New Car Previews: 2008 Audi A5

Long have we looked towards certain car manufacturers to provide a certain ideal to their consumers. One perfect example of this can be found in Audi. With a long list of highly praised models devoted to luxury and long life, Audi has made a name for themselves by providing luxury cars that still have an infusion of spots car ideals, including all wheel drive and powerful engines. However, at the same time, it is always nice when a manufacturer steps outside of their comfort zone and attempts to release a car which is both innovative and impressive. Indeed, perhaps one of the most anticipated releases for the 2008 model year is the A5.

Differing greatly from the current trend of their models, the A5 is a stylish and sporty two door coupe that still manages to have many of the same features as the current line up of Audi cars. Even looking at the A5, it is hard not to get excited about the chance to own and drive on of these beauties. The A5 coupe is slick and sporty, it's two door design blending perfectly into the newly designed front end, and with a back end that looks more like an Aston Martin, it is very likely that the A5 will come to be an impressive and well respected sports car. The front grill and headlights are aggressive and well angled, the side of the body seems to fit into harmony with the car, and the sporty back end only comes to reinforce the quality image that Audi has come to represent. Even though luxury cars have a history of not translating well into coupe designs, the overall exterior design of the A5 seems to be in perfect balance.

The interior shares much of the same features as the current line up of the A4, A6 and other sedan models. Bound in leather, equipped with top notch sound systems, and providing incredible comfort to the driver, the interior seems to be far above it's class, and will no doubt be a subject of pure enjoyment to future A5 owners. One matter of wonder yet though is the interior size, and one has yet to know if the back seats will be useable or if the trunk will provide sufficient space to be considered a useable daily driver.

However, the true beauty of the A5 lies in the subtle changes that separate the new generation of Audi cars. The engine of vehicle has been placed behind the front axle for a better weight distribution, and the slight redefining of the suspension, along with the Quattro all wheel drive system is enough to make sure that the A5 will handle as good as it looks.

Currently, there are a variety of engines available, and they seem constructed to fit a variety of consumers. Coming standard with a 3.2 liter V6, which produces 265 horse power, the A5 will have plenty of get up and go. Although there are also two engines offering turbo diesel injection, it is unlikely that these are bound for a stateside release. However, there has been talk of importing the 2.7 liter turbo for use in America in future models. The other engine option, which is available in the S5 (the performance variant) is a 4.2 liter V8 that is documented to produce around 350 horse power, which is plenty of get up and go.

Although new ideas can be somewhat of a rare thing in the auto world, it is nice to know that inspiration does still exist. Even though the upcoming A5 may not be the cheapest or most value priced vehicle on the market, it is definitely a new and innovative step for Audi, and it would be surprising if the A5 and the subsequent S5 do not live up to the lofty expectation which have been set for them.