2008 Audi A5 Preview

Svelte New Audi

The sleek new A5 finally gives Audi a competitor against the BMW 3 Series Coupe and Mercedes-Benz's CLK-Class.

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Audi’s new A5 was designed to go up against the BMW 3 Series Coupe and Mercedes-Benz’s CLK-Class. Volkswagen design director Walter de’Silva (formerly with Audi) spoke some heartfelt words at the A5’s world premiere at the Geneva Auto Show in March. “I am convinced the Audi A5 is the most beautiful car I have designed in my career,” he said. That’s a strong statement by someone whose design for the Audi R8 supercar has some calling it a Ferrari killer. The 2008 A5, based on the Nuvolari concept that Audi introduced in 2003, is slated to arrive in North America later this year, following a mid-year arrival in Europe. The top engine will be a 3.2-liter V6 that puts out 265 hp, while a turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder will also be available in Europe. Both engines will use Audi’s direct-injection technology.

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