All Aluminum Audi A5 Prototype is 220-Pounds Lighter

Aluminum is a great material. Light, easy to work, strong if you can design with it right and relatively plentiful (if you’ve got access to lots of electricity to refine it). Audi recently gave a textbook demonstration about just what aluminum can offer by making an A5 prototype that makes extensive use of the alloy.

The A5 in question has allowed Audi to shave nearly 220-pounds from its handsome Coupe. The engineers from Audi swapped out the normal steel bits for advanced aluminum as well as carbon fiber here and there in the interest of fuel economy, emissions reduction and handling agility.

Audi did this as a way to go against the tide of rising car weights. Airbags, door beams and the like have all contributed to cars getting fatter and fatter. Audi took an existing steel-bodied A5 and clearly demonstrated the benefits of the aluminum Audi Space Frame (ASF) concept. The use of ASF reduces the weight of a car body by at least 40% compared with conventional steel construction. That means dropping the overall weight from 3,130 pounds down to 2,888 pounds.

Dropping the weight meant that Audi could do away with the standard V6 and use a four cylinder engine, and still have the same performance. Not only is the performance the same, but naturally, there are gains in economy and emissions and also to other ancillaries such as the brakes and transmission, which can also be reduced in size and weight. The handling is also markedly improved.

So why hasn’t aluminum seen widespread use in the auto industry? There’s a few reasons. First, in comparison to steel, aluminum is a little harder (and therefore expensive) to refine. Aluminum is also more costly to mine in some respects and the tooling needed to work it is also more expensive than the tooling used for steel forming.

There is also the mitigating factor that since gas prices and environmental concerns have only recently come onto the radar of car manufacturers, there has not been the motivation to really make cars all that light. They’ve been used to working with, buying and sourcing steel for the bodies of their cars, so why not go with what you know.

Well, times change, and Audi has pointed out what Colin Chapman and any sportscar guy will be able to tell you: “To go fast, add lightness”.

2010 Audi A4, A5, and Q5 Priced

The big news for Audi’s slinky A5 coupe is the addition of the 2.0-liter TFSI four-cylinder engine as an option for 2010. Other changes for the 2010 A4 and A5 include available LED taillights and Audi’s third-generation Multi-Media Interface (MMI) system. While the 3.2-liter V-6 remains the sole engine option for the Q5, a new Luxury package adds 20-inch S-line wheels and coddles drivers in ventilated seats wrapped in premium Milano leather.

With pricing similar to 2009 models, the 2010 A4 2.0T FWD sedan will start at $32,275 with a CVT; add $900 for Quattro all-wheel drive and a 6-speed manual.

A base 2010 A5 2.0T Quattro coupe with a manual transmission will be priced at $36,825 ($4,700 cheaper than a 2009 model with the 6-speed/V-6 combo). The top-of-the-line Prestige A5 2.0T with an automatic will cost $46,325. Add $1200 to any trim for an automatic transmission.

The 2010 Q5 3.2 FSI starts at $38,175, a $150 increase from 2009.

While no pricing has been released yet for the 2010 S4, the supercharged sedan will go on sale in August.

Audi prices 2010 A4, A5 and Q5

Audi has released pricing for the 2010 model-year Audi A4 sedan, Audi A5 coupe and Audi Q5 crossover vehicle.

The A5 replaces the 3.2L six-cylinder with the 2.0T TFSI four-cylinder. For $36,000, one’ll be able to have the A5 2.0T Quattro Coupe with a manual transmission in Premium trim, with the Premium Plus model commanding $39,500 and the Prestige variant priced at $44,300. Tack on an additional $1,200 onto each model's MSRP if you opt for the Tiptronic automatic gearbox.

Core updates for the 2010 Audi A5 include the above powertrain changes plus the new third-gen MMI system, new LED tail lights on Premium Plus and Prestige models, a new wheel design for the entry-level Premium trim, and a new set of optional wheels for the S5.

"Despite the economic headwinds that have affected all premium automotive brands this year, we see no signs of interest lagging in these three models," said Johan de Nysschen, President, Audi of America. "We need to release these new models early because of our proactive management of unsold inventories and because Audi continues to bring new models to the freshest lineup in the luxury sector. Both trends will continue in the months ahead."

For the 2010 Audi Q5, starts at $37,350 for the base Premium model, while the Premium Plus and Prestige rises to $41,400 and $48,850, respectively. The 2010 mdoel year updates include a new Fine Grain Ash and Natural Brown interior inlay option, new 20in five-spoke S-line wheels, standard side assist on Prestige models, a new luxury package for the Prestige model that includes leather door armrests and IP, along with ventilated front seats swathed in Milano leather, the Bang & Olufsen sound system is now available as a standalone option, and a variety of minor interior and exterior appearance tweaks.

