The five-door model with the long, flowing rear end unites the best of various vehicle genres: the emotion and elegance of a coupe, the comfort of a sedan and the practicality of a station wagon. The Sportback joins the Coupé and Cabriolet as the third member of the A5 model family.

The A5 Sportback will be rolling into Audi dealerships in September featuring an emotion-packed design, high everyday practicality, a sporty character and engines that are as efficient as they are powerful. Sales have already begun, with prices starting at 33,650 euros. A further, specially-priced model to follow in 2010 will make the A5 Sportback the entry-level model in the A5 model series.

Audi, the inventor of the Avant, is setting new trends in design with the A5 Sportback. The five-door coupe is defined by elegant lines. It is 36 millimeters (1.42 in) lower than the A4 Sedan; with its short front overhang, long wheelbase, wide track and the four frameless doors with their slender window lines, it is the very picture of sporty elegance.

The interior is spacious, offering uncompromising comfort in all four seats. The large luggage compartment hatch is harmoniously integrated into the long, tapered tail end with the flat C pillars; the spoiler lip underscores the tension-filled character. The luggage compartment volume of 480 liters (16.95 cu ft) nearly matches that of the A4 Avant and increases to 980 liters (34.61 cu ft) with the rear seats folded down.

The A5 Sportback follows the consistent path of innovative technologies at Audi when it comes to the drivetrain. All of the engines are highly-efficient direct injection models – TDI for the cultivated diesels, FSI for the gasoline engines – and all comply with the Euro 5 emissions standard.

All models are equipped with a recuperation system that recovers energy during braking and deceleration and stores it temporarily in the battery.

Audi is initially offering three gasoline and three TDI engines, with three more engines to follow by mid-2010. The gasoline engines – the two-liter TFSI with 132 kW (180 hp) or 155 kW (211 hp) and the 3.2-liter V6 with 195 kW (265 hp) – are equipped with the Audi valvelift system for variable control of valvelift. The intelligent technology boosts performance while simultaneously reducing fuel consumption.

The 2.0 TDI produces 125 kW (170 hp) and consumes on average a frugal 5.2 liters of fuel per 100 km (45.23 US mpg). It is coupled with the start-stop system, which further enhances fuel efficiency in city traffic. The 140 kW (190 hp) 2.7-liter TDI offers even more power. The 3.0 TDI, which also features the S tronic, puts out an impressive 176 kW (240 hp).

Like the three gasoline engines, the top diesel engine delivers its power to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system. The two most powerful engines are optionally available with the newly developed sport differential, which variably distributes power between the rear wheels and provides even greater dynamics, driving pleasure and safety. The two TDI models with front-wheel drive – the 2.0 TDI and 2.7 TDI – and the 2.0 TFSI (132 kW / 180 hp) benefit from another Audi innovation: The ESP stabilization program with electronic front differential lock increases agility and prevents understeer.

The perfect complement is the Audi drive select vehicle dynamics system, which enables the driver to freely vary the throttle response characteristic, the shifting points of the seven-speed S tronic, and the boost provided by the servotronic steering system, which comes standard (from power outputs of 140 kW (190 hp) upwards). The system is offered as a modular package with at least one of the following three options: sport differential, adaptive shock absorber control or dynamic steering with variable boost.

The equipment, specifications, and prices stated herein refer to the model line offered for sale in Germany. Subject to change without notice; errors and omissions excepted.

If there’s one thing that Audi A5 owners shouldn’t be complaining about, is the lack of variety in tuning proposals. It’s got to the point where tuners like Senner are introducing one package after the other. The German firm’s latest offerings include a new styling package with various options for both the interior and exterior that can be combined with a kit for the 3.0-liter TDI diesel engine that lifts output to 300HP and 600Nm for a top speed of 280km/h or 174mph.

Senner Tuning’s aerodynamic package consists of a carbon fiber front spoiler apron, carbon-fiber mirror housings, a rear spoiler and spoiler lip, and a carbon fiber rear bumper.

