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.2010 Audi A5 Sportback renderingsAudi future lineup official sketches2010 Audi A5 Sportback spy shots

By NaBUru38 #1, Posted: 4/25/2007

Audi doesn't need a separate A5 Sportback model; they need to make future A4 Avant's tail shorter than the current one and make the rear windshield similar to the A3 Sportback. Huge-trunked station wagons should be Volkswagen's stuff.
By germandude #2, Posted: 2/1/2008

That looks absolutely horrible. If there's already the A4 Avant, why would you need an A5 Avant? That doesn't make very much sense.
by NoNameDenton #3, Posted: 5/1/2009

Because like BMW they are trying to fill every niche segment even ones no one thought or cared about
by HECTOR #4, Posted: 5/1/2009

Oh look! An A6 with small windows! ALl 3 German marques are racing each other as to whom can make the most meaningless autos that at the same time dilute the prestige of their brands.

I think BMW is ahead with the 1 series.
by jolz_24 #5, Posted: 5/1/2009

BMW 5 series GT
by saabfan #6, Posted: 5/1/2009

How else would you test a market if you don't build one. There are people out there who just want something unique like an A5 with 4 doors or a 911 with 4 doors.
by HECTOR #7, Posted: 5/1/2009

@ saabfan. Wise words to live by: just because you can doesn't mean you should.

An A5 with 4 doors is called an A6. A 911 with 4 doors is called an abortion of nature and also the Panamera (even the name is ugly).

Just because someone will buy it doesn't mean that these hallowed marques should lower themselves to building these cars.
by azlan #8, Posted: 5/2/2009

damn straight "HECTOR" especially in these times car companies build cars for the masses, all they want is to sell, frankly im sooo over that. i can see why audi, porsche etc are trying to be different but by the beauty of there cars it seems all passion is lost in producing amazing cars.(i have to say some audi cars have been good lately i love audi.. "r8" hehe) i juts hope and pray that alfa romeo dont slip into this also.
car companies are forgetting something very important. that its not how fast your going or how well the car goes around corners look at the new gtr its crazy fast but its honestly not that fun to drive... its the thrill and the pleasure to drive the car... thats something alfa doesnt forget. there cars arnt fast, they dont handle well but every little piece of the car is made to make you feel good!. i want more cars to pick up on that instead of falling into the common market in order to make money. sheeesh lol
by NoNameDenton #9, Posted: 5/3/2009

What is the point of this when they have the A7 coming, I know wagons are not stylish in America but rather have the A4 wagon then this
by solo84 #10, Posted: 5/9/2009

at least this one doesn't hurt you every time you look at it, a la BMW 5 GT.