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From YourSITE.com Audi News SUBJECT: Audi A5 Sportback
Fourtitude's own sources at Audi say that such a specialty body style is entirely due to the flexibility afforded to Audi through the use of its modular longitudinal platform (MLB) architecture. The revolutionary platform makes body style differentiation more affordable, and the fastback 5-door configuration similar to the C2 Audi 200 Avant are one way that Audi can maximize on its heritage and differentiate itself from its luxury market competitors. Thanks to MLB, the A5 Sportback will be slightly wider than the A4, just like the A5 on which it's based. However, the Sportback will match the longer wheelbase of the A4. Our own sources confirm A5 Sportback and S5 Sportback variants. No surprise, S5 versions will use the 3.0T supercharged V6 used in the S5 cabriolet - the same engine the S5 coupe will also use from the 2011 model year when the car is due for a freshening. Our contacts told us that an RS 5 Sportback has not been planned. Audi's trademark bulged fenders would make a difficult sell for such a niche vehicle as all-new rear quarter panels and door skins would need to be designed.
Other rumors in the media have suggested an RS 5 Sportback could go back to the RS performance directive pioneered by the RS 2 where Porsche develops the performance bump and Porsche-inspired styling upgrades are also applied. One of our sources suggested this rumor has no basis. While it sounds intriguing and Porsche is effectively the new corporate owner of Audi, it just doesn't make much sense. Stuttgart could have developed a tuned 3.0T as the engine is set for use in the Cayenne and was in favorable position for the rumored-to-be-cancelled baby Cayenne known as the Roxster, it still doesn't quite add up. Just out of curiosity, we did create a Porsche-inspired RS 5 mockup for use with this Intel Report, but that sells us even less on the idea. As one can see by looking at the image, an Porschefied RS 5 Sportback would be painfully close to the Panamera in appearance. Were Porsche to want back into the Audi RS product development process, our guess is that they'd want a vehicle that wouldn't be so close in configuration to their own cars... say an RS 4 Avant or an RS 6 Avant. Needless to say, we're not giving much weight to the Porsche-RS 5 Sportback rumor. CHANCES FOR NORTH AMERICAN SALES: Don't count on it. Europe loves Avants. 5-door configurations play well in the EU where they're often misunderstood in the USA. If the A4 Avant has a hard time finding a market, the A5 Sportback may find it even harder.
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