Other available mods include a Bilstein B16 PSS10 coilover suspension which is fully adjustable with individual height adjustment and a new stainless steel exhaust system with 4 tailpipes plus a set of 21-inch Evo DS Carlsson alloy wheels.

Those Germans sure love playing around with the words ‘black’ and ‘white’. Hopefully this time, we won’t have any controversies of the kind that were created with the AVUS White Power RS6 Avant. But back to our story, German tuning firm Senner has released an array of upgrades for the Audi A5 Coupe. Starting from the outside, Senner Tuning offers a new bodykit with carbon fiber accessories that include a front lip spoiler, mirror housings, rear apron, side skirts and a rear spoiler.

The styling kit is complemented by a set of LED rear lights and 20-inch alloy wheels in massive 245/30 R20 tires at the front and 295/25 R20 at the rear.

Inside, the dashboard can be upgraded with a carbon fiber trim that is available in various finishes.

Performance goodies on Senner Tuning’s ‘Black and White’ menu include a fully adjustable Bilstein coilover suspension, a sport exhaust system and an power-kit for the 3.0-liter TDI diesel engine that boosts output to 300HP and 600Nm or 443-lbs/ft of torque in which case the A5 Coupe achieves a top speed of 280 km/h or 174mph

ABT Sportline, the German tuning house that has an appetite for VW Group products, has applied its tuning skills to the new Audi A5 Convertible. Similar to the A5 Coupe, ABT’s AS5 tuning package offers power upgrades for most of the engines available in the A5 Convertible’s engine range, with the 2.0-liter TFSIs producing 275HP instead of the factory models’ 180HP and 211HP, the 2.7-liter TDI diesel 230HP, up from 190HP and the 3.0-liter, 282HP, or with a new ABT turbocharger, 310HP and 610Nm of torque, up from the stock engine’s 240HP.

To harness the extra power, the tuning firm also offers an array of suspension and brake system upgrades.

Of course, no tuning package can be complete without visual enhancements. For the A5 Convertible, ABT has readied an aero kit that bundles a distinctive front apron, ABT’s black grille, side skirts and a rear apron housing a quad-pipe exhaust system. Customers can also equip their car with a set of BR alloy wheels available in two sizes, 19- and 20-inches.

The four-seater with the fabric top combines a distinctly sporty character with the fascination of open-top driving, refined comfort and a great everyday utility. Five efficient engines, an agile suspension and a wide range of high-end options make the new Audi the most attractive convertible in the mid-sized segment.

Delivery will begin in the second quarter of 2009. Prices start at 37,300 euros for the entry-level 1.8 TFSI model with 118 kW (160 hp), which will follow somewhat later.

Crowning the new model series is the S5 Cabriolet. The letter “S” traditionally stands for supreme sportiness – for dynamics, performance and power, but also for amazing efficiency. Powering the S5 Cabriolet is a newly developed, supercharged three-liter V6 that pumps out 245 kW (333 hp) for superior performance.

Like all Audi convertibles, the open-top A5 also has a lightweight fabric top that endows it with a silhouette of dynamic elegance. The fully automatic top opens in just 15 seconds. Audi also offers an optional acoustic top with an intermediate layer of insulating foam that reduces wind noise almost to the sedan level.

When opened, the Audi A5 Cabriolet top folds down so effectively that very little trunk space is used up – leaving 320 liters (11.30 cubic ft) of unused storage volume, clearly the best value in its field of competitors. The soft top compartment lowers automatically when the top is opened. Equally useful is the fold-down rear seat backrest and the large pass-through between the luggage compartment and the interior, which increases the storage volume to a generous 750 liters (26.49 cubic ft).

