Audi's new coupe is cool

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Models, Pricing & Equipment

The 2008 Audi A5 comes in one version, with a base price of $40,675 including the $775 destination charge. The only Audi A5 engine is a 3.2-liter V-6 with direct fuel injection that's good for 265 hp and 243 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission or, if you prefer and have an extra $1,300 lying around – a six-speed automatic with Tiptronic manual control. Regardless of the transmission you choose, power is routed to all four wheels through Audi's quattro all-wheel drive system. Note that, despite the direct injection, Audi's V-6 trails the BMW 335i's engine by 35 horsepower and 57 lb.-ft. of torque, yet the automatic version weighs less than the Audi by nearly 200 pounds.

One interesting mechanical feature of the Audi A5 is the placement of the front differential between the engine and the clutch (or torque converter), rather than behind them as it has in the past. This pushes the front axle forward by nearly 5 inches, helping to balance the weight of the car and cure some of the nose-heavy handling characteristics that have plagued previous Audi cars.

Most of the desirable Audi A5 options are bundled into packages, as is the practice among most automakers these days. The Navigation Plus package includes Audi's MMI interface and costs $2,390; a $1,850 Premium Package adds Xenon headlights, LED running lamps under the headlights (they give the A5 a signature look), heated seats with memory for the driver's side, and a few other goodies; and a Technology Package adds a rear parking system with a rearview camera, adaptive headlights and a high-tech key for $1,700. You can also get the $2,900 Audi A5 S line package, which ups the ante with stiffer springs, 19-inch Y-design wheels (available separately for $900), different front and rear bumpers, and various S line badges strewn on the exterior and interior. A Bang & Olufsen sound system adds another $850 to the bottom line.

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Test Drive: 2008 Audi A5 Coupe 3.2 quattro