The official Audi A5/S5 launch letter for dealers:

[Airmoss18]

Audi of America, Inc. February 27, 2007 3800 Hamlin Road Auburn Hills, MI 48326 el. 248/754-5000 TAttention Audi Dealer Principals, General Managers, Sales Managers & Service Managers The All-New 2008 Audi A5 and S5 Indulge the Senses Audi's assault in the performance luxury sector continues. Introducing the all-new 2008 Audi A5 and S5 -- successfully combining the acclaimed Audi design language with thrilling dynamic driving performance. With the all-new 2008 Audi A5 and S5, Audi enters the emotionally charged Coupe market segment with perfect proportion, superior handling, with the lowest and widest stance amongst its competitors, and the leading luxury class equipment offering. In 2003, the Nuvolari quattro concept car gave a first taste of this expertly styled Coupe. Many elements from the Nuvolari have been adopted in the all-new Audi A5 and S5. The sporty silhouette and precisely drawn lines create an irresistible design statement. Strength with elegance, power with control, balanced beautifully to provide customers with the emotional driving experience as Audi masterfully indulges the senses. Two robust engines will be available to power the new range of Audi A5 and S5 models. The A5 will have a 3.2 liter 265 hp six-cylinder engine featuring race-bred FSI® direct injection, and the S5 will have a 4.2 liter 350 hp V8 FSI engine capable of accelerating from zero to 62 mph in 5.1 seconds (European data). Both engines will launch with manual transmissions only, with automatic versions to come approximately four months after launch on the V6 A5, and six months after the launch of the V8 S5. All-new 2008 Audi TT Coupe North American Debut 12 Key Design and Technical Features of the All-new 2008 Audi A5 * Short overhang * Large wheels * Wide track * Large and deep cupholders in the center console and side door trim * 3.2 6-cylinder FSI engine, 265 hp with 243 lb-ft. torque * High-strength steel with aluminum front fenders and hood * quattro all-wheel drive, rear-biased (40:60) * 3-spoke multifunction steering wheel with new aluminum accents * Driver-oriented cockpit * Standard 18-inch wheels (Europe has 17" standard) * New generation rack-and-pinion steering * New 5-link front suspension for maximum control * Highest degrees of agility and driving comfort * Large brakes for high performance * Panorama tilting sunroof * 3-zone climate control * Electromechanical parking brake * Large rear storage, wide enough to fit golf bags positioned sideways Key Optional Equipment includes: * Bi-Xenon with adaptive front lighting, including distinctive LED daytime running lights * Auto dimming & heated exterior mirrors * Audi parking system with rear-view camera * Advanced keyless entry * Memory for driver's seat and exterior mirrors * S line package including 19" wheels and interior/exterior differentiation * 19" wheel upgrade option * Audi DVD Navigation with color screen * Bang & Olufsen premium sound system with 500 watts and 14 speakers * Premium leather seats All-new 2008 Audi A5 and S5 Dealer Launch Communication 12 Key External and Technical Features of the All-new 2008 Audi S5 (above A5) * 4.2 V8 FSI engine, 350 hp with 325 lb-ft. torque * 3-spoke multifunction steering wheel with new aluminum accents and S5 badge * Bi-Xenon with adaptive front lighting, including distinctive LED daytime running lights * Interior auto-dimming rear-view mirror with integrated compass * Standard 19-inch S5 design wheels (Europe has 18" standard) * S5 brakes and calipers for maximum performance * S5 tuned suspension * S5 design sport seats, including Alcantara seating inserts as a no-cost option * Driver oriented S5-specific cockpit The World Wide Debut of this exciting new Coupe will be at the Geneva Auto Show, March 6. The North American debut will be at the New York Auto Show, the first week of April. Pricing and final equipment will be announced later in 2007. The all-new Audi A5 and S5 Coupe will launch simultaneously and arrive at U.S. dealerships for customer delivery in late fall 2007. If you have any questions or require additional information, please contact me at ...

[PR0XUS]

[chewym]

I am thinking that the automatic will definitely be a DSG gearbox, considering the amount of automatics sold in US.

[IwantAnS5]

yes, that sucks. I expected it, but was really really hoping we would be surprised.

[tboned]

[chris90]

really bad news i was hoping to pick up an s5 auto by december in NA now i guess i have to get a cayman in august

[AnimaTTor]

...the TT took almost a year to reach North American dealers after its debut.

This A5 will take just over half that time.

I'll wait for the model's second year to pick one up; which will make it a 2009 S5.

[B.S.Rick]

[TT31]

[zerinS4]