The Audi A5 is a series of compact executive and grand touring coupé cars produced by the German automobile manufacturer Audi since June 2007. The A5 range also includes the coupe, cabriolet, and "Sportback"—a five-door liftback with a fastback roofline—derived from the Audi A4 saloon and estate models.
Under Audi's internal platform numbering convention, the A5 is a member of the B-platform series of vehicles, sharing its platform designation with the A4 saloon and Avant. The first generation A5 (Type 8T) belongs to the B8 family, while the second-generation model (Type 8W6) is based on the B9.[1] Both generations are derived from the Volkswagen MLB (Modular Longitudinal Matrix) architecture.
First generation (2007)
Initial release
When unveiled at the March 2007 Geneva Motor Show, the A5 marked Audi's return to the compact executive coupé market after the (B3/B4) Audi 80-based coupé ended production in 1996. On May 10, 2006, Audi confirmed that the A5 would go into production. The B6/B7 A4 included a convertible variant but no coupé. For the fourth-generation A4 (B8), Audi decided to spin off the cabriolet, along with a new coupé and four-door fastback sedan, into a distinct nameplate as the A5.
The A5 was the first vehicle in the B8 family to be released (the others being the A4 and the Q5 crossover SUV), all of which were based on the Audi MLP (Modular Longitudinal Platform). This platform underpins the next-generation A6 and A8.[4]
The A5 is the third coupé in Audi's lineup, following the second-generation TT and the R8. It adopted design elements from the Nuvolari quattro concept car and debuted with a 3.2-litre FSI V6 engine, delivering 195 kW.
Coupé (8T3)
The A5 and S5 design was based on the Nuvolari quattro concept car. The A5 and the S5 Coupé were unveiled simultaneously at the Salon International de l'Auto (Geneva)[5] and the Melbourne International Motor Shows on 6 March 2007.
Orders for the A5 and S5 began the same day as their unveiling, 6 March 2007; the first deliveries were made in June 2007.[6] Launch models included the 3.2-litre FSI V6 engine multitronic and the 3.0-litre TDI quattro 6-speed,[7] with the 1.8-litre TFSI available in late 2007.
Early U.S. models included the A5 3.2-litre FSI quattro and the S5 coupé 4.2-litre FSI quattro. Both included either a six-speed manual or a six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. The S5 model went on sale in November 2007, initially equipped only with a manual transmission, while the A5 with Tiptronic became available in early 2008.[8]
Coupé (8T3)
The A5 and S5 design was based on the Nuvolari quattro concept car. The A5 and the S5 Coupé were unveiled simultaneously at the Salon International de l'Auto (Geneva)[5] and the Melbourne International Motor Shows on 6 March 2007.
Orders for the A5 and S5 began the same day as their unveiling, 6 March 2007; the first deliveries were made in June 2007.[6] Launch models included the 3.2-litre FSI V6 engine multitronic and the 3.0-litre TDI quattro 6-speed,[7] with the 1.8-litre TFSI available in late 2007.
Early U.S. models included the A5 3.2-litre FSI quattro and the S5 coupé 4.2-litre FSI quattro. Both included either a six-speed manual or a six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. The S5 model went on sale in November 2007, initially equipped only with a manual transmission, while the A5 with Tiptronic became available in early 2008.[8]
Cabriolet (8F)
Production of both the Audi A5 and the S5 Cabriolet (convertible) began in early 2009. The A5 Cabriolet included a fabric roof as opposed to the retractable hardtop used on the Volkswagen Eos. The engine range was the same as contemporary A5 coupé models, but the S5 Cabriolet featured a 3.0 TFSI V6 supercharged engine.[10]
The A5 Cabriolet replaced the A4 Cabriolet.[11] Deliveries of the A5 Cabriolet began in the second quarter of 2009. The vehicle was unveiled at the 2009 New York Auto Show.[12]
The U.S. versions of the A5 and S5 Cabriolet went on sale in September 2009 as 2010 models. Early models included the A5 2.0-litre I4 TFSI Multitronic, A5 2.0-litre quattro Tiptronic, and S5 quattro S-Tronic.[13]
Sportback (8T8)
The A5 Sportback has four frameless doors and a long, tapering fastback-like roofline, giving it a 'four-door coupé-like' appearance. While it shares many exterior design cues with the A5 coupé, the Sportback's interior is similar to that of the A4 saloon. Although all A5 models share the same platform as the A4, the Sportback is closer in design to the A4 than to the rest of the A5 family.[14][15]
The Sportback has been described as 'a saloon with the front end (including an identical S-line look) and taillights of the A5 coupé but the wheelbase of the A4,' with the Sportback positioned more as a 'designer's car' compared to the more conventional A4 saloon.[16]
The Sportback model is available in Europe, Japan, South Korea, China, Australia, New Zealand, the Middle East, Mexico, Argentina, and South Africa. Although not originally sold in the United States and Canada,[17] the A5 Sportback entered the North American market as a 2018 model at the beginning of 2017.[18]
S5 (2007)
The Audi S5 was released in coupé form to the public at the same time as the A5. The Audi S5, in comparison to the A5, features a different fascia (as do most Audi S and RS models), including a string of LED daytime running lights around the bi-Xenon headlamps and a vertically striped chrome grille.
