[boblaw]

http://www.motorauthority.com/2010-audi-a5-debuts.html

Audi will be releasing a host of models in coming years to expand into new segments as it attempts to topple BMW and Mercedes-Benz in the quest to sell more than a 1.5 million vehicles by 2015. Some of the cars in the pipeline include the A1 premium hatch, A7 four-door coupe and a Sportback version of the current A5 Coupe.

Today, Audi has released the first details for the new A5 Sportback, which is set to go on sale in Europe following a 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.

Described as offering the practicality of an Avant wagon with the elegant styling of a coupe, the new A5 Sportback features a five door body with an elongated profile. This coupe-like silhouette is the result of a roof section with a long, tapering roofline that is 36mm lower than the A4 Sedan and of the short overhangs at the front and rear as well as the long wheelbase of 2,810mm.

Inside, there’s 980L of storage available with the rear seats are folded and generous space for four adults.

Initially the A5 Sportback will be available with a choice of two petrol and three diesel engines. 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.

The following engines are also available right from the start: the 2.0L TDI with 170hp (125kW) and 258lb-ft (350Nm) of torque, a 6-speed manual gearbox and start/stop system, the 2.7 TDI with 190hp (140kW) and 295lb-ft (400Nm) of torque, and the 3.0L V6 TDI with 240hp (170kW) plus an enormous 369lb-ft (500Nm) of maximum torque and quattro all-wheel drive.

To ensure optimal handling performance the A5 Sportback comes with a newly developed electronic stability program 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 influences 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.

[Draman]

What bizarro world am I living in where both Audi AND BMW think these god awful hatch/sedan hybrid things are appealing...

[Year's_End]

Read: 5 series GT minus the polarizing styling.

[Year's_End]

it's also not coming to america.

here's a teaser:

[JeepJeep]

Originally Posted by Draman

What bizarro world am I living in where both Audi AND BMW think these god awful hatch/sedan hybrid things are appealing...

The BMW is ugly, but I really do think the A5 Sportback is quite a looker.

[Garduna]

the A5 sportback's ass looks hot. I want to see the rest now! About the bmw 5gt.... I don't want to see that on the road whatsoever -_-;

[hks786]

Originally Posted by Garduna

the A5 sportback's ass looks hot. I want to see the rest now! About the bmw 5gt.... I don't want to see that on the road whatsoever -_-;

+1000 on both points!

[Draman]

Originally Posted by JeepJeep

The BMW is ugly, but I really do think the A5 Sportback is quite a looker.

It looks better than the BMW, I agree. The thing is still terrible looking, however; that preview pic really hides how horrendous the whole thing is when it comes together. It looks like a porker, just like the 5 GT.

[Bols]

Originally Posted by Draman

It looks better than the BMW, I agree. The thing is still terrible looking, however; that preview pic really hides how horrendous the whole thing is when it comes together. It looks like a porker, just like the 5 GT.

MAMAH NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO !!!!!!!!

Not another one no matter what brand you put that kind of ass on , it's guaranteed fail

[Ca$hOnly]

Originally Posted by Draman

What bizarro world am I living in where both Audi AND BMW think these god awful hatch/sedan hybrid things are appealing...

Europeans love the hatch back BMW's and Mercedes. They are very practical but not the prettiest.

[JeepJeep]

Originally Posted by Draman

It looks better than the BMW, I agree. The thing is still terrible looking, however; that preview pic really hides how horrendous the whole thing is when it comes together. It looks like a porker, just like the 5 GT.

I hope to god thats a photoshop and not the actual finished product. What happened to the A7 concept at one of the conventions (I think it was Geneva)? That one was really pretty.

This one looks more like a constipated A4 really trying to squeeze a deuce out.

[Los Angeles]

what's w/ all these (SUV/sedan) cars as of lately?

they're ugly.

Ever since they did the coupe/sedan-mix(CLS), companies have gone overboard and done the SUV/coupe-mix(X6) and now the SUV/sedan(GT5 & A5Sportback)-mix.

Stop already!!!