Can you imagine, I went through 29 pages of some of the most interesting points of view ever posted on this site...
Imagine, some of the most ardent of Audi enthusiasts denouncing a new Audi coupé as being a step in the wrong direction! Furthermore, a selection of our most educated and informed members have levelled harsh criticism at the A5's lack of originality, its lack of design cohesion and - somewhat perplexingly - that it looks like a hatchback. Another vein of discussion centres around the fact that the Nuvolari looks better and would do more justice to enhancing Audi's image that this rather more conventional new coupé.
Perhaps I'm getting old, or maybe I don't participate enough here but what on Earth have I missed? The Nuvolari was a concept car - period. It would never have made a viable production car, especially not now in 2007. That whole Bauhaus-bubble TT-esque thing is an era gone by. The 3er Coupé was similarly criticised for being too conservative when it first emerged and now it’s fondly regarded here. Audi like BMW realised that futuristic, challenging designs do not sell in the conservatively orientated small coupé market, demographics show that the buyers of such cars want something that is instantly inoffensive, elegant and subtle. The Nuvolari has none of these attributes in my opinion. It’s inwardly tapering C-pillar by way of example is sooo 1990’s as is the turret-like effect of the domed roof and glasshouse mounted “on top” of the main bodywork. The styling elements that comprise the shape of the A5 – the flow of the roofline, the curve of the swage-line, the robust and macho looking C-pillar as well as the pert yet bulky looking tail – are far better integrated than on the Nuvolari.
Consumers are going to fall all over themselves for this new A5. If keenly priced then it’ll be a good seller and a new fly-in-the-ointment for the established 3er Coupé and CLK. I feel that this car is
exactly what consumers in the A5’s target market want. I really like the look of the car in profile: that slightly heavy rear quarter together with the bold C-pillar and truncated boot lid evokes images of bold designs from Zagato such as the Alfa SZ and early 80’s Vantages. The frontal aspect is generic Audi fare – but isn’t that what brand identity is all about? Granted, I concede that there’s a pervasive sense of dé ja vue with the Continental GT similarities but then again, I’ve never heard anyone say that that is an ugly car. In fact, I reckon the similarities may garner favour among buyers who admire the ContiGT but aren’t necessarily in a position to afford one. Originality, admittedly, is not this car’s strongpoint but then again, truly original and ground breaking coupes are a rare event.
Coupés need to be smooth, sophisticated, elegant and beautiful. The Audi A5 can lay claim to all of these attributes.
I’m not disagreeing with those members who consider this car less than Audi’s best – your opinions and points-of-view as put across in this thread have been remarkably insightful and I’m richer for having learnt from them.
I just think the A5 is a smash hit that’s all…
Look forward to the continued discussion.
, are you kidding martinbo, The Artist and Merc1 virtually projectile vomit at the mere mention of the Continental GT.
What I should've said is that being next to someone in real life observing a ContiGT, I have never heard a derogatory comment about the car. It is rather pretty. Despite the disdain that I, or Artist or Marcus may have for it. (sshhhh - don't tell anyone but it's a real "Yannis" car...
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