The pictures may show a four-door Audi A6, but underneath that familiar saloon body is an all-new platform and chassis, which will first be used for a two-door coupe. This chassis will form the basis of the next-generation A4 and A6 ranges - the next A4 is scheduled for launch in autumn 2008, for the 2009 model-year.
However, first up on the new underpinnings will be the A5, a coupe to be positioned (as its name indicates) between the A4 and A6 ranges in price and size. The A5's styling will be influenced by that of the Nuvolari concept car - also reflected in the proposals for the next-generation TT, as seen in the Shooting Brake prototype.
It will be a roomy four-seater, intended to rival the Mercedes-Benz CLK and BMW 3-Series coupes. It is expected to be launched in late 2007; a year later, a soft-top cabriolet version with cloth hood will replace the current A4 cabrio.
The A5 is to have a Volkswagen sister model on the same platform, to slot in between the Passat and Phaeton ranges and to make its debut at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show. This may be larger, and could even have four doors: it's intended to be Volkswagen's answer to the Mercedes-Benz CLS and even Porsche Panamera.
Audi A5 shots
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