AudiWorld Forums - Audi Plans A5 Grand Tourer Based on Nuvolari Concept

<center><img src="http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com/media/il/news/2005/1117/audia5.500.jpg"></center><p>INGOLSTADT, Germany -- Audi is to launch an A4-based coupe in 2007, with styling based on the Nuvolari concept of 2003.

The four-seater will be aimed as a rival to the BMW 3 Series coupe and Mercedes-Benz CLK and will be an additional model to the smaller, performance-oriented new TT 2+2. A new TT is due next year.

According to a report in Autocar magazine, the coupe will be badged A5, and there will be a top-line RS5 version to rival the BMW M3, powered by Audi's 4.2-liter, 420-horsepower V8 and quattro four-wheel drive -- essentially a revival of the famous Audi quattro of the 1980s.

The car will be of unitary construction, made of steel, unlike the aluminum space-frame Nuvolari, and it will use mechanical elements from the A4 and A6. Engines available will include 150-hp normally aspirated and 197-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter, four-cylinder gasoline power plants, both four-pot engines, plus a 255-hp, 3.2-liter V6, as well as diesel versions.

A soft-top cabriolet version with a canvas roof will replace the current A4 cabrio in 2008. The new A4 range will also be unveiled late in 2008.

What this means to you: A grand tourer to rival the BMW 3 Series coupe and Mercedes-Benz CLK has been missing from the Audi lineup for many years, so this will be a welcome addition.