In 2007, Audi comprised an experiment to see what would happen if an A6 sedan lost two doors. Not since the 80 Coupe of the 1990s had the German company offered an executive sports coupe, so it was about time for another go-around. Hitting the streets and never looking back was the striking A5 which soon gave birth to an all-new segment competitor for Audi. The BMW 6-Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe had one more challenger to deal with; one with innovative features not to be found on the other Germans. With the 2013 model year in our not too distant future, Audi has decided to step up their game one more notch by given the A5, A5 Cabriolet and S5 another edge on the competition.
With the covers officially pulled at the North American International Auto Show, the next A5 carries with it a new face and new tricks to once again make it more-than-just modern. Taking many cues from the redesigned and currently working 2012 A6, the two door’s front is much more squared off than before. Everything is has been sculpted to be muscular with a new hood, front bumper, broader fenders and a larger grille. The now quintessential Audi LED head lamp accents are still present and have been redone ever so slightly to appear three dimensional. The long roof line and trunk are still present, giving the A5 a big look. This is good because after all, drivers of any executive coupe wouldn’t want to appear to be in a small car. On the inside, subtle changes such as new wood-grain finishes, higher gloss accents on the steering wheel and gear shifter as well as reconfigured climate and infotainment controls offer an upgraded level of elegance. In the hot-rod S5, new Fine Nappa leather can be had as well as Piano Black instrument surrounds.
The A5 has never been short of technology and the 2013 expands upon that even more. New features such as adaptive cruise control with “stop & go” and “brake guard” capability can almost drive the car for you. Under 19 mph and with the system turned on, the A5 can detect slow-moving and or stopped vehicles and apply the brakes if needed. And if stop and go traffic becomes complete gridlock, Audi’s new WiFi hot spot system can make things interesting while standing still. Up to eight mobile internet devices such as smartphones and laptops can access the web around the A5 just like any coffee shop. The in-car navigation system powered by Google Maps offers turn-by-turn directions to get out of a jam as well real-time weather, traffic and fuel prices. Once that new destination is found, an A5 driver can get there quickly with two boosted engine options.
Simplifying the 2013 A5 powertrain line is the base, 2.0 liter DOHC turbocharged inline four cylinder. Pumping out a solid 211 horsepower and an even more stout 258 lb-ft of torque, the 2.0 should allow for mid six second 0-60 mph times. The compact and efficent block can be found in the A5 and A5 Cabriolet and depending on body style, will power either the front wheels or all four. The convertible is the only two wheel drive 2013 and puts its power down via a CVT transmission while the A5 gets quattro all wheel drive and a six speed manual standard with the seven speed S tronic dual clutch automatic optional. Audi’s even more efficient eight speed automatic can be had with both the coupe and Cabriolet. If more power is needed, the S5 will be there to assist any speed demon with “333” horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque from its 3.0 liter supercharged V6. The S5 will surely surprise more than just one power junkie as the direct injected DOHC six cylinder has been pulled straight from the S4. With a Ward’s 10 Best Engines trophy in hand, the 3.0 TFSI will have big shoes to fill considering the previous S5 was powered by a 4.2 liter V8. The 2013 model might have less power, but it will surely produce better numbers at the pump. All S5s get quattro while the coupe comes standard with the six speed manual and the Cabriolet gets the seven speed DSG.
Changes to the 2013 Audi A5 may be subtle, but they’re just enough to keep the car interesting. It’s more efficient drivetrain options should give it an edge against its slightly less economy concious competitors while the long lines and more muscular face add to an excellent blend of elegance and power. Grand touring is the name of the game with this specialty segment and Audi is looking to change how it’s played. Technology, economy, power and style all come together to create a car that drivers won’t want to leave. When it hits showroom floors later this year, the 2013 Audi A5 model line will be ready to cruise for miles on end.
Source: Audi
