The Audi A5 luxury sports car was produced by the German automobile manufacturer Audi since 2007. The Audi A5 was unveiled simultaneously at the Geneva Motor Show and Melbourne International Motor Show on March 6, 2007. Audi bills the model as a grand tourer, to compete against the likes of the BMW E92 (BMW 3-Series coupé and convertible) and the Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class. The Audi A5 is the coupé variant of the fourth generation A4 (B8) sedan and estate that was launched at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show. The A5 marks Audi's return to the mid-size coupé market since the (B3/B4) Audi 80-based Coupe model ended production in 1996. The Mk 2 (B6/B7) A4 spawned a convertible variant but not a coupé; due to the introduction of the A5, the A4 Cabriolet was not retained for the B8 generation.
The A5 debuts the new Audi MLP platform (Modular Longitudinal Platform) which is planned to underpin the next generation A6 and A8. The platform is notable for its departure from Audi's trademark "overhung" engine mounting position over the front axle, in favour of the powertrain being located behind the front axle - in an effort to achieve a more even weight distribution (52:48) between the front and rear wheels. The A5 is the third coupe in Audi's line-up, next to the second-generation TT and the R8. The A5 has adopted many design elements of the Nuvolari quattro concept. The A5 debuted with the 3.2-liter FSI V6 engine delivering 265 PS (261 hp/195 kW).
Overall, the car received mixed reviews; while almost all critics praised its looks and build quality, the driving dynamics are still inferior when compared to the A5's biggest competitor, the BMW 3 Series. In 2009, Audi announced the S Tronic transmission option for A5 with 2.0L TFSI quattro in UK market.
