Audi A5

A mysterious leak on the web a couple of weeks ago allowed the world to get a sneak preview of Audi's new coupe, but the A5 was finally revealed in the flesh today.

The A5 is similar in size to the BMW 3-Series Coupe - the car that Audi chiefs say the A5 is targeting - but with its wide, scalloped panels and high haunches it looks larger.

We can't say we're sold by the looks, but at least it's familiarly Audi-ish in appearance.

The stock A5 will only get one petrol option at launch, but it sounds like a good 'un - a 3.2-litre V6 developing 265bhp. Audi reckons it'll hit 62mph in just over six seconds. Quick, certainly, but not as quick as the 4.2-litre V8 in the S5.

That's S, not RS, you'll notice. There's no word of an RS5 from Audi at the moment, but insiders reckon we could see one some time in 2008.

Until then the S5 should do nicely. That V8 puts out 354bhp, sprinting the S5 to 62mph in five seconds and on to an electronically-limited 155mph.

The S5 gets some subtle visual differentiation, too, with a quad exhaust, flared door trims and more pronounced beading.

The A5 is due to hit the UK in June, though if you're really keen you can already log your order. Prices start at just over £30,000, but you'll pay a ten grand premium over that for the S5.

© Source: article on topgear
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