Rounding out the comfortable character of the four-seater’s interior are automatic seatbelt extenders for the front seats and the optionally available head-level heating. A special coating on the optional leather seats reduces solar heating. The A5 Cabriolet seats four comfortably. The refined ambience combines with perfect ergonomics to convey an atmosphere of sporty elegance. Ultra-high-strength steels and selective reinforcements of the body ensure high rigidity and crash safety.

The A5 Cabriolet is being launched with three gasoline engines and two diesel engines ranging between 132 kW (180 hp) and 195 kW (265 hp). All five power plants are fueled via direct fuel injection; four of them use turbocharging. Available powertrains include a six-speed manual, the continuously variable multitronic and the new, lightning-fast seven-speed S tronic. In addition to front-wheel drive, Audi also offers quattro permanent all-wheel drive for the higher-power engines. The innovative sport differential, which variably distributes power between the rear wheels, is optionally available for even greater dynamics and driving pleasure.

Fascinating dynamics: Audi drive select
The perfect addition to this technology package is the Audi drive select vehicle dynamics system, which enables the driver to chose among three different engine maps controlling the characteristics of the fuel feed, the shifting points of the seven-speed S tronic or the multitronic, and the boost provided by the servotronic steering system. If the car is equipped with the MMI operating interface, a fourth, freely programmable map is available. Additional technologies available include adaptive control of the shock absorbers and variable-ratio dynamic steering.

The new Audi A5 Cabriolet features a rich array of equipment in addition to the fully automatic top, including an automatic climate-control system and a CD audio system. Highlights from the long list of options include the innovative driver assist systems and the latest generation MMI operating interface, which offers many attractive navigation and entertainment features.

As the dynamic top-of-the-line model of the new production series, the S5 Cabriolet occupies a very special position. Its three-liter TFSI – a V6 with mechanical supercharger – unfolds its 245 kW (333 hp) and 440 Nm (324.53 lb-ft) of torque with impressive results: It responds tenaciously to the throttle and delivers excellent driving performance. The quattro drivetrain, a sport suspension with 18-inch wheels and a number of special equipment details underscore the athletic character of the Audi S5 Cabriolet.

Engines
Five engines between 132 kW (180 hp) and 195 kW (265) hp for the A5 Cabriolet, 3.0 TFSI with 245 kW (333 hp) in the S5 Cabriolet
All engines with direct fuel injection
Turbocharging for the TDI and the four-cylinder gasoline engines
3.0 TFSI with supercharging
Exemplary efficiency combined with superior performance

Transmission
Depending on the engine, manual, multitronic or seven-speed S tronic
quattro all-wheel drive for the more powerful versions, with an optional sport differential for the variable distribution of power to the rear wheel

Suspension
Lightweight suspension, balanced axle load distribution
17-inch aluminum wheels, large brakes
Optional Audi drive select dynamic control system, adaptive shock absorber control and dynamic steering available as options

Convertible top
Lightweight fabric top with very good noise insulation
Wind deflector standard, can be stored in the spare tire well in the trunk
Automatic open/close drive standard, acoustic top optional
Top can be opened/closed at up to 50 km/h (31.07 mph)
Variable, self-retracting top compartment that lowers automatically when the top is opened.

Body
Sporty, elegant design with harmonious lines
Large luggage compartment even with the top open, large pass-through to the interior

Equipment
Wide range of convenience equipment, automatic seatbelt extenders standard
Advanced assistant systems and features such as head-level heating optional
Latest-generation MMI with innovative navigation and infotainment features
Bang & Olufsen sound system

The equipment, specifications, and prices stated herein refer to the model range offered for sale in Germany. Subject to change without notice; errors and omissions excepted.

In the car industry, spring traditionally starts with the Geneva Motor Show. The first new innovations are put on show in the second-largest city in Switzerland. The AS5-R from ABT Sportsline is a particularly exciting innovation. The cool and extravagant Coupe will show its best side in hall 5, as the designers from Allgäu have come up with a breathtaking bodywork kit for the vehicle. The AS5-R is also strong: 510 dynamic horsepower (375 kW) provides considerable power in every situation. For anyone who wants more than the standard 344 HP (253 kW), the eight-cylinder, tuned by ABT, is the perfect choice. Unfortunately the car also shows the disadvantage of a trade fair, as the AS5-R has to stay stationary.

