Audi took us to Ingolstadt for the world unveiling of the new Audi A5 Coupé and to meet the designer of this model, Frank Lamberty. Does the name mean nothing to you? You can meet one of his creations, an Audi R8.
Finally, the Audi A5 has been completely renovated and is ready to face its rivals Mercedes C-Class Coupé, BMW 4 Series and, not least, Lexus RC. In a highly competitive segment, where all brands play their best assets, the Audi A5 advertises itself as a serious competitor for leadership.NOT TO BE MISSED: Our first contact with the new Audi A3
We remember that almost a decade has passed since the launch of the first generation of the Audi A5 in 2007. Therefore, in this second generation everything is new. The A5 debuts a new chassis, new powertrains and the latest infotainment and driving support technologies for the Ingolstadt brand.
design
To talk about the design of the new Audi A5 Coupé, nothing better than one of those responsible for the project, Frank Lamberty. In its curriculum we find several creations, from the 1st generation of the Audi R8, to the B9 generation of the Audi A4, the one that is currently in charge. It is true that tastes are not disputed, but it is without a doubt someone who knows what he is talking about.
From the moment he delivered the project until seeing the final result, it materialized, 2 years passed and in that room where we were starting the conversation, an Audi S5 Coupé rested for the photographs “as if it were nothing”. The project started five years ago.
According to Lamberty, in relation to the Audi A4, the new Audi A5 Coupé soon marks a more emotional position, assuming its function: to be a sports car. The lights higher than the grille are inspired by the GT, while the grille (Audi Singleframe) is lower and wider compared to the A4.
The bonnet assumes, in the center, the shape of a V, as if hiding a “giant engine”. According to Frank Lamberty, this V-shape is unprecedented at Audi and may reappear in future models sports cars from the Ingolstadt brand.
“One of the main goals was to maintain the strong image of the first generation” and build on the brand's history. Proof of this is the "triangle" shaped glass that we found on the rear side, inspired by the Audi quattro . The side crease that runs throughout the car was pronounced in this generation. “The result is a strict adherence to the GT coupé concept, with a long bonnet, short tail and generous cabin”, guaranteed Lamberty.
chassis and weight
The chassis has been completely renovated and, according to Audi, allows the Audi A5 to tackle any road without difficulty. The model now has adaptive electric steering.There are also improvements in the weight field, with the new Audi A5 Coupé showing minus 60kg on the scale. In terms of aerodynamic coefficient, it is the leader in the segment, with 0.25 Cx.
Interior and Technology
Inside we find a completely new cabin, in line with the latest models from the ring brand. Of course replacing the quadrant is the Virtual Cockpit It's probably the best Audi invention in years (a 12.3-inch screen with graphics capability to run your favorite simulator).
A second 8.3-inch screen is placed in the center of the cockpit, just like on the new Audi A4, while MMI controls with touchpad were also present in the call.
Uma foto publicada por Razão Automóvel (@razaoautomovel) a
The Audi A5 Coupé is equipped with 4G, can function as a Wi-Fi hotspot and offers Apple Car Play and Android Auto for complete integration with the smartphone. If listening to music on Spotify is a daily reality for you, here you can enjoy the Bang & Olufsen speakers with 3D technology and continue the journey with an onboard concert.
driving assistance
Nine years after the launch of the first generation Audi A5, we are talking more about autonomous driving than ever. This new generation comes with the lesson studied and brings with it from adaptive cruise control with Stop&Go function, to Audi pre sense systems and traffic sign recognition camera.Engines
If the V6 petrol and Diesel engines have a quattro system as standard, this system is now also available on the 4-cylinder engines, but as an option.
THE Diesel power it is between 190 hp (2.0 TDI) and 218 hp and 286 hp (3.0 TDI). When compared to the previous model, performance improved by 17% and consumption reduced by 22%.
The 6-speed manual transmission can be used in the 4-cylinder engines and the 218 hp 3.0 TDI, as well as the 7-speed S-tronic transmission. The tiptronic 8-speed gearbox is exclusive to the most powerful engines: 3.0 TDI of 286 hp and 3.0 TFSI of 356 hp of the Audi S5 Coupé.
The softcore Audi S5 Coupé
Until the launch of the Audi RS5 Coupé, the Audi S5 Coupé is the most vitamin-filled version of the German coupé. The new 3.0 TFSI V6 engine delivers 356 hp and has an advertised consumption of 7.3 l/100 km. The traditional 0-100 km/h sprint is completed in 4.7 seconds.
You will soon get to know our first impressions behind the wheel, this time in Portugal. Audi chose the Douro region for road tests of the new Audi A5 Coupé and we'll be there to give you all the details first hand.