In many markets, the S5 includes as standard, 19-inch alloy wheels with a five parallel spoke design, bigger brakes, heated leather sport seats, and other convenience features, some of which are available only as an option on the A5. Changes for the 2010 model year include LED tail lamps, the introduction of Premium Plus and Prestige trim levels, and new optional equipment such as Leather/Alcantara seats.
Despite sharing the same nameplate, the powertrains were different between the coupé and the Cabriolet/Sportback for the 2010–12 model years. The 2010–12 Audi S5 coupé had a 4.2 litre fuel stratified injection (FSI) V8 engine[4] that produces 260 kW, while the S5 Cabriolet and Sportback have a supercharged 3.0 litre TFSI V6 engine producing 245 kW which is shared with the 2010 Audi S4 3.0 TFSI quattro sedan and avant.
The coupé had a choice of either a six speed manual or six speed Tiptronic automatic, while the Cabriolet/Sportback has the seven speed S-tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission.[22]
Aluminium A5 Coupé
The Aluminium A5 Coupé is a prototype vehicle demonstrating the aluminium Audi Space Frame (ASF) concept. It is based on Audi A5 Coupé 2.0 TFSI with 155 kW engine, but it uses the aluminium Audi Space Frame, aluminium and carbon fibre-reinforced plastics body. Punch riveting, bonding or laser-MIG hybrid welding replaced spot welding. The vehicle is 110 kg lighter than the equivalent steel-bodied production model.
The vehicle was built by Audi's Aluminium and Lightweight Design Centre in Neckarsulm.[23]
RS5 (2010)
Available in the coupé bodystyle, the RS5 features a 4.2 FSI engine rated at 450 PS at 8250 rpm and 430 Nm at 4000-6000 rpm,[24] coupled with a seven-speed S-Tronic transmission and quattro permanent all-wheel-drive with crown-gear centre differential and electronic torque vectoring. It has 19 inch alloy wheels in an exclusive five arm structure design with 275/35 tires (optional 19 inch winter wheels), 365 mm diameter ventilated aluminium front brake discs (optional 380 mm diameter carbon ceramic front brake discs), aluminium 8 piston brake calipers from the Audi R8, painted RS logos in high-gloss black, electronic stabilization program with integrated sport mode, speed dependent Servotronic steering, Audi Drive Select with three (4 with MMI navigation system) modes of operation (comfort, auto, and dynamic, optional custom), and optional dynamic steering.
On the exterior, the RS5 features a single-frame grille with a shiny charcoal grey rhombus pattern grid, Xenon plus headlights with a sweeping strip of LED daytime running lights, redesigned bumper tapers downward into a splitter, flared fenders inspired by Audi Quattro, side sills with angular caps, trim strips with aluminium look on the single-frame grille and near the side windows and the outside mirrors; a choice of eight body colours, two oval exhaust pipes integrated within the bumper, a spoiler in the tailgate which automatically extends at 120 km/h and retracts at 80 km/h,[25] and an extensively clad underbody integrating air vents for the seven-speed S-Tronic and the front brakes.
