Audi has taken the wraps off its second-generation A5 and S5 Sportback models, which are rumored to be making their way to the U.S. market this time around.
The Sportback models offer the design lines of the A5 Coupe with the convenience of four doors. Like the new Audi A5, the Sportback is based on the MLB platform, which means that it managed to lose about 187 pounds compared to its predecessor.
Other major changes compared to the last Sportback model are the addition of a five-link suspension system and the use of Audi’s new Quattro Ultra all-wheel drive, which allows the rear wheels to be disconnected to increase efficiency.
For the European market, a range of eight different power outputs are available from four different engines, a pair of gas units and a pair of diesels. If the A5 Sportback does arrive in the US, it will likely get the turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine which makes 252 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque.
A new A5 Sportback g-tron model is also being added for Europe which can run on Audi e‑gas, natural gas (CNG) or gasoline. This model makes 170 hp and 199 lb-ft of torque and has a driving range of 310 miles on a tank of CNG.
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The sportier S5 Sportback comes powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder unit that puts out 354 hp and 396 lb-ft of torque, sent through an eight-speed automatic. This is enough to get the S5 Sportback to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.7 seconds and up to a top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h). To make the S5 competent at speed it gets a few additional goodies, including sport suspension, variable steering ratio, standard 18-inch wheels, ventilated brake discs and black or red painted calipers.
Inside, the cabin is identical to that found in the A5, including the center-mounted 8.3-inch infotainment screen that runs the MMI system, controlled by the MMI touchpad that can be used for zooming, scrolling and entering letters. The Audi virtual cockpit, a 12.3-inch screen that replaces the instrument cluster, is also available.
Of course, the latest safety technology is fitted to this car, including traffic jam assist, which allows the car to mostly drive itself in heavy traffic at speeds up to 40 mph.
When asked about U.S. availability, Audi’s General Manager of Communications, Mark Dahncke, says “we have not made a decision on whether the A5 Sportback will come to the US at this time.”
The new Audi A5 and S5 Sportback will be officially unveiled at the 2016 Paris Motor Show at the end of September.