Finally, the 2010 Audi A4 gets the biggest price rise at $450 over the outgoing model, now starting at $31,450 for the Multitronic-equipped 2.0T FWD sedan. Adding quattro AWD with a manual transmission raises the price of entry to $32,350, and stepping up to the tiptronic transmission bumps that another $1,200 to $33,550. Like its siblings, the A4 is available in Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige trims.

A new set of LED tail lights on Premium Plus and Prestige models and the third-gen MMI system are available on all new models, while the S4 gets a new 7-speed S-tronic dual-clutch transmission and a new 3.0L TFSI supercharged V6 engine rated at 333hp and 325lb-ft of torque.

Pricing for the2010 Audi S4 hasn't been released yet, however, it has released an on-sale date for its 333-hp sedan: August. Expect pricing to follow in the coming weeks.

2010 A5 Sportback officially revealed in depth

We have mentioned Audi A5 Sportback many times, now finally here comes the true face. The 2010 Audi A5 Sportback, set to go on sale in Europe following a debut at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show, has officially revealed in July 16 during a ceremony that celebrates 100 years of Audi.

Described as offering the practicality of an Avant wagon with the elegant styling of a coupe, the new A5 Sportback features a five door body with an elongated profile, sitting 36mm lower than the A4 sedan. Frameless doors definitely add to the car's clean look. The nicely-angled side windows, ringed in chrome, show off a sporty look with a flowing roofline.

Inside, there’s generous space for four adults. At 480 liters, Audi also provided nearly the same amount of cargo space as the A4 Avant.

Under the hood, three petrol engines are available, including 180 and 211 horsepower variants of the 2.0-liter TFSI unit, and a 3.2-liter V6 model providing 265 horsepower. If it is diesel you prefer, you can choose the incredibly efficient 2.0-liter TDI. The 170 hp unit uses just 5.2 liters of fuel per 100 km, or rougly 45+ mpg. A start/stop system helps increase fuel efficiency. The other TDI engines are a 190 hp 2.7-liter unit and a 3.0-liter, 240 horsepower model. The 2.0 TFSI quattro, the 3.2 FSI quattro and the 3.0 TDI quattro models are available with the seven-speed S-tronic gearbox.

Audi will release three more engines for the A5 Sportback within the next year. Each petrol model, and the highest-powered TDI, is fitted with Audi's "quattro" all-wheel drive system, while customers purchasing one of the two most powerful engines may also add on a newly offered sport differential which distributes the drive power in continuously variable proportions between the rear wheels. Those not receiving quattro instead get a stability unit that helps prevent understeer with an electronic front differential. The 180 hp 2.0-liter TFSI engine also gets the stability program.

Pricing in Europe will start at €33,650 (approximately $45,000) for the base 2.0L TDI model, however, Audi has confirmed that an even cheaper model will arrive in the middle of next year. Orders are already being taken.

Audi A5 Car Pictures

Audi A5 Car Pictures

Senner Tuning Audi A5

Senner Tuning have released a complete styling package for the Audi A5, dubbed as Black and White, including both exterior and interior modifications. With all the changes, the car does look pretty hot and the total cost is about €11,700, but customers can select just some of them.

In terms of exterior, the Senner Tuning Audi A5 Black and White features a new aerodynamic package which including a carbon fiber spoiler apron with matching side-mirror housings, carbon fiber rear bumper, new rear spoiler and lip, new LED taillights and quad-exhaust made of stainless steel. The aerodynamic package is available at €3,377.

New 20-inch ASA GT1 lightweight alloy wheels were also mounted. The wheels are available in either Shiny Silver or Matte Black, with the possibility of a separate color ring trim near the wheels' edge. Choices for the rim lip include orange, white, red, and silver. Measuring 9x20 in front, 10.5x20 in back, the wheels are wrapped in Vredestein ultra Sessanta XL tires. The company mounted a Bilstein B16 PSS10 fully adjustable coilover suspension to enhance the handling capabilities. These changes cost just under €4600.

Track wheels are also available for an additional €250.

The Audi A5’s 3.0-liter TDI engine has been retuned to produce 300 hp and 600 Nm of maximum torque with an electronically limited speed of 280 km/h. When combined with the new sport air filter, the cost of the under-the-hood modifications is €1649.

Inside, the Senner Tuning Audi A5 Black and White features carbon fiber trim at the ashtray cover, center console, the front and the rear door panels. These feature costs €1,690. And the company charges an additional €395 to trim out the instrument cluster.

Audi releases first details and new teaser for A5 Sportback

We first reported that Audi A5 Sportback would be debuted at this September’s Frankfurt Motor Show in May 1. Now Audi has revealed more details of the all-new A5 Sportback.

Audi has announced A5 Sportback is set to go on sale in Europe following the debut at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show. Pricing in Europe will start at €36,050 (approximately $49,855) for the base 2.0L TDI model, however, Audi has confirmed that an even cheaper model will arrive in the middle of next year.

