The bogus 2015 Audi A5 DTM Selection

Although this year's DTM titles have yet to be decided, Audi has already gone ahead and created the A5 DTM Selection. This limited edition is supposed to “reveal the two-door coupé's connections with the race version”.

Except it really doesn't. For instance, the cars that compete in the DTM feature a petrol-powered 4.0 litre V8 engine and rear-wheel drive. Conversely the road-going A5 DTM Selection has been burdened with a 241 bhp (180 kW / 245 PS) 3.0 litre V6 diesel unit, a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission and quattro all-wheel drive.

Audi A5 Coupé DTM Selection (2015) Front SideAudi A5 Coupé DTM Selection (2015) Interior 1

Unfortunately the looks aren't up to much, either. While the Misano Red paintwork and titanium-finished 20” wheels are smart enough, the various decals seem to sit awkwardly between 'subtle' and 'outrageous'. Bodywork changes are limited to black sill extensions, a meagre rear lip spoiler and different front-bumper intake grilles.

At least the inside gains a pair of more supportive sports seats borrowed from the RS 5. Their rear panels – along with several cabin trim pieces – are coloured red to match the exterior (something that anybody sat in the back might not appreciate staring at for a long time).

Audi A5 Coupé DTM Selection (2015) Interior 2Audi A5 Coupé DTM Selection (2015) Rear Side

Sadly, the A5 DTM Selection typifies the kind of special edition that some manufacturers allow their marketing departments to cynically throw together.

Thankfully just fifty examples are being built and availability is restricted to Germany. Each carries a preposterous price tag of €74,540.

Related posts:
2016 Audi R8 LMS now available to order
Audi RS 7 Sportback updated for 2015
Audi A5 DTM Champion limited edition

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts:

Saab 9-3 Aero Carlsson

Image
Saab has got experience of producing special editions in honour of rally driver Erik Carlsson, having previously named versions of the 900 and 9000 after him during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Now it has decided to do it again, this time to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the Swedish driver’s first win in Britain’s RAC Rally, which was achieved at the wheel of a Saab 96. Thankfully, the company has resisted the urge to just bung some fancy alloys and a few other extra bits onto something like a mid-range diesel model. Instead, it appears to have resurrected the limited edition Turbo X from a couple of years ago, as the new edition similarly features a turbocharged 2.8 litre petrol V6, Saab’s XWD all-wheel drive system and a six-speed automatic gearbox. The result is the 9-3 Aero Carlsson saloon, which turns out to be a very rapid car. With 276 bhp (205 kW / 280 PS) and a healthy 400 Nm of torque, the 0-60 mph (96 km/h) dash takes just 6.9 seconds. But it’s in the mid-range t...
Read more

American spec Fiat 500

Image
Fiat has released the first details and images of the North American specification 500. The tiny city car will be available in Pop, Lounge and Sport trim levels, and is distinguished from the European version by its more aggressive front and rear bumpers, bigger grille and flared sills. Another unique feature is the engine. Fiat has decided to use the 1.4 MultiAir unit currently found in models such as the Fiat Punto Evo and Alfa Romeo MiTo. Perhaps it felt that using the forthcoming two-cylinder TwinAir in the American 500 would have been too much for markets there to take? There’s no word yet on what power output the MultiAir will have, although in its current applications it comes with either 103 bhp (77 kW / 105 PS), 133 bhp (99 kW / 135 PS) or 167 bhp (125 kW / 170 PS). Similarly, prices have yet to be confirmed, but hopefully both details will have been sorted out by the time the order book for the 500 hatch opens later this year. For convertible fans, the 500C is due ...
Read more

i10 N Line versus the Up! GTI

Image
Hyundai has confirmed specifications and pricing for its sporty i10 N Line. This new variant – which arrives at dealers later this month – benefits from some cosmetic tweaks, unique suspension components and a more powerful 1.0 litre T-GDi turbocharged petrol engine.
Read more