Evolution, not revolution: Audi has embraced this maxim with almost religious zeal. The powers-that-be at Ingolstadt sure know something; then again, it’s become a cliché to say that every new model looks almost identical to its predecessor.
The 2016 A4 saloon and estate are completely new under the skin, but said skin, while different, looks eerily similar to the previous model.
As is evident from the new set of spy photos, the same will apply to the 2017MY A5 Coupe. Like the A4, it too will be built on the flexible MLB Evo platform that’s both lighter and stiffer than the old one and, like its four-door sister car, it will bear much resemblance to the first-gen model.
In this case, however, this is not such a bad thing. The first A5 Coupe had a very elegant yet sporty shape that, eight years after its launch, remains quite appealing.
The new one follows the same recipe. Its front end is a bit more aggressive than the A4’s, with larger headlights, bigger side air intakes and a bonnet that features more prominent creases, which, like the TT, start from the base of the A-pillar and finish on the new, hexagonal grille.
In contrast, the cabin is expected to be lifted straight from the B9 A4, with the new dashboard featuring a 12.3-inch TFT display in the instrument binnacle (optional on the base models) and an 8.3-inch one in the center console for the MMI multimedia system.
The 2.0-liter, 190PS TFSI four-cylinder that debuted on the A4 will be fitted to the A5 as well, but it remains to be seen which of the petrol and diesel engines that are available on the family car will make it to the Coupe.
What’s certain is that natural aspiration is out of the question, for both the S5 and the RS5, with the former to be powered by a supercharged V6. That’s all in the name of downsizing and lower CO2 emissions and although they won’t be short on power, the aural delight of the old n.a. 4.2-liter V8 will be missed.
Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoops
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