The sports coupe is not, however, alone: the largest tuner of vehicles from the VW group will also be showing highlights from their current program in Geneva. On a surface of 153m2 and a light, elegant stand, the following stars from Kempten are also on view, alongside the AS5-R: the ABT Q5 is a car which cuts a good figure everywhere. The abbreviation “SUV” traditionally stands for “Sportlich Und Vielseitig [sporty and diverse]” at ABT and especially applies to the Q5. The ABT R8 is a real sports car, offering pure dynamics. It is not just the power which is right, but all of the aerodynamics have also been perfectly designed by the motorsport team of ABT for use in extreme conditions. Nevertheless, the ABT R8 also looks breathtakingly beautiful. Another real eye-catcher is the ABT Scirocco, a landmark amongst compact Coupes. It goes without saying that this car is as sporty as it looks at the trade fair. In order to experience its huge driving enjoyment, you would have to drive out of the hall and around Lake Geneva.

Chosen in preference to heavy and complex folding metal roof systems, the lightweight soft-top in the new A5 Cabriolet features a heated glass rear window, and in just 15 seconds retracts into a compartment within the boot that automatically lowers to accommodate it. Equally importantly under UK skies, it also raises again in only 17 seconds, and can complete both operations at speeds of up to 31mph. When in place the three-layer roof very effectively insulates occupants from external noise, and for optimum refinement an optional acoustic hood is also available to reduce sound intrusion to virtually the same level as the A5 Coupe.

Roof up or down, the A5 Cabriolet makes light work of transporting up to four adults in comfort thanks to its extended wheelbase, which helps to maximize cabin space. When the soft top is in place, a best-in-class luggage capacity of 380 litres also enables easy accommodation of luggage for four, and in topless mode the roof stowage compartment only marginally reduces this impressive total to 320 litres. Thanks to the standard split/folding rear seat back a maximum capacity of 750 litres can be accessed if required.

With the roof stowed and the standard wind deflector in place, front seat occupants make impressively buffet-free progress, and for the last word in topless refinement can be cosseted by new options such as a neck-level heating system built into the tops of the seat backs for cooler days and solar heat-reflecting leather upholstery that keeps seat surfaces cooler in direct sunlight.

Three engines at UK launch
In the UK the A5 Cabriolet will launch with a choice of three directly injected engines - the latest turbo charged 2.0-litre TFSI petrol in 211PS form, the 3.2-litre naturally aspirated V6 FSI petrol with 265PS and the 3.0-litre V6 TDI with 240PS. 2.0-litre TFSI and 3.2-litre FSI units are initially offered in conjunction with front-wheel-drive, while the 3.0-litre TDI is linked exclusively to the latest generation quattro four-wheel-drive system with 40% / 60% front-to-rear torque distribution.

A six-speed manual transmission carries engine power to the wheels in 2.0 TFSI models, while 3.2 FSI and 3.0 TDI versions feature two ultra-efficient automatics – the multitronic continuously variable transmission in the 3.2 FSI and the new seven speed S tronic twin-clutch gearbox, developed specifically for longitudinal ‘north-south’ engine installations, in the 3.0 TDI quattro. This all-new transmission will also be a standard feature of the S5 Cabriolet.

Further engine variants and additional quattro models will be phased in during 2009, and the automatic transmission options will also become more widely available.

Thanks to the optimum weight distribution made possible by the all-new chassis with repositioned front axle, the A5 Cabriolet applies its power to the road with suitable polish. Its inherent composure and agility can be felt even more keenly in the quattro models, especially when they are equipped with the new optional quattro sports differential that made its debut in the latest S4 and, for the first time, filters into the ‘A-series’ in the A5 Cabriolet quattro range.

