Official Pics: Audi A5/S5

[The Vanishing Boy]

-> I do personally like the A5, all they need to do is to introduce the juicy couple, S5 and RS5. After seeing the Bangled M3 from spy pics everywhere, looks like I'd rather get this one instead. (:

 

[Sage]

Sage, I'm gonna smack your face.

Sage hates busy interiors. Sage hates my current car.

I sense some animosity.

 

[skip0110]

I like it. The strong shoulder line actually reminds me of a big American coupe from the early 70s. It looks powerful and muscular but retains a certain sense of grace with the flowing lines. I like the rear treatment as well.

M

That sums it up very well. Funny that Audi has embodied the "coke-bottle" styling better than any of the American retro-cars has managed to.

 

[Tornado]

In Europe we have the Peugeot 407:

With that to compete against, nothing looks whalemouthed.

I dunno. We have the B9 Tribeca and Saturn VUE Red Line.
And the VUE even shares a eerily similar fate to the 406, as that too looked awesome before it was redone.

 

[1X83Z]

The distinctive "Bangle butt" isn't even something he created, but yet the entire automotive press "credits" him with its ugliness

In my view, the Bangle butt has been used on zero cars outside BMW products and I'm still waiting for someone to show me differently. Bangle invents the trash that goes on BMW products. I just hate how everyone is trying to show how his design themes are getting into other cars. They're just not.

And I see that Audi is doing nothing to repair the "squinty eyes - giant whalemouth" look of recent models.

I really think you're alone on this - I continuously hear nothing but good things about Audi products' styling. I personally think the present A4 is one of the most attractive German cars of all time.

 

[Tornado]

I really think you're alone on this - I continuously hear nothing but good things about Audi products' styling.

Come now. This:

vs this:

No contest.

 

[1X83Z]

You prefer the older one?

 

[Sage]

I certainly do. That second one looks like it’s 300 pounds heavier and accidentally put on too much mascara.

This…

… was one of the most gorgeous cars ever made. Every time I see one on the road, I think “Hot damn, I so wish I had one of those.”

On the other hand, this…

… is revolting. Oops, someone melted the old A4, then accidentally used it to cast the molds.

 

[exigeracer]

Sage - the A4 ceonvertible is another perfect example. Arguably the nicest desing on sale last generation, now this one is the pits. The exact same thing can be said about VW as well. Take a look at the mkIV Jetter and even Passat, and what has hapopened to them today. A shame, really.

 

[YSSMAN]

On the A5, I can't say that I'm overly enthusiastic about the car. It has a very potential look to it, while IMO the 3-series coupe looks more kenetic. The interior isn't all that stunning, the exterior looks good, but in the same ho-hum Audi way, I just can't say that I'm overly impressed.

Will it be a good car? Probably. Will it be better than the C-class? Maybe. Will it be better than the 3-series? Absolutely not.

I do like the new 3.0T TDI, and I'm pretty sure that the 3.2L VR6 model will be the big-seller here in the US. However, we've missed the important part:

Audi promises razor-sharp handling thanks to an engine placement behind the front wheels, resulting in better weight distribution than any existing Audi, aside from the mid-engine R8.

An Audi that could handle well that isn't in S, or RS trim? NO WAI!!!

Although, the S5 certainly looks upset:

Hmmm. Performance specs are needed, and I want a comparison test, NOW.

 

[///M-Spec]

In my view, the Bangle butt has been used on zero cars outside BMW products and I'm still waiting for someone to show me differently.

Here's a couple off the top of my head. Both Toyota products.

Here we have the original "pre-butt-lift" 745i. I added the red lines to highlight the key element of the Bangle Hiney. Instead blending the trunk into the rear of the car, the decklid has its a very strong character line that parallels the car's shoulder line. The finishing touch of course, is the visual isolation of the trunk, giving the rear end of the car a very slab-sided look.

Here we have a late '07 Camry, with a similar treatment. Notice how the shoulder line drops down into truck lid surround.

And here, to a lesser extent, we have a '07 LS470.

The thing about the Toyotas that make them nicer looking is instead of visually emphasizing the bulk of the trunk, the taillights mask it. When BMW left the tailights off the trunk on the 745, it simply made the trunk appear larger. The 6-Series also suffers from this styling element.

We can see BMW backpedal in the 2006 reskin. The current 7's rear has a much more integrated look.

...and giving credit where credit is due, here we have the car that probably inspired Herr Bangle's J-Lo.

I just hate how everyone is trying to show how his design themes are getting into other cars. They're just not.

Everyone? I'm the only person in this thread who did. And even then my first response was to say that the A5 reminded me of a 70s American coupe. The Bangle statement was just an off hand comment to give the bashers something to pick on.

