Saturday, June 20, 2009

Audi releases first details and new teaser for A5 Sportback

We first reported that Audi A5 Sportback would be debuted at this September’s Frankfurt Motor Show in May 1. Now Audi has revealed more details of the all-new A5 Sportback.

Audi has announced A5 Sportback is set to go on sale in Europe following the debut at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show. Pricing in Europe will start at €36,050 (approximately $49,855) for the base 2.0L TDI model, however, Audi has confirmed that an even cheaper model will arrive in the middle of next year.

Designed to be as "emotional and elegant as a coupe, as comfortable as a sedan, and as practical as an Avant", the new A5 Sportback features a five door body with an elongated profile. Although the teaser video only shows an artist stretching the A5 Sportback's design, Audi states that the new model features a large rear hatch, a graceful tapering roofline which is 36 mm (1.4") lower than the A4 Sedan's, and four frameless doors with "dynamic window styling". Inside, there’s 980L of storage available with the rear seats are folded and generous space for four adults.

At launch, the A5 Sportback will be offered with three diesels and two petrol engines. Diesel versions include the 2.0 TDI with 125 kW (170 hp) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque, a 2.7 TDI with 140 kW (190 hp) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft), and a 3.0-liter V6 TDI with 176 kW (240 hp) and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) torque. The two petrol versions, the 2.0 TFSI quattro with an output of 211hp (155kW) and 258lb-ft (350Nm) of torque and the 3.2L V6 quattro generating 265hp (195kW) are both equipped with the Audi valvelift system. This feature can produce more power and higher torque as well as lower fuel consumption.

To ensure optimal handling performance the A5 Sportback comes with a newly developed electronic stability program (ESP) with an electronic differential lock on the front axle. The car also comes with the Audi drive select dynamic driving system, which allows the driver to choose between three different modes which influence the throttle response characteristics, the shift points for the seven-speed S tronic or multitronic transmissions, and supports the servotronic steering. If the vehicle is equipped with the MMI operating system, a fourth, freely programmable level is also available.

Expect more details to be released closer to the car’s unveiling in September.

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