning to a more aggressive and angular design. It was first available as a 2018 model year. The A5 also lost a bit of the sporty feel, in favor of larger cabin room and a roomier trunk space. Interior changes were also robust, bringing a much needed update to the dashboard and controls. The engine choices were now a 2.0L TFSI with up to 248 horsepower and both 2.0 and 3.0L diesel engines with up to 282 horsepower. A 6-speed manual transmission was available for the 2.0L engines, while the 3.0L saw a 7 or 8-speed automatic tiptronic transmission. The S5 is now powered by a 3.0L TFSI engine producing 349 horsepower, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, while the RS5 coupe uses a 2.9L twin-turbo engine with 444 horsepower. The RS5 was also able to cut weight by 132 pounds compared to the past versions.