The second generation of Audi’s handsome A5 is expected to
arrive in time for the 2018 model year, which puts its showroom arrival
sometime in the second half of 2017, although the car may end up being launched
earlier that year. We now have new spy shots plus a video of some
prototypes.
They show only evolutionary changes for the car’s styling,
with the most significant changes taking place at the front where the design
team has created a slightly more aggressive look. A similar look features on
the 2017 A4 due in showrooms
early next year. Both cars ride on a common platform.
That platform is Audi’s latest MLB (modular longitudinal)
platform, which will eventually underpin most Audi models from the A4 up.
Previewed in Audi’s Sport
quattro concept from 2013, the platform uses a combination of
high-strength steel, aluminum and even some composites to help get weight down.
Current trim levels will carry over, with the base 2018 A5
continuing with a 2.0-liter TFSI engine
, the S5 with a supercharged 3.0-liter V-6 and
the RS 5 forgoing the current model's naturally aspirated 4.2-liter V-8 in
favor of a new twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6. Expect power on this latter
variant to reside around the 475-horsepower mark.
Front-wheel drive will remain standard for the 2018 A5 while
quattro all-wheel drive will continue to be offered as an option. The standard
transmission should be an S tronic dual-clutch unit with seven forward gears.
One of the key benefits of the latest MLB Evo platform is that it’s
been designed to be compatible with alternative drivetrains. Look for a
plug-in hybrid model, perhaps with a ‘through-the-road’ hybrid all-wheel-drive
system.
Tech goodies will include LED and laser headlights with
Matrix beam capability, an advanced infotainment system with Wi-Fi, a head-up
display, and semi-autonomous electronic driving aids. There will also be
various versions of Audi’s MMI interface as well as the automaker’s Virtual
Cockpit digital instrument cluster.
Look for the new A5 to be revealed sometime next year.
Further down the track, new versions of the A5 Cabriolet and A5 Sportback will
be launched, though once again only the former is expected here.
source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1029135_2018-audi-a5-spy-shots-and-video
by Viknesh Vijayenthiran
http://www.boscheuropean.com
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