In the interior, the model has electrically adjustable sports seats in leather/Alcantara combination upholstery with side sections and integrated head restraints (optional bucket seats with more prominent contours and folding backrests, ventilated and luxuriously upholstered climate-controlled comfort seats; optional seat upholstery featuring special leathers and colours as well as silver headlining), steering wheel upholstered in perforated leather, black gauges with white lettering and distinctive scaling, driver information system with integrated lap timer and an oil temperature gauge, black interior with decorative inlays made of carbon fibre (optional dark stainless-steel mesh, black piano finish or brushed aluminium inlay), instrument panel fascia in piano finish, pedals, footrests, optional MMI navigation systems' control buttons in aluminium; door handles with two slim strips, aluminium inserts at door sill trims and RS 5 logos, optional suede-covered controls and floor mats bearing RS 5 logos, sport exhaust system with a sound flap and black tailpipe trims.
Ethanol E100 Coupé
The Ethanol E100 Coupé is a prototype designed for the Michelin Challenge Bibendum 2010 series. It includes a 2.0 TFSI engine rated at 132 kW and 320 Nm of torque, six-gear manual quattro drivetrain. It can accelerate from 0–100 km/h in 6.9 seconds, with a top speed of 236 km/h, and weighs 1,310 kg. The car officially consumes 9.9 L/100km when running on ethanol, but drivers managed 9.5 L/100km on ethanol during the Michelin Challenge Bibendum Rallye.[30]
S5 Special Edition
The S5 Special Edition is a limited (125 units) version of the 2012 S5 4.2 FSI Quattro Coupé for the U.S. market, commemorating the end of Audi S5 4.2 FSI Quattro production. It included the Prestige Package, Daytona Grey body colour, 19-inch 5-spoke Rotor design wheels, a two-tone Polar Silver and Black S5 sport seats, silver contrast stitching on the seats, armrests, shifter and steering wheel; floor mats with a silver leather border, aluminium 'Audi exclusive' badges on door panels, carbon fibre beltline and a piano black instrument cluster.[31][32]
The vehicle was unveiled at the 2012 Audi Club North America meeting at Infineon Raceway.[33]
Specifications
Body styles
Engines
Transmissions
In 2009, Audi introduced the seven speed S-Tronic transmission option for A5 with 2.0 TFSI quattro (155 kW) for the UK market,[34] which replaced the six speed Tiptronic in the United Kingdom and Germany.
Beginning with the 2011 model year, the A5 2.0 TFSI Quattro coupé and cabriolet includes 8 speed Tiptronic transmission option, replacing the 6-speed Tiptronic in the U.S. and Canada markets.[35]
For the S5 3.0 TFSI quattro (245 kW), the manual transmission was discontinued for the European market.[36]
Equipment
Body styles
Engines
Transmissions
In 2009, Audi introduced the seven speed S-Tronic transmission option for A5 with 2.0 TFSI quattro (155 kW) for the UK market,[34] which replaced the six speed Tiptronic in the United Kingdom and Germany.
Beginning with the 2011 model year, the A5 2.0 TFSI Quattro coupé and cabriolet includes 8 speed Tiptronic transmission option, replacing the 6-speed Tiptronic in the U.S. and Canada markets.[35]
For the S5 3.0 TFSI quattro (245 kW), the manual transmission was discontinued for the European market.[36]
Equipment
The Titanium Package was introduced in the 2011 model year of A5 Coupe, S5 Coupe sold in the U.S.[37]
Reception
The car was praised for its design, build quality, performance, and all-wheel drive system, and is favorably viewed by the majority of the motoring press.[38] Appraised for a rarely seen example of an excellent all-round niche car.[39] Walter de Silva has said that the Audi A5 coupe is "his most beautiful design ever". [40]
Motorsports
The Audi A5 3.0 TDI won the Michelin Challenge Bibendum under the Prototypes category.[41]
The Ethanol E100 Coupé clinched overall victory in the Michelin Challenge Bibendum 2010 eco rally over a distance of 350 kilometers.[30]
Marketing
The television adverts for the A5 Sportback used sound from Audi Sound Studio.[42]
2011 facelift
The facelift vehicles, covering A5 Coupé, Convertible, Sportback, S, and RS models, include updated front and rear lights, as well as a new front bumper design. The new front end includes pronounced air inlets, revamped grilles, and flat fog lights. The vehicle is 10 mm longer overall than the predecessor.
