On the market since 2007, the Audi A5->ke1188 is getting a little long in the tooth. Now that the A4->ke1087 has received its long-awaited redesign, the crew in Ingolstadt has turned to giving the coupe->ke141 a makeover. Though it won't make its public debut until 2016, the 2016 Audi A5 has already hit the streets in the form of a camouflaged prototype.

Much like the newly revealed 2016 Audi A4, the A5 will ride on Audi's->ke14 latest MLB platform, nicknamed the MLB Evo. Introduced with the second-generation 2016 Audi Q7, the new underpinnings should make the coupe more than 200 pounds lighter than its predecessor. With the current version tipping the scales at 3,307 pounds, the redesigned model could weigh only a bit over 3,000 pounds, which will improve both performance and fuel economy.

Naturally, a new A5 will also bring four more redesigned vehicles to the market. Audi is probably already working on a higher performance S5->ke2297 and range-topping RS5,->ke2628 as well as a convertible->ke144 version too. A Sportback model is also in the works, but this will likely remain an Europe-exclusive offering.

Look for the U.S.-spec A5 to arrive stateside for the 2018 model year.

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2016 Audi A5 - spy shots

Although the coupe seen here is camouflaged to the teeth, its new styling is far from being a mystery and we have the redesigned A4 to thank for that. If the current generation of the sedan->ke142 and coupe are any indication, the new A5 should look identical to the A4 from the B-pillars forward.

This means the front fascia will sport sharper lines, more angular headlamps, a revised grille, and a reshaped hood. The bumper is also in to receive changes in the fog lamp and intake area for a more aggressive appearance.

The same goes for the rear, where the A5 will feature a new bumper, a revised trunk lid, and slimmer taillights with new graphics. The most notable changes on the sides should be remodeled side skirts and quarter-windows. The new coupe should also be slightly longer and wider than its predecessor, but don't expect the wheelbase to grow by more than an inch.

Inside, prepare to say farewell to the coupe's dated design and welcome the more conceptual dashboard with the continuous air-vent strip. Also look for a cleaner center stack, revised and repositioned infotainment controls, and a freestanding 8.3-inch color display. The enhanced leg and shoulder room in the A4 should be available in the A4 as well.

Under the hood, the coupe will receive a range of updated engines, most likely borrowed from its four-door sibling. If this proves to be true, the A5 should get three gasoline and four diesel powerplants in Europe, with outputs ranging between 148 and 268 horsepower.

However, the coupe will probably cross the pond to the U.S. with just one gasoline unit, the 2.0-liter, TFSI four-cylinder. The four-pot will send 252 horsepower and 273 pound-feet to the wheels, a significant improvement over the current output (220 horses and 258 pound-feet).

Now that Audi