Spy Shots: Audi's A5 Sportback surprises
by Damon Lavrinc on Apr 24th 2009 at 5:30PM 
Audi's relentless niche filling continues unabated with the imminent arrival of the A5 Sportback – the forthcoming A7's little brother. Reportedly based on the A5 coupe, the five-door Sportback will blend the A4's practicality with the A7's "four-door coupe" profile. According to L'Automobile, power is expected to be provided by the usual suspects, including Audi's range of four- and six-cylinder engines. Count on the turbocharged, 2.0-liter inline four being fitted to the entry-level model and a few diesel options being made available to our friends abroad. Expect the 333-hp, supercharged V6 – currently equipped on the new S4 and A6 – to be available further down the road, along with an RS version packing a 450-hp V8.
We are anticipating the A5 Sportback to arrive in concept form at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September, with the production version debuting at the Geneva Motor Show a few months later, with sales beginning in late 2010.
[Source: L'Automobile]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Aki 5:43PM (4/24/2009)
I love the slight swells of the character line at the fenders. In general I'm not too fond of 5-doors, but I think it's executed pretty nice. My only gripe is I think the c-pillar is a bit awkward and not quite Audi-like.
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stg 6:21PM (4/24/2009)
If you really look at it there is tape on the c pillar and on the tail lights. This car will not have that c pillar. It will most likely have the rear end of the A5. Which is not a bad thing at all.
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Nico 6:42PM (4/24/2009)
This really isn't a four-door coupe if you ask me, it looks like just another hatchback.
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styleguy 7:41PM (4/24/2009)
I agree. I think it'll be Audi's "5 series GT", albeit MUCH better looking.
Protzenegger 7:01PM (4/24/2009)
Even though the A5's character line eventually grew on me, I think it worked mainly because the A5 is relatively short. It looks awkward on a long 4-door body.
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Rick 10:59AM (4/27/2009)
I agree. Also the wheels look too small for this big body. Looks like a Lexus GS(?) meaning a large body with tiny wheels. Maybe Audi will throw some 20s on as an option.
Mazda FTW! 7:47PM (4/24/2009)
The Germans are racing each other to create pointless genres.
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Marty 10:13AM (4/26/2009)
What make sit pointless? Because you don't like it? I like it and can't wait to drive one.
ckm 12:21AM (4/25/2009)
Not pointless, I like hatchbacks and so do most Europeans. There is a dearth of luxury hatchbacks in the American market right now and I would be in the market for one if there was a decent selection.
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P.V. 6:11PM (4/25/2009)
I like it a lot!
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