New lightweight Audi A5 planned for 2016

By Nick Jaynes March 13, 2013

2016 Audi A5 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

The Audi A5 has had a pretty good run.

First launched in 2007, the A5 has undergone few changes in its six-year run. With three more years still on its life, Audi plans to squeeze as many sales from the A5 as it can muster.

In late 2016, Audi will roll out the latest iteration of its mid-size two-door luxury coupe. This time Audi is aiming for lighter weight, with the car losing more than 220 pounds, according to Automobile. With an optional “Ultra” pack, more weight will be trimmed with lightweight bits under the hood like a compact A/C compressor and alternator. Additionally, Audi will bolt on lightweight wheels with hollow spokes and some aluminum body panels.

As for tech, Audi will add a new MMI infotainment system controlled by a touch-pad.

Under the hood, the A5 gets a bit more exciting with four engines options along with S5 and RS5 variants planned.

2016 Audi A5 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Under the hood, buyers will find two 2.0-liter four-cylinder TFSI gasoline engines, one producing 175 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque and the other producing 222 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.

From there, customers can step up to a 2.0-liter TDI diesel engine producing 197 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. At the top of the regular A5 range will be a 3.0-liter TDI diesel engine pumping out 272 horsepower and a massive 442 pound-feet of torque.

Automobile is also reporting that Audi could place its plug-in hybrid e-tron technology inside the A5, as it plans to do for the 2014 A4. While performance would drop a bit, the e-tron would allow for a 30-mile electric only range. Whether that drivetrain would come to the U.S., however, is unclear. We asked an Audi representative for more information on the A5, but we were told that Audi “cannot comment on future product or speculation.”

We love the A5 and its high-performance S5 and RS5 variants. We can’t wait for a bit more modern offerings, though. As BMW pushes forward the 4 Series and Mercedes the C-Class, we anticipate a three-way brawl for German luxury coupe supremacy very soon.

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Nick Jaynes is the Automotive Editor for Digital Trends. He developed a passion for writing about cars working his way…

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