Audi to offer turbo'd 2.0-liter on A5 this summer; V6 manual model dropped
2009 Audi A5 - Click above for a high-res image gallery
Other changes for the 2010 model year include LED tail-lamps, the company's third-generation MMI infotainment system and the addition of a "19-inch Sport Package" that takes the good bits from the S Line Package – 19-inch, five-spoke wheels with summer rubber, paddle shifters, front sport seats with lumbar control and the sports suspension – and ditches all the unnecessary trim. Audi Drive Select and Adaptive Cruise Control will continue to be available, and we've heard rumblings that the S5's trick rear differential could make it in as an option, but we're sending that one to the rumormill until we hear something official from Audi. Thanks for the tip, Adrian.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Autblogist! 11:34AM (4/23/2009)
People don't realize how awesome this news it. Can you say BT A5?
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Visnick 11:37AM (4/23/2009)
NO DSG!?
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Harley Cook 12:31PM (4/23/2009)
DGS is just a fancy automatic! Give me a manual anyday...especially in an Audi.
BoxerFanatic 3:04PM (4/23/2009)
Harley,
actually, DSG is a fancy computer controlled clutch-based gearbox, that is actually closer related to a manual.
I prefer a stick, too. But a DSG has two clutches for an engaged and on-deck gear arrangment, by switching which clutch is engaged. It may not have a manual gear stick, or two clutch pedals, but it is not a hydraulic, torque-converter-based automatic in any way, shape or form.
and it is usually much faster than a person can shift a manual gearbox.
I would take a DSG. Not a tiptronic, or other hydraulic automatic.
PDK and other dual-clutch systems are the same or similar.
Visnick 6:12PM (4/23/2009)
I have a friend who can't drive standard anymore as he is now a paraplegic after suffering an accident. He has a GTI with the DSG transmission and it's the next best thing to driving a std. That is one damn good transmission! It matches revs perfectly when downshifting and shifts lightning quick BUT it also shifts very smoothly when driving "normally". I wish the transmission in my G35 was as good
Noah 10:54PM (4/23/2009)
Well, harley probably just loves the involvement and fun of a stick.
If I wanted to have the fastest lap times, I'd go with the DSG I guess. Or if I was in regular heavy traffic every day, sure. But I just enjoy manual transmissions, they are fun!
Luis 11:39AM (4/23/2009)
This is why Audi fails to compete head to head with BMW on sporting ability- fewer manual options. In a BMW you can get a manual even in the 5-series and all 3-series variants...no so on the A6/A4/A5. Lame.
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zamafir 11:46AM (4/23/2009)
I'm not sure where you read Audi's attempting to match BMW tit for tat, that information is wrong. While BMW produces abominations like the X6, audi's producing the R8. Were Americans actually buying manuals in significant numbers, they'd offer them. Interestingly, if you actually talk to people higher up at Audi, you'll learn the abysmal failure of the manual M5 is mainly to blame for most automatic product planning in the pipeline. BMW worked to hard to bring it to the North American market for the 'enthusiasts' and were burned. Unlike BMW, Audi's continuing to grow and profit, so their business decisions will be focused on remaining in business, and not laying off employees, or seeing massive profit hemmoraging .
I like the A5, and the S5, very much enjoyed tracking both, but I'm not going to fall into this hype that everyone's wanting Audi to be BMW. if it had a manual, you'd be complaining about the weight of quattro, and we'd be in the same spot.
Bring on the 2.0T
Mazda FTW! 11:46AM (4/23/2009)
The last time I checked, Audi sales were picking up and BMW was goin down. Audi knows barely anyone buys stick when buying a premium car. Most enthusiasts are on a budget. The rich guys/gals want cruisers and ATs.
MBS 3:23PM (4/23/2009)
What I think they are wrong about is that only the most frugal buyers are looking for a manual transmission.
I don't think that is the case at all in the US, instead you will have the driving enthusiasts looking for a manual transmission and they are also more likely to want other performance options (engine, quattro, drive-select) and all that jazz than they are to be wanting a base-model front-track.
If you ask me that's why the A3 didn't sell at all with a manual, you couldn't get it with quattro.
In the A4/5 the 2.0t is arguably the more desirable engine to enthusiasts so only offering manual with it over the 3.2 makes sends.
In the end though we have to look to the EPA and our own government for making it prohibitively expensive for manufacturers to offer any real multitude of options and combination when it comes to engines, transmissions, and drive systems.
PaulPaul 11:40AM (4/23/2009)
no manual on the v6, W.T.F?
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Ken 12:31PM (4/23/2009)
I know.
Big engine + manual = win
Mr stol 1:52PM (4/23/2009)
V6 is redundant now that the all new directly injected turbocharged 5cyl/4cyl is here AND you/me can never shift as fast/accurate as a high-tech dual-clutch gear box. Evolution in a good way I'd say.
No torque converter nonsense, just electro-hydrolic cleverness :)
Fox 11:40AM (4/23/2009)
Finally some good news from Audi, actually a practical engine available in one of their "prime" cars...
The 2.0T with manual trans will be a great buy...
Regarding the auto, well even though the Tip is a "improved" version, Audi of North America, should just switch over to the now available DSG gearbox instead...
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Ben 11:42AM (4/23/2009)
Sweet. Better fuel economy than the 3.2 and still quicker than my current A4 3.0. I think I may get one.
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MikeofLA 11:45AM (4/23/2009)
Is this car RWD when not equipped with Quattro?
I agree with Luis, BMW will always (hopefully) offer a manual with any of their cars, except the 7 series, although in the past that was even an option in Europe.
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bn 11:46AM (4/23/2009)
No. They are FWD.
Quattroporte 12:00PM (4/23/2009)
The Auto Union introduced the front drive DKW F1 in 1931 and Audi followed with another front wheel drive car in 1933. After the '30s I don't think Audi really looked back to rear drive for their production cars.
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:DKW_Front_F1.jpg
BoxerFanatic 11:45AM (4/23/2009)
I wonder what a well optioned 2.0T-FSI 6MT or DSG Quattro model will cost...
I also wonder, if they drop the 6MT from the V6 model, if it will get DSG, instead... or if the V6 A5 will be minimized, in favor of a supercharged V6 S5, like the S4.
Interesting... The car looks very nice in blue, BTW...
Since Subaru isn't interested in offering a boxer grand touring coupe anytime within the next few years, and at that point will be more than a decade since they stopped building coupes... Audi may be one of the few AWD+manual coupes available.
BMW being one of the few others, if you can find one, and afford to maintain it outside of warranty.
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MikeofLA 12:18PM (4/23/2009)
the BMW 335xi is an AWD coupe with a manual option.