With the expansion of its model range, AUDI AG is beginning to restructure the naming of its vehicles. The numbers in the names of electric and combustion-engine models are the differentiator. Going forward, even numbers stand for electrically powered models, and odd numbers for vehicles with combustion engines. With the debut of the latest generation, the Audi A4, a long-standing bestseller, will be re-named the Audi A5. These will be the first models launched on the Premium Platform Combustion (PPC).
Greg Leet, General Manager of Audi New Zealand says this is an exciting new chapter for Audi.
“With the expansion of our all-electric portfolio, we are also launching a new generation of models with efficient combustion engines. The Audi A5 family, with its athletic design and completely new interior, will be the first. This range has always been a fan favourite here in New Zealand, particularly the Avant, and we are looking forward to relaunching it."
Even at first glance, the completely redesigned A5 family has a powerful and clean design. The modified proportions with a long wheelbase, large wheels and the low, sporty body embody progressive dynamism and premium standards.
In the Avant, the dynamic, taut roofline merges into a seamlessly integrated roof spoiler that spans the sporty, flat rear window. The D-pillars, which are steeply raked, emphasise the dynamic side view of the A5 Avant.
The front is dominated by the wide and significantly flatter proportioned Singleframe with a three-dimensional honeycomb structure. Together with the slim and precisely drawn headlights, it shapes the face of the vehicle
and gives it a striking and focused expression. Thanks to the “soft nose” integrated into the bumper, the hood is flush with the front end. The blisters protruding powerfully from the shoulder area at the front and rear wheels are reminiscent of the Audi Ur quattro and a core element of the Audi design DNA.
The Audi A5 family offers digital daytime running lights with LED technology at the front and second-generation digital OLED rear lights at the rear. With around 60 segments per digital OLED panel, they are increasingly becoming a display at the rear of the vehicle on the A5. This enables car-to-x communication and increases safety on the road.
The new operating concept of the Audi A5 family increases interaction with the vehicle thanks to the E³ electronic architecture. The slim, free-standing Audi MMI panoramic display has a curved design and uses OLED technology. It consists of the Audi virtual cockpit with a 11.9-inch visible screen diagonal and the 14.5-inch MMI touch display. Audi complements the digital stage for the front passengers with the optional 10.9-inch MMI front passenger display, which is perfectly integrated into the dashboard design. The new A5 has a configurable head-up display that has been further developed compared to its predecessor. For the first time, drivers now have the option of controlling vehicle and infotainment functions via the head-up display.
The new MHEV plus system based on a 48-volt on-board electrical system supports the combustion engine and reduces CO2 emissions while increasing performance. The powertrain generator (PTG) enables partially electric driving that contributes to a reduction in fuel consumption.
The PTG can also add up to 18 kW (24 PS) of electric power to the output of the combustion engine. When decelerating, the PTG feeds energy back into the battery (recuperation) at up to 25 kW. As a result, purely electric manoeuvring and parking are possible to a limited extent. Thanks to the option of using an electric air conditioning compressor, the air conditioning system can also be operated when the vehicle is stopped at traffic lights and the combustion engine is switched off.
With the integrated and blending-capable brake control system (iBRS), the brake pedal and the brake hydraulics can be completely decoupled.
Audi is opening the next chapter in its successful history in the mid-size segment with the new A5 family. Further details on the New Zealand launch, including which models will be available, are yet to be confirmed.
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