2008 Audi A5

 

The all-new Audi A5 coupe debuted at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show alongside the high-performance S5 version, which was shown for the first time at the auto show in New York. The S5 was finished in bright Misano Red paint for the New York show which highlights the beautifully sculpted design. The A5 and S5 join the redesigned Audi TT coupe and the Audi R8 supercar as Audi offers a complete line of performance coupes.An all-new four-seat coupe, the A5 incorporates many elements from the Nuvolari concept of 2003 for a combination of elegance and sportiness that Walter de’Silva, head of Volkswagen Group Design describes as “the most beautiful car I have ever designed.”

Design elements from the Nuvolari concept include Audi’s trademark trapezoidal grille framed by rectangular headlights, very thick C-pillar, frameless windows, and a waistline that flows upwards around the wheel arches to give the car a dynamic, sporty character.

In Europe, the A5 will be offered with engines that range from a 1.8-liter four cylinder to a 3.2-liter V6, as well as 2.7-liter and 3.0-liter diesels. A five-speed manual gearbox is standard with Audi’s multitronic automatic as an option. Audi has not announced engine details for the U.S., but the 3.2-liter V6 currently offered in the A6 would be a good bet.

Audi interiors have been widely praised for their design and elegance. While the interior of the A5 is practical for a coupe, it continues to build on Audi’s reputation as the benchmark in interior design. With a focus on ergonomic design and functionality combined with high-quality materials and excellent build quality, the A5 interior is focused on the driver, the instruments and the center console forms one unit.

Another example is the door panels where the controls, metal trim, leather trim, armrests and storage compartment all form a single unit. The instrument panel includes familiar Audi styling elements for the speedometer and tachometer but the details are a new design. The Audi Multimedia Interface screen is positioned high on the center stack to make it easy to read.

Technology includes partial LED lighting, an electromechanical parking brake, an all-plastic key and three-zone climate control.