Wheel-to-wheel torque transfer
The sports differential enables the quattro system to not only transfer torque between the front and rear axles to counter traction losses, but also between the rear wheels. When the steering wheel is turned or the car accelerated in a corner, power is redirected in a controlled manner to the outer rear wheel, literally pushing the car through the corner. The driver benefits from reduced steering effort and a feeling of even greater adjustability and control.

The upgrade from ‘standard’ quattro to quattro with active sport differential is available at extra cost as an element of the optional Audi drive select adaptive dynamics system. Audi drive select enables the driver to fine-tune throttle response, steering assistance and transmission shift points (where S tronic is fitted) via dashboard-mounted buttons to suit personal preferences or prevailing road conditions.

Three distinct Audi drive select option packages are available in the new A5 Cabriolet – Audi drive select with damper control for even greater suspension adaptability to the road surface, Audi drive select with dynamic steering allowing alteration of the actual ratio of the steering for optimum feel and, specifically for quattro models, Audi drive select featuring the sports differential. For maximum driver rewards it is possible to combine dynamic steering and damper control or, in quattro models, dynamic steering and the sports differential.

A5 Cabriolet customers will be able to equip their cars to Standard, SE or S line specification, all options including fully automatic powered soft-top operation, alloy wheels and climate control. SE models add luxuries such as full leather upholstery, and on top of this S line specification makes the most of the sharply sculpted lines of the A5 through exclusive grille and bumper treatments and larger 18-inch alloy wheels. Xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights, LED rear lights and the acoustic hood upgrade incorporating in-built LED rear reading lights are also part of the S line package.

In addition to Audi drive select, the options list for the new A5 and S5 Cabriolets also offers driving assistants including adaptive cruise control, the Audi side assist blind spot alert system and the Audi lane assist lane departure warning system. It also includes luxury entertainment and convenience features such as a 505-watt Bang & Olufsen audio system and a new third generation version of the Multi Media Interface infotainment control system. Available exclusively in conjunction with satellite navigation, MMI 3G offers even more intuitive control and further improved graphics via a high resolution colour display. Its inbuilt navigation technology derives its information from a hard disk drive, dramatically boosting the level of detail offered by the maps compared with DVD-based systems. The hard disk can also store MP3 files for music playback.

Supercharged S5 Cabriolet heads range
The ultimate specification will of course belong to the new S5 Cabriolet, which is due to join the UK range soon after the A5 Cabriolet models priced at approximately £42,000. The S5 will ride lower than standard versions on specially tailored ‘S’ sports suspension and 19-inch ‘S’ design alloy wheels. Aluminium-look door mirrors, Xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights, rear LED lamps, special ‘S’ front and rear styling treatments and black painted brake callipers bearing the S5 logo will also be distinguishing features.

The S5 adopts the very latest supercharged V6 TFSI engine, which combines an impressive 333PS power output, giving 5.6-second 0-62mph potential, with outstanding fuel economy that makes up to 29.4mpg possible (provisional figure, combined cycle). The S tronic twin-clutch transmission and quattro four-wheel-drive are standard features, the latter offering the option of the sports differential for maximum driving pleasure.

Source: Audi

The A4 isn’t the only Audi range that’s set to expand – as these grainy spy shots prove. This is the A5 Cabriolet, which will signal the end for the current A4 drop-top when it makes its world debut on the stands at the Paris Motor Show next month.

Our spies caught the cabrio on Switzerland’s mountain roads, and snapped it with its cloth roof down for the first time. Engines will be carried over from the A5 coupé range, with petrol units ranging from a 168bhp 1.8 to a 3.2-litre V6, along with 2.7 and 3.0-litre TDI diesels. An S5 is expected to follow later.

We found some nice illustrations of the rumored Audi A5 Sportback and the Audi R4. Have a look!