2017 Audi A5 spy photos

From what we can see here, the new Audi A5 won't mark a radical departure from the template laid out by the current-generation vehicle.

Underneath the skin the new A5 will use pieces from the Volkswagen Group's latest MLB component set for longitudinal engine front- and all-wheel drive vehicles. The latest-generation "platform" has been dubbed MLB Evo and made its official debut beneath the new Q7 crossover.

It's expected that the next-generation A5 will employ a mix of lightweight high-strength steel and aluminium in order to boost body rigidity and lower overall weight. Rumours indicate that the new car will tip the scales at around 90 to 110 kilograms lighter than today's model.

As before, the A5 coupe will spawn a convertible variant and a five-door Sportback model. There will also be faster and more sharply focussed S5 and RS5 models.

It almost goes without saying that the new car will be powered by a range of turbocharged petrol and diesel engines, with all-wheel drive an option down the range, and standard on higher performance models.

Production is tipped to begin some time in the third quarter of 2016 with sales, at least in Europe, commencing not long after that.

The closely related A4 range will debut later this year. You can check out spy photos of the sedan and wagon here.