2012 Audi A5 Coupe, Cabriolet and Sportback
The A5 Sportback, the A5 Coupé and the A5 Cabriolet are special Audi masterpieces in visual terms alone: their flowing silhouettes, crisp lines and accentuated surfaces make bold statements. Many design flourishes are now particularly striking on these new and improved models.
The high-gloss black single-frame grille has angled upper corners; its transverse ribs and the Audi rings appear three-dimensional. The new bumper integrates striking air inlets with robust strips, new grilles and sleek fog lights. Crisply rendered edges give form to the engine hood; the front end appears even flatter and broader.
The new headlights resemble a wedge. Their lower edge forms a wave and their interior has been restructured. With respect to the optional xenon plus headlights, the LED daytime running lights constitute a narrow brace; upon request, Audi will supply its adaptive light system with dynamic cornering and static turning lights. The rear lights have also been modified in conjunction with xenon plus units featuring LED light strips. The bumper has likewise undergone changes.
Modifications have increased the exterior length of all three A5 models by one millimeter. The Sportback is 4.71 meters (15.45 ft) long, the Coupé and the Cabriolet 4.63 meters (15.19 ft). The new portfolio of paint finishes comprises 15 different colors and the acoustic roof of the A5 Cabriolet is available in four colors. The S line exterior package is available for aficionados of a particularly dynamic look.
The vehicle bodies dazzle thanks to high rigidity, outstanding crash safety, refined vibrational comfort and low weight. The front fenders are made of aluminum for improved axial load distribution. Aerodynamic fine-tuning measures include a lined underbody.
2012 Audi A5 Sportback
Interior design
The A5 models’ interiors have become even more elegant. Audi equips the interior with new steering wheels (with a flat-bottomed rim upon request), new pitman arms, a new automatic selector lever and understated chrome braces on the controls.
Buttons now allow you to operate the optional seat-heating and seat-cooling systems. The ignition key and the button for controlling the optional Audi drive select vehicle dynamics system as well as controls for the highly efficient automatic air conditioning system and the multifunction steering wheel have also been overhauled. The center console’s displays are now illuminated in white.
The fascias at the instrument cluster and on the center console bear a new finish. The upholstery and decorative inlays – in Aluminum Trigon as well as two types of wood: walnut dark brown and fine grain ash natural – are likewise new selections. Nearly all interior colors are new. In the Coupé and Sportback, Fine Nappa leather is available instead of Valcona leather. Upon request, armrests will also be covered with leather. A five-seat A5 Sportback is now available.
Another attractive option is the S line sport package. It covers the interior in black and refines it with elegant trim inserts. A sport suspension, which lowers the vehicle body by 10 millimeters (0.39 in), and 18-inch wheels round out the package. Particularly sophisticated customers will find many more customization opportunities in the Audi exclusive range – such as the Audi exclusive line with two-tone seat covers.
Engines
The A5 family sets new standards for sportiness and efficiency. All the engines are turbocharged direct-injection units which provide plenty of torque; even the entry-level engine delivers 320 Nm (236.02 lb-ft) of torque. The start-stop system and the recuperation system are standard in every version – no other manufacturer is so resolute. The portfolio comprises three gasoline engines and four TDIs; their CO2 emissions have been reduced by up to 18 percent.
The fundamentally redesigned 1.8 TFSI boasts trailblazing innovations: from the control of valves and their lift through thermal management and the injection system to the turbocharger and the integration of the exhaust manifold. In the A5 Coupé, the four-cylinder engine sips a mere 5.7 l/100 km (41.27 US mpg) – which equates to 134 grams of CO2 per km (215.65 g/mile) – the best of any vehicle in its class. And its 125 kW (170 hp) powerfully propel the A5. The output of the 2.0 TFSI remains unchanged at 155 kW (211 hp). The new 3.0 TFSI, a supercharged V6, generates 200 kW (272 hp) and will be made available before too long.
The diesel engines are also impressively efficient, and the four-cylinder units feature modifications in numerous areas. In conjunction with a manual transmission in the A5 Coupé, the 2.0 TDI delivers 130 kW (177 hp) while averaging just 4.7 l/100 km (50.05 US mpg) and emitting 122 grams of CO2 per kilometer (196.34 g/mile). This has earned Audi a top spot in the coupe segment. For the A5 Sportback and the Cabriolet, a version of the 2.0 TDI generating 105 kW (143 hp) will soon be made available.
