12 Jan 09 10:47
Video: Audi Sportback
This five-door concept car previews the new A5: a big, luxurious hatchback, with coupe-like side profile yet large rear tailgate and practical boot.
The Sportback is 4.95m long and 1.93m wide, yet just 1.4m tall. It's based on the next-generation A6 platform, and also previews the design direction of the next A6.
Like the latest A4 and A5, it has its engine positioned further rearwards in the engine bay for improved weight distribution, and a new five-link front suspension layout so it should be a sportier drive than the current Audi A6.
Power comes from a new version of the VW-Audi 3.0 V6 TDI diesel which meets emissions legislation in all 50 US states as well as the EU 6 standards which come into force in 2014 - and return 47.9mpg.
Fitted with the AdBlue catalyst system, which reduces nitrous oxide emissions, and a particulate filter, this 225bhp/406lb-ft engine will be offered in existing Audi models in the US and Europe from later this year - as will its seven-speed tiptronic transmission.
In the A5 Sportback with Quattro four-wheel-drive, it promises more than 152mph and 0-60mph in less than seven seconds.
New technology to improve fuel consumption includes a quick warm-up coolant-flow system, a fuel pump which operates according to demand, electro-mechanical power steering that only consumes energy when the wheel is turned, low-friction, heated transmission oil and low rolling-resistance tyres.
As in the latest A4 and A5, there is a regenerative braking system to capture energy to power the alternator and boost the battery, plus stop-start - which will be fitted in existing A4 and A6 models later this year.
Similar in concept to the A3 Sportback - part-way between a coupe and the Avant station wagon - the A5 Sportback will be priced somewhat further upmarket. Audi sees it as a rival for the Mercedes-Benz CLS.
It will head a series of Sportback models, to include a little A1 Sportback (as previewed by a concept at the Paris Motor Show last autumn) and the continuing A3-based model.
This concept previews a new design direction for Audi. The car has broad, flat LED light units at each end, side mirrors inspired by upturned jet wings, four exhaust tailpipes and 10-spoke, 21" wheels. Like the A1 Sportback concept, it has a new version of Audi's single-frame grille, with flattened top edges.
The interior is enhanced by a glass roof panel, emphasising the cabin's width, and the aluminium/wood/piano-black-trimmed cockpit includes a retracting monitor for the MMI control system.
A wide console stretches from dashboard to rear, and the interior is almost entirely leather-upholstered.
It's strictly a four-seater, thanks to that console, but each of the rear seat passengers are promised plenty of legroom.
We expect to see the production version of the larger A7 later this year - perhaps at autumn's Frankfurt Motor Show - with UK sales from early 2010. That range will ultimately include A7 and RS7 models, as well as a variety of more mainstream petrols and diesels.
Check out the rest of our Detroit Motor Show coverage.