You're really making a fuss over nothing. It's not like I went off on a rant about how Audi "stole" BMW styling cues or anything even remotely resembling that


M

 

[Pebb]

I already posted up a topic like this before this topic:

https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/showthread.php?t=91608

 

[1X83Z]

The finishing touch of course, is the visual isolation of the trunk, giving the rear end of the car a very slab-sided look.

Which in my view is Bangle's only unique styling trait. That, to me, is the "Bangle butt."

You're really making a fuss over nothing. It's not like I went off on a rant about how Audi "stole" BMW styling cues or anything even remotely resembling that

A fuss? This is the tenth sentence I've written about the subject. I think you're the one making the fuss - I simply told you how I felt; you're the one who made the huge post trying to affirm Bangle!

 

[///M-Spec]

Which in my view is Bangle's only unique styling trait. That, to me, is the "Bangle butt."

You can't have that part without the rest.

A fuss? This is the tenth sentence I've written about the subject. I think you're the one making the fuss - I simply told you how I felt; you're the one who made the huge post trying to affirm Bangle!

The fuss you made when you STARTED this whole tangent about Bangle and BMW fanboys and how you HATE it when people try to credit Bangle with starting design trends.

Do you really expect to give your opinion and not be encumbered with a sensible, detailed reply from the person whom you questioned?


M

 

[skip0110]

...and giving credit where credit is due, here we have the car that probably inspired Herr Bangle's J-Lo.

M

The original Bangle butt!

 

[exigeracer]

I think Volvo had it before Strutus - take a look.

 

[inferno]

I like it. it looks pretty good actualy, the first "horse collar grill" audi i can honestly say i've liked. i dont think it's the grill though... i think the rest of the fron end just looks awsome enough to cancel it out.

Now, within audi it'self where does this slot? is it like an "A4 coupe"? or an "A6 coupe"? or is it between them both? in which case i'd say it's an "A6 coupe" just a bit shorter like allot of coupe versions are.

[EDIT]
i love those old strati. the lines of the rear are one of the things i like about them the most. the older accords had similar butts too. (93-95 ish)

 

[Tornado]

You prefer the older one?

By far. In fact, the only current Audi that I can think of that doesn't look worse than the previous one is the A3 (the old one was a lumpy piece of crap) and the TT (which is about even with the former car).

Although, the S5 certainly looks upset:

From that angle the front end looks like it is perpendicular to the ground.

 

[TopHat]

The original Bangle butt!

That my friend, is the last good looking SeVille they ever made.

 

[harrytuttle]

Overall I don't mind the exterior of the car, its not ground-breaking, but its certainly not offensive.

I think it's just what an Audi should be: modern, but not post-modern or trendy. Well, not too trendy. I really like all the current Audi's; even the Q7 is acceptable (although not great, and definitely not what I'd expect from Audi). The details in isolation (front vs. rear lights, gigantic grille) look odd, but I think it works overall. It makes it hard to tell one from another, but that's always been a problem with Audi.

Bangle bashers: take note of concave/convex surfacing of the door panel.

Except that it actually looks good here. The BMW's push the curves too far, too extreme. This is much more subtle, much more "Audi".

In my view, the Bangle butt has been used on zero cars outside BMW products and I'm still waiting for someone to show me differently. Bangle invents the trash that goes on BMW products. I just hate how everyone is trying to show how his design themes are getting into other cars. They're just not.

Bangle has definitely pushed people to experiment with more curved surfaces, some of which conflict with each other. Every German manufacturer is doing it, as are many outside Germany. However, it seems that most have learned from Bangles mistakes (especially the trunklid), and are making mistakes of their own (new C-Class).

 

[Duke]

You prefer the older one?

Actually, in the pictures he showed at first, the new one looks as good as it's ever going to. That's because he picked dark grey cars, which happen to downplay the dark grille/maw and blend with the color of the ineffective horizontal band propping up the front license plate.

Look at them in a bright color - red, or silver even - and it becomes immediately obvious that some of the best looking German sedans of all time (all previous-gen A series Audis) have been massively screwed up by that waaaaaay-overscaled gaping maw.

If I bought a new RS4 in Nogaro Blue, or the red, or whatever, I wouldn't take delivery of it until I'd had the body shop spray that dark grey horizontal band to match the bodywork. That would instantly improve the looks 1000% at least.

[edit] Looks like I'm not the only one who dislikes the new Audi styling.

That thing is just disgusting. There is not one shred of attractiveness in the front of that car, even accounting for the angle. Absolutely nothing here is in proportion, or pleasingly shaped, or anything. It's as if they set out to make something lumpy, ugly, and awkward on purpose.

 

[1X83Z]

You can't have that part without the rest.

Strongly disagree. That is the only unique thing about Bangle's design. Everything else is been there, done that, and you'll note that no one else is dumb enough to copy Bangle's stupid trunk.

The fuss you made when you STARTED this whole tangent about Bangle and BMW fanboys and how you HATE it when people try to credit Bangle with starting design trends.

