► New spy photos of 2016 Audi A5 and S5
► We’ve scooped the upcoming A5 range
► Lighter, leaner tech for new line-up
Testing of the new 2016 Audi A5, codenamed the B9 family, is reaching an advanced stage – with further shots coming to light of disguised prototypes undergoing tests on the Nürburgring and public roads.
Our latest spy shots reveal the new high-performance S5 Cabriolet being thrashed around the Nürburgring. The new S5 is expected to be powered by a 349bhp 3.0-litre V6 TFSI and, if everything goes to plan, it should be revealed in full later this year.
Previously, spy shots showed the upcoming 2016 Audi S5 Sportback being tested on the roads surrounding the Nürburgring, while an A5 Sportback was spotted enduring winter testing in Sweden.
No huge surprises were evident, outside of minor styling tweaks, a revamped grille and redesigned lights – but then the A5 family was always regarded as one of the sleekest in Audi’s regular line-up. If it ain’t broke, etc…
These spy photos followed 2014’s scoop of early A5 coupes on test at the Nurburgring in Germany; the black coupe in our picture gallery is an early test car mule, wearing cut-n-shut bodywork of the existing A5 around the running gear of the second-generation model.
What’s new on the 2016 Audi A5?
Designwise, the Ingolstadt grapevine is predicting an evolutionary approach to one of Walter de Silva’s very best efforts. The A5 is unusually elegant for a mid-sized Audi; it’s one of the reasons why today’s A5 has changed so little in the seven years it’s been on sale.
Our sources in Ingolstadt predict a bolder front end with the now-trademark Audi single-frame grille, plus more aggressive and larger air intakes. Expect to see the A5 coupe first, in early 2016.
Six months later, the A5 Cabriolet is due in autumn 2016 – probably at the Paris motor show. The inside follows the look of the new A4 saloon driven here, with the now de-rigueur tablet-style computer read-out.
Spec, engineering of 2016 A5
Both two-door Audis are based on the B9 components set of the latest A4. Dubbed MLBevo, the mildly modified architecture promises to be lighter, stiffer and more efficiently packaged with use of high-strength steels, lightweight aluminium and a smattering of advanced composites to pare weight. Talk is of 100kg shaved from today’s mass.
It brings a longer wheelbase for more passenger room, optional 20in rims, extra-cost carbon-ceramic brakes all-round, innovative lighting by LED or matrix technology and a host of new assistance systems are in the offing. The anticipated engine range in the new Audi A5 family looks like this:
Audi A5 1.8 petrol 180bhp 1.8 TFSI
Audi A5 2.0 petrol 245bhp 2.0 TFSI
Audi A5 3.0 diesel 258bhp 3.0 V6 TDI
Audi S5 349bhp 3.0 V6 TFSI turbo
Audi RS5 tbc
Front- and quattro all-wheel drive will again be offered.
Read CAR magazine’s Audi A5 reviews
