AUDI is set to revive its long lamented Coupe model this summer with the slippery shaped, all-new four-seater A5 and its quattro driven sibling the S5.

The elegant two-door body transports Audi into territory last populated by the brand with the 80-based Coupe of 1989 but more significantly it is the first model in the Audi family to use the new platform that will eventually underpin the next generation A4 saloon and Avant.

Prime among its technical features is a radically different suspension arrangement that is the first to feature not only a new five-link front set up, but also a new layout that positions the front axle further forward, permitting shorter overhangs and much improved axle load distribution for enhanced balance and handling neutrality.

The rack-and-pinion power assisted steering has also been both completely re-engineered, and repositioned ahead of the front axle closer to the wheel centre line to provide an even more direct feel and improved response.

At the rear, completely re-engineered trapezoidal link suspension plays its part in delivering sports handling and in quattro versions it uses the latest generation rear-biased system with 40/60 front-to-rear torque split.

The first phase of UK models (with longitudinally mounted engines) will feature a new generation 3.2-litre FSI V6 petrol unit with 265bhp which is capable of achieving 32.7mpg on the combined cycle while powering the A5 quattro to 62mph in 6.1 seconds before the electronic governor cuts in at 155mph.

Two V6 TDI engines available at launch are both derived from the advanced common rail, piezo-injected units powering A4 and A6 models, but in the A5 the outputs of the 2.7-litre and 3.0-litre units have increased to 190bhp and 240bhp respectively.

The A5 2.7 TDI can accelerate from rest to 62mph in 7.6 seconds and reach a maximum speed of 144mph, while at the same time returning up to 42.1mpg, and the A5 3.0 TDI quattro reduces the acceleration time to just 5.9 seconds and increases the maximum speed to 155mph with up to 39.2mpg (combined cycle).

A 354bhp 4.2-litre V8 FSI petrol engine is reserved for the Audi S5 quattro and powers the new flagship to 62mph from rest in 5.1 seconds on the way to a top speed of 155mph.

True to Audi S quattro series form, specially adapted sports suspension and enhanced high performance brakes with black painted calipers safely contain the V8's muscle.

The S5 has a more pronounced bootlid spoiler, a dual branch, four-pipe exhaust system and exclusive 19-inch alloy wheels plus headlights which feature LED strip daytime running lights A six-speed, close ratio manual gearbox is fitted as standard to all A5 models, and also to the S5 quattro, and for front-wheel-drive versions there will be the option of a new version of the acclaimed Audi multitronic continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).

Inside, A5 and S5 models combine space for four adults with up to 455 litres of luggage space in the metre-wide load bay, which is further expandable by releasing the split/folding rear seat back rest.

Options will include a panoramic electric sunroof, a Bang & Olufsen audio system delivering 500 watts of music power via 14-speakers, the Audi Parking System Advanced with rear-mounted camera and Adaptive Light swivelling headlights for improved corner illumination.

A DVD satellite navigation option is also offered in conjunction with a new, even more intuitive version of the already acclaimed Multi Media Interface (MMI) controlling the car's infotainment systems.