The Audi A5, launched in Verona, was covered by BBC’s Top Gear, Vol 2, Issue 10, June 2007. Says Top Gear, the Audi A5 has been hailed as the most curvy and least geometrical Audi and the first coupe we have seen from the German manufacturer in almost 25 years.
Designed by Walter de’Silva, Head of Design for the Volkswagen Group and creator of some fantastic Alfa Romeos and Seats, the A5 has a long bonnet, high shoulder line, wide and low stance and short overhangings. The side profile is dominated by a mighty trapezoidal C-pillar. Adornments include the trademark ‘goatee grille’, striking wide headlights with eye-catching day running lights that consist of a strip of eight light-emitting diodes.
A unique feature is the electronic convenience key with sensor detectors and also that the engine is located behind rather than above the front axle, allowing the wheelbase to be stretched thus resulting in almost 50-50 front/rear weight distribution.
The A5 will be available in four variants. Two diesels – 2.7V6 and 3.0-litre TDI and two petrol units 3.2V6 and 4.2V8 (which is Audi’s flagship model).
Says Bob Rupani, Top Gear “Both diesel units are fuel-efficient, the steering more talkative and the weightage better than in the flagship S5. Even though it’s a coupe I would definitely go for the 3.0 litre diesel as it makes more torque than the V8 petrol and is always so smooth and willing.”
A four-cylinder entry-level 1.8 engine is also expected later this year and presumably this is one that Audi will bring to India.
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