Audi ready to milk A5 line with multiple versions
Audi has said that it wants to double the number of vehicles it offers by 2015. With 22 vehicles currently in the mix, adding coupes, convertibles, avants and sportbacks will help significantly expand the range in addition to new models like the Q5 SUV, A7 coupe-like-sedan, and A1 compact. Yes, you did hear the term "sportbacks" earlier. Rupert Stadler, Audi's CEO, admitted his company is developing a Sportback version of the upcoming A5, along with coupe and convertible models. AutoBild is reporting that Audi will start showing these A5 variants next year. We should be seeing an A5 Convertible in November 2008, and the A5 Sportback in April of '09. After that we'll be getting the Q5, R5 and finally the RS5. Hopefully all of them will make it to the States, though likely some won't make the trek. Click through the Read link for more renderings of these A5 variants from AutoBild.
[Source: Autobild via egmcartech.com]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Milos 5:16PM (4/25/2007)
sportback is just eufemism for caravan (station wagon). i'm not sure why are they producing this model cause i think it would be wiser to leave this model (A5) as sporty as possible (coupe,S5, convertible and shooting brake version) and leave this sportback option for A4/A6
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Jason 5:23PM (4/25/2007)
I don't think sportbacks work here in the U.S. Look back at the Lexus IS300. That thing tanked. They all looked like the have been rear-ended or the company was too cheap to finish it off with extra sheet metal. (The A3 looks more like a wagon, not a sportback). Moreover, I don't think the general U.S. public likes cars that don't look like a car or a wagon that doesn't look like a wagon. Or an SUV that doesn't look like an SUV. There are some exceptions of course, but these have been my observations in the last 33 years.
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Jonathan Hicks 5:38PM (4/25/2007)
It is a very bad idea to offer a sportback version of the A5. The A5 should only offer coupe and convertible versions only.
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Chris Adams 9:11PM (4/25/2007)
Just bring the 3.0 TDI diesel engine to Audi's complete lineup. In the A3, A4, A5, A6. DON'T YOU UNDERSTAND AUDI WE WANT DIESELS HERE? CLEAN POWERFUL NEW GENERATION EUROPEAN DIESELS FOR THE AMERICAN MARKET!!!! HELLO AUDI!!!!! Thanks for the thought by sticking the 3.0TDI in the Q7, but... well... um.... I'll think about a 5000 pound SUV when the next blue moon rises.
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sfast 10:25PM (4/25/2007)
Calm down about diesel. Blame the EPA for leaving sulfer in our fuel while the rest of the western world uses cleaner fuel(and there is also sulfer mining, we know the EPA loves that). Low sulfer diesel has only been around for a few months in the USA. It will take time for diesel powered cars to come to the USA. So cool out and wait.
As far as the sport back goes, there is already an A4 wagon. So this must a 3 door? VW Squareback style? I'll wait and see I guess.
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NoNameDenton 11:52PM (4/25/2007)
I read the test drive by AutoCar on the A5 diesel, and it was fantastic. I would love for that version of the car to come here. It was fan-freaking-tastic and I want one right now. Now if only Ford would bring their diesel passanger car here. However I do not think there should be a sportback version of the A5. There is no place for it. I love the idea of an A1 Mini-competitor though.
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NoNameDenton 11:59PM (4/25/2007)
http://www.autocar.co.uk/CarReviews/FirstDrives/Audi-A5-3.0-TDI-Quattro-Sport/225318/ Here is a link to the AutoCar test of the Audi A5 test drive, give it a check and see how great it is with the Quattro system
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