Changes to S5 (available as Sportback, Coupé and Cabriolet) include the 3.0 TFSI (333PS) engines on all models, new lights, modified body details, new crystal effect paint finishes, Quattro drive with the crown-gear centre differential, electromechanical power steering, special S sport suspension, standard 18-inch wheels.
The updated vehicles were unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.[43]
Sales began in Europe in 2011 as 2012 model year vehicles. Early models include A5 1.8 TFSI, A5 2.0 TFSI, A5 3.0 TFSI, S5 3.0 TFSI, 2.0 TDI and 3.0 TDI. The base model is the Audi A5 Sportback 1.8 TFSI.[44]
United States models of A5, S5 went on sale as 2013 model year vehicles.[45]
RS5 Coupé (2012)
RS5 Coupé (2012)
The updated RS5 Coupé was unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show,[46] followed by the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.
Changes to the RS5 Coupé for 2012 included a revised front fascia design featuring new headlights with LED running lights,[47] as well as upgraded dampers and springs on the suspension front, new electric power steering replacing engine-driven hydraulic power steering, exclusive retractable rear spoiler, red cam covers, and a carbon fibre intake manifold, optional piano black trim, twenty-inch graphite-coloured wheels, and a sport exhaust system with black finishers.
RS5 Cabriolet (2013)
The RS5 Cabriolet was unveiled at the 2012 Paris Motor Show. Production of the RS5 ended permanently in June 2015. The RS5 has a naturally aspirated 4.2 V8 that produces 444 hp, as well as a valved exhaust, whose note can be tuned to suit driving conditions and personal preference.[48]
Deliveries of the RS5 Cabriolet began in early 2013,[49][50] and went on sale in the US in April 2013.[51]
A5 DTM
Codenamed R17, the Audi A5 DTM is a race car designed for the DTM beginning in year 2012, replacing the Audi A4 DTM.[52] It includes a V8 engine rated at 340 kW with a new 6-speed sequential semi-automatic transmission, pneumatically operated suspension using paddle-shifters on the steering wheel, engine electronics (Bosch MS 5.1) and the central display from Audi R8 LMS, larger and wider tires from Hankook, 120 L safety fuel tank inside a carbon fibre cell, and a larger rear wing. The prototype was built by Audi Sport in Ingolstadt.
The vehicle was unveiled at the 2011 International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt.[53] The homologation of the A5 DTM was scheduled for 1 March 2012.
Marketing
As part of the 2012 A5 launch in the United Kingdom, BBH London, Park Pictures, The Whitehouse and The Mill produced a television advert titled 'The Swan' (directed by Joachim Back), inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's tale of 'The Ugly Duckling'. The commercial featured black and white shots of the rebodied 1920 Audi concept car designed by Audi engineer Paul Jaray, trawling the streets of a sleepy Bavarian village, the streamlined model gets shunned by disapproving locals not taking too well to the new aerodynamic design. After retiring in a nearby forest, the 'ugly' car transforms into the new Audi A5, metaphorically becoming the 'beautiful' white swan. The soundtrack features Danny Kaye singing the children's classic Ugly Duckling.[54][55][56][57]
2013 update
A5 (2013)
Changes to the Audi A5 Sportback include forced induction and direct injection on all engine models, standard start-stop-system; optional sport differential on the 3.0 TDI Quattro, and 3.0 TFSI Quattro, optional MMI navigation plus.
Changes to A5 Cabriolet include optional neck-level heating, special coating for optional leather seats.