Fuss? I'd go back and re-read.

Do you really expect to give your opinion and not be encumbered with a sensible, detailed reply from the person whom you questioned?

Did I say that? Clearly not.

By far.

Crazy! The old one is nice, but it's become dated. Admittedly, the 1996-2001 Audi A4 is a spectacular design, but it was admirably replaced by the 2002-2004 and 2005-present A4. As for the A6s, I feel like Audi's design evolution has done really well.

Look at them in a bright color - red, or silver even - and it becomes immediately obvious that some of the best looking German sedans of all time (all previous-gen A series Audis) have been massively screwed up by that waaaaaay-overscaled gaping maw.

I just disagree. Personal taste I guess, but if I were to state the least-offensive German brand, it'd be Audi. And I'm a huge Mercedes fan.

 

[Philly]

I just disagree. Personal taste I guess, but if I were to state the least-offensive German brand, it'd be Audi. And I'm a huge Mercedes fan.

AMEN I would also say that Audi has some of the best looking cars out there.

 

[Pupik]

Er, 4500rpm redline? It's a diesel, alright.

To me, it doesn't look bad, but it's nothing worth drooling over. I can't think of any 2-door made from an existing 4-door design that ever set my pulse into race mode.

 

[Sakiale]

Hmm... A German Camaro. I quite like it, save the headlights & grille. However, as with the Mercedes SL, I'm sure it'll just look another boring generic luxury sedan, as the SL no longer strikes me as interesting.

And the Q7? Looks like a bloody bus.

Duke: I completely agree.

 

[Mt. Lynx]

I knew the A5 would turn out nice! I like every bit of it, including the interior.

I also must say that in the comparison Toronado made with the A4´s, the newer one was an S4, wich actually has an even more pronounced grille than the original A4.

 

[///M-Spec]

Strongly disagree. That is the only unique thing about Bangle's design. Everything else is been there, done that,

I guess I'll just have to manage to sleep at night if we don't find anything to agree on.

...and you'll note that no one else is dumb enough to copy Bangle's stupid trunk.

I walk by a 2007 Camry in the parking lot everyday to work. I get to see the trunk from all different angles, in all sorts of lighting conditions. It has a Bangle Butt. It isn't as overt a statement as on the 7 or 6, but it's there. You can try to hide it with a fluffy skirt like Toyota (and later BMW) did, but it's still there under the fabric.

Fuss? I'd go back and re-read.

Did I say that? Clearly not.

Don't play games with me, dude. You took issue with a comment I made and even compared my thinking to that of a fanboy (real nice reveal btw, ad hominem attacks always reek of insecurity).

Now that I've told you that your comment was out of line given the context of my post, you wanna play innocent. 👎 Fail.


M

 

[YSSMAN]

Hmm... A German Camaro.

Ha! I figured it would be coming!

...Camaro is still a million times better, and its not even out yet...

(lol)

 

[Philly]

Ha! I figured it would be coming!

...Camaro is still a million times better, and its not even out yet...

(lol)

Hmm. See Veyron vs. S7TT debate. This would turn out very similar.

 

[1X83Z]

I walk by a 2007 Camry in the parking lot everyday to work. I get to see the trunk from all different angles, in all sorts of lighting conditions. It has a Bangle Butt.

Okay, I'll finally play ball because the BMW love has become absurd. It was bad enough when you were the only one but now Duke's got one and it's become scary. According to you, these are the two characteristics of Chris Bangle's rear end design:

Instead blending the trunk into the rear of the car, the decklid has its a very strong character line that parallels the car's shoulder line.

The finishing touch of course, is the visual isolation of the trunk, giving the rear end of the car a very slab-sided look.

You know, it's kind of odd - I sort of remember that from somewhere:

According to you, that has every single aspect of the Bangle Butt. The trunk has a very strong character line that parallels the car's shoulder line, and the trunk is visually isolated from the taillights, albeit not in ths disgusting manner that Chris Bangle in which managed to **** it up. And the Volvo S60 shown came out in ... 2001. That happens to predate all of Bangle's incredibly crappy designs.

And on the subject of Bangle's crappy designs, know which car decidedly does not have a Bangle Butt?

That's right - no character line and no trunk isolation. In other words, even though according to you everyone and his sister are copying Bangle, Bangle himself isn't even on board with the crap he produces. And before you say that the new 3-series does have a slight Bangle Butt, you're wrong there too. EVERY SINGLE SEDAN MADE IN THE LAST DECADE runs a line from the window to the trunk, and most of them isolate the trunk from the taillights. Bangle just did it in a more pronounced manner, but you'll notice that while Bangle was getting criticized for his absurdly disgusting designs, Volvo was getting praised for their gorgeous ones. Bangle Butt? The credit goes to the Swedes.

Now that I've told you that your comment was out of line given the context of my post, you wanna play innocent. 👎 Fail.

Um.