Designed to be as "emotional and elegant as a coupe, as comfortable as a sedan, and as practical as an Avant", the new A5 Sportback features a five door body with an elongated profile. Although the teaser video only shows an artist stretching the A5 Sportback's design, Audi states that the new model features a large rear hatch, a graceful tapering roofline which is 36 mm (1.4") lower than the A4 Sedan's, and four frameless doors with "dynamic window styling". Inside, there’s 980L of storage available with the rear seats are folded and generous space for four adults.

At launch, the A5 Sportback will be offered with three diesels and two petrol engines. Diesel versions include the 2.0 TDI with 125 kW (170 hp) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque, a 2.7 TDI with 140 kW (190 hp) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft), and a 3.0-liter V6 TDI with 176 kW (240 hp) and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) torque. The two petrol versions, the 2.0 TFSI quattro with an output of 211hp (155kW) and 258lb-ft (350Nm) of torque and the 3.2L V6 quattro generating 265hp (195kW) are both equipped with the Audi valvelift system. This feature can produce more power and higher torque as well as lower fuel consumption.

To ensure optimal handling performance the A5 Sportback comes with a newly developed electronic stability program (ESP) with an electronic differential lock on the front axle. The car also comes with the Audi drive select dynamic driving system, which allows the driver to choose between three different modes which influence the throttle response characteristics, the shift points for the seven-speed S tronic or multitronic transmissions, and supports the servotronic steering. If the vehicle is equipped with the MMI operating system, a fourth, freely programmable level is also available.

Expect more details to be released closer to the car’s unveiling in September.

Caractere styling kit for Audi A5 Cabrio

After unveiling their sexy body kit for the Audi A5/S5 coupe last year, Caractere now offers a similar series of styling accessories for the new Audi A5 Cabrio.

The design program for the Audi A5 Cabrio offers a range of front and rear fascias, side skirts and a roof spoiler. The new pieces are designed to fit and enhance the newly introduced drop-top, with special pieces for the high-performance S5 model.

An exhaust kit is also available, but only on non-quattro models, while the two-piece front spoiler kit only works on non-S-line models. The unique CW1 wheels in both 19 and 20in sizes are available as part of the program, though since it's a piecemeal system, you can always opt for your own if Caractere's designs don't suit your tastes.

Overall, the result is surprisingly tasteful. Although pricing information wasn't released, the styling accessories are currently on sale.

ABT Sportsline adds AS5 package to new A5 Cabrio

ABT Sportsline, a long-time Audi tuner with very close ties to the German carmaker’s motorsport division, launched the ABT AS5 Audi A5 Cabrio upgrade program.

The new AS5 kit has previously been launched for the A5 Coupe but now it is being applied for the full A5 Cabrio range. The AS5 kit includes a new front grille, a 4-pipe exhaust unit, a new front apron and the side sills and 19" or 20" rims. Under the bonnet is a series of power upgrades achieved via tuning of the different engines’ electronic control modules.

Starting with the 2.0L TFSI model, ABT lifts output to 275hp (202kW). With the 2.7L TDI, the standard 190hp (140kW) output becomes a much stronger 230hp (169kW). Next in line is the 3.0L diesel, which is increased in output to 282hp (207kW). Finally, a special ‘Power S’ kit for the 3.0L V6 turbodiesel sees output increased even further to 310hp (228kW).

The tuner also offers for the ABT AS5 Audi A5 Cabrio a new braking system and suspension hardware required by the increased output of the models.

Both 19 and 20-inch wheels are available, in the "cool bold BR alloys" style. Also on offer are the more exclusive ABT wheel sets with high-performance tires for maximum road munching traction.

Audi A5 Sportback headed to Frankfurt Motor Show

Audi will be releasing a host of models in the coming years to expand into new segments as it attempts to topple BMW and Mercedes in the quest to sell more than a 1.5 million vehicles by 2015. Some of the cars in the pipeline include the A1 premium hatch, A7 four-door coupe and a Sportback version of the current A5.

While we’ve seen concept versions of the A1 and A7 before, this September’s Frankfurt Motor Show will reportedly play host to the unveiling of the all-new A5 Sportback. According to Auto Motor und Sport, the new A5 Sportback will go on sale by the end of the year, alongside the high-performance RS version of the regular A5 Coupe.

A prototype of the A5 Sportback model has been spied previously, and while there is only one image we could clearly see that the car will feature a high waistline and low roof. The front-end should be identical to the A5 Coupe on which it’s based. The design appears almost like a four-door coupe but the roomy cabin, tall profile, and sloping hatchback style rear-door ensures the Sportback sits in its own niche.

The base model will remain FWD but AWD variants will feature the latest quattro torque vectoring systems, which distribute drive individually between each axle and between the rear wheels for improved traction and stability. Power will come from the same engines used in the regular A5 lineup, with a 4.2L FSI V8 expected to appear in the range-topping RS5 model.