For the record, the A5 Sportback is not the mysterious car that Audi promised in April would make its debut at its anniversary celebration.
"Indeed this car [the A5 Sportback] will be one of two models introduced at our 100-year celebration tomorrow [Thursday]," said Audi spokesman Christian Bokich in response to an e-mailed query from Inside Line on Wednesday.
The world premiere of the unnamed Audi model is designed to be the centerpiece of an elaborate four-day celebration highlighted by such events as an appearance by German Chancellor Angela Merkel and the unveiling of a giant Audi TT sculpture here that the automaker said serves as a "new landmark."
The four-passenger Audi A5 Sportback will roll into European dealerships in September, starting at the U.S. equivalent of $47,441. "A further, specially priced model to follow in 2010 will make the A5 Sportback the entry-level model in the A5 model series," Audi said in a statement.
The automaker describes the Sportback as a blend of "the best of various vehicle genres," including a coupe, a sedan and a station wagon.
Audi said it will initially offer three turbocharged gasoline and three turbocharged TDI engines on the Sportback "with three more engines to follow by mid-2010." They include a 180-horsepower 2.0-liter TFSI engine and a 265-hp 3.2-liter V6. Diesel offerings include a 170-hp 2.0 TDI and a 190-hp 2.7-liter TDI. Depending on the engine, the transmission choices include manual, Multitronic or seven-speed S tronic.
Options include Audi drive select dynamic control system, adaptive shock absorber control, dynamic steering and a sport differential.
Inside Line says: We'll have to admire the A5 Sportback from afar, since the Germans apparently haven't yet made the business case to bring it to these parts. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
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