Audi plops more engines into A5 coupe

Newswheel staff :: 14 August 2007 :: Filed under Coupe, Audi, Audi A5

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Cheaper V6 petrol and diesel models rock up

The jury is still out on whether the new A5 coupe is too understated for its own good. But in the meantime, Audi is fleshing out the range with a few cheaper engine options in the form of a 2.7-litre turbo diesel and a 3.2-litre petrol V6…

Power outputs for the new engines clock in at 187bhp and 261bhp respectively. The oil burning lump also cranks out a useful 295lb/ft of torque. Performance figures are 7.6 seconds to 62mph for the 2.7 TDI and 6.6 seconds for the 3.2-litre FSI petrol six.

Straight line speed aside, it should be interesting to see just how well the petrol V6 model handles. Audi has been making a fuss over the weight distribution improvements delivered by the B8 chassis that underpins the A5.  The front axle line has been pushed forward in an effort to remedy the nose-heavy handling that results from Audi’s refusal to drop its traditional longitudinal front-drive layout.

Early reports from the driving the V8-powered S5 and relatively heavy 3.0 TDI models were rather mixed. Perhaps the lighter V6 petrol lump will allow the A5 to be the light-footed handler we’ve all been waiting for. Certainly in front-wheel drive form, rather than all-wheel Quattro, the 3.2 is the lightest in the A5 range.

As for pricing, the 3.2 FSI kicks off at £33,230 OTR while the bargain basement 2.7 TDI is yours for a piffling £31,460, again OTR.