S5 (2013)
Available in Sportback, Coupé, Cabriolet bodies, it includes 3.0 TFSI engine rated 333 PS and 440 Nm, seven-speed S-Tronic transmission, S sport suspension, electronically controlled shock absorbers, dynamic steering, optional Audi drive select, 18-inch aluminium wheels.[58]
RS 5 Coupé, RS 5 Cabriolet
Available in Coupé and Cabriolet bodies, it is a version of A5 with 4.2 FSI engine rated at 450 PS and 430 Nm, seven-speed S-Tronic transmission, quattro permanent all-wheel drive system with crown-gear centre differential and torque vectoring (optional quattro with sport differential rear axle), 20 mm lower body, electromechanical power steering, exclusive 19-inch forged alloy wheels, optional carbon fibre-ceramic brake discs, Audi drive select dynamics system, optional RS sport suspension with
A5 (2013)
Changes to the Audi A5 Sportback include forced induction and direct injection on all engine models, standard start-stop-system; optional sport differential on the 3.0 TDI Quattro, and 3.0 TFSI Quattro, optional MMI navigation plus.
Changes to A5 Cabriolet include optional neck-level heating, special coating for optional leather seats.
S5 (2013)
Available in Sportback, Coupé, Cabriolet bodies, it includes 3.0 TFSI engine rated 333 PS and 440 Nm, seven-speed S-Tronic transmission, S sport suspension, electronically controlled shock absorbers, dynamic steering, optional Audi drive select, 18-inch aluminium wheels.[58]
RS 5 Coupé, RS 5 Cabriolet
Available in Coupé and Cabriolet bodies, it is a version of A5 with 4.2 FSI engine rated at 450 PS and 430 Nm, seven-speed S-Tronic transmission, quattro permanent all-wheel drive system with crown-gear centre differential and torque vectoring (optional quattro with sport differential rear axle), 20 mm lower body, electromechanical power steering, exclusive 19-inch forged alloy wheels, optional carbon fibre-ceramic brake discs, Audi drive select dynamics system, optional RS sport suspension with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC).[59]
Litigation
Audi had problems with the oil consumption in the engines of the models between 2009 and 2011.[60] More than 200 car owners in Switzerland were affected as well.[61] In Switzerland, cars with less than 100,000 km and below five years old can have the hardware replaced and paid for by Audi. If the car is between 100,000 and 200,000 km and below five years, Audi fully pays the hardware but only half of the work.
Second generation (2016)
The second-generation A5 and S5 Coupé, based on the ninth generation of the Volkswagen Group MLB Platform, were unveiled on 2 June 2016.[64] Two petrol and two diesel engines are offered for the A5. The petrol engines are 2.0 litre TFSI with either 140 kW or 185 kW, and the diesel motors are 2.0 TDI and 3.0 TDI, with 140 kW or 210 kW. All the 2.0-litre powerplants can be paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox (in certain countries only), or a 7/8-speed S Tronic/Tiptronic, which is standard on the 3.0 TDI. The A5 features the Virtual Cockpit instrument panel, an edge-to-edge display behind the steering wheel inspired by the airplane cockpit. The factory option for the A5 is the S line package which consists of a sportier front bumper with an aluminium line, diffuser on the rear bumper, and S line badges on the front fenders and side panel.
The A5 and S5 Sportback were unveiled on 8 September 2016. They are powered by the same engines as the A5 and S5 Coupé respectively.[65]
The A5 and S5 Cabriolet were unveiled on 3 November 2016.[66]
S5
Third generation (2024)
On 16 July 2024, Audi replaced the A4/S4 Saloon and Avant with the third-generation A5/S5 as part of Audi's new strategy of allocating even numbers to electric vehicles and odd numbers to combustion cars.[74][75]
A coupé or convertible models are no longer offered for the third generation line-up. The saloon is equipped with a liftback and thus replaces both the A4 saloon and the A5 Sportback of the previous generation. The 'Avant' estate is still available.[76] The A5 became available to order in July 2024, with deliveries beginning in European countries in November 2024.
The A5 B10 is the first model based on the Premium Platform Combustion (PPC). Like all other vehicles based on the PPC and PPE, it uses the E3 1.2 software platform developed by Volkswagen subsidiary Cariad.[77]
Production and sales
External links
- Audi RS5 2010 - First Official Pics
- Audi RS5 2013 U.S. version - RS5 owners pics, videos and links
References
- C J Hubbard. New Audi A5 and S5 revealed: more space, tech and power CAR Magazine, Bauer Consumer Media Ltd, retrieved 2 June 2016^
- Eric Gallina. Who's Where: Satoshi Wada to open independent design studio Car Design News, 16 June 2009, retrieved 11 December 2013^
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