Audi’s new A5 coupe will be unveiled at the Geneva show in February, according to a senior company source. The A5 is the first car based on Audi’s new corporate platform, which promises to deliver definitively better ride and handling than the current line-up.
Our source also revealed that the new chassis can be tuned to deliver either understeer, neutral handling or oversteer. "Our research revealed that the majority of drivers prefer understeer at the limit, but the A5 chassis can also be tuned for more expert drivers," they said.
Audi’s current transmission layout – with the engine positioned longways ahead of the front axle – results in nose-heavy weight distribution. This can compromise the steering response and ride control.
The new platform is dubbed MLP, which stands for Modular Platform for longitudinally mounted engines. It is flexible enough to be used under the future A4, A6 and A8 and other spin-off models such as the A5.
Hilton Holloway
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