Three V6 diesel units round out the lineup on the top end. The 3.0 TDI with 150 kW (204 hp) is the most fuel-efficient six-cylinder engine in its class – worldwide. In the A5 Coupé with multitronic, it averages just 4.9 liters of fuel per 100 km (48.0 US mpg), with CO2 emissions of 129 g/km (207.61 g/mile). The second variant of the 3.0 TDI produces 180 kW (245 hp). A “clean diesel” version to be rolled out before long will make the A5 the first diesel-powered coupe on the market which complies with the emission limits of the Euro 6 standard.
Drivetrain
Irrespective of engine version, Audi offers the ideal transmission. The front-wheel-drive models roll off the assembly line with a manual six-speed transmission or a continuously variable multitronic. Audi will initially offer quattro configurations with the lightning-fast seven-speed S tronic. All of the transmissions shine with their convenience and precision, high efficiency and wide gear spread. The long ratios in the upper gears reduce fuel consumption.
As for the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system, the A5 family relies on a self-locking center differential. Under normal driving conditions, this purely mechanical component distributes the engine’s power primarily to the rear wheels; if necessary, it can redistribute power uniformly and at lightning speed. Torque vectoring, a sophisticated software solution, renders handling even more precise by means of minor, targeted braking intervention.
With regard to the 3.0 TDI quattro, 3.0 TFSI quattro and the S models, a sport differential is available as a perfect complement. It actively distributes torque between the rear wheels as needed and grants the A5 maximum precision and superb traction.
Chassis
The A5 models set standards for sporty dynamics, luxurious ride comfort and excellent driving safety. The five-link front suspension and the trapezoidal-link rear suspension consist largely of aluminum. The arrangement of the rear trailing arms and the shock-absorber tuning have been revised. Not only the precision but also the ease of handling are better than ever.
Another addition to the A5 model line is standard, electromechanical power steering. It is direct, reacts instantaneously and provides responsively precise road feel. This system conserves as much as 0.3 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers because it requires no energy whatsoever for straight-line performance.
All front-wheel-drive versions of the A5 feature the electronic stabilization program (ESP) with electronic limited slip differential. ESP uses minimal braking interventions at the inside front wheel for even more agility during dynamic driving. The large brakes enable rapid deceleration and can be applied very well. 17-inch wheels fitted with 225/50 tires are standard. The list of options depends on the engine and offers wheels as large as 20 inches in diameter fitted with 265/30 tires.
Among the high-end features in the A5 family is the optional Audi drive select. It regulates the power steering, engine management, automatic transmission and automatic air conditioning system. The driver can choose the mode in which these systems operate: comfort, auto, dynamic or efficiency. If there is an onboard navigation system, then the additional individual mode is also included. More components can be added: adaptive cruise control or cruise control, the chassis with damper control, the sport differential and dynamic steering, whereby the steering ratio is adjusted to the vehicle’s speed.
Assistance systems
Assistance systems in the A5 model series make driving even more assured; several of these systems have been upgraded with new functions. Standard equipment in all models is the new driver information system with break recommendation. It monitors the driver’s steering and other parameters to detect if and when they become tired – and will correspondingly warn the driver.
Audi side assist supports the driver when changing lanes by using radar to monitor the area behind the car. Audi active lane assist – now in the A5 – helps the driver to remain in their lane. A camera identifies lane markings on the road surface; if necessary, the system will gently correct the steering. Adaptive cruise control has been enhanced and makes use of radar to detect vehicles ahead of the A5 and continuously maintain an appropriate following distance. If the threat of a rear-end collision becomes imminent at speeds below 30 km/h (18.64 mph), this system will perform a full brake application.
Infotainment systems
The infotainment systems in the A5 have been fundamentally advanced. The optional MMI navigation plus, the top-of-the-range version, features a large hard disk drive, a DVD player and a seven-inch color monitor with 3D navigation mapping. The system has been further refined with respect to operation and the user terminal.
Yet another high-end option is the Bluetooth online car phone. Under the slogan Audi connect, the technology facilitates very desirable services including a voice-activated Google point-of-interest search (not in the A5 Cabriolet), navigation via Google Earth images, and the WLAN hotspot. Audi’s online traffic information provides drivers with up-to-the-minute and very precise updates on the traffic situation along the route ahead.
Prices
Even though all A5 models have been extensively refined, Audi has barely raised prices. The A5 Coupé 2.0 TFSI, for example, now costs just 200 euros more. The entry-level version, the Audi A5 Sportback 1.8 TFSI, costs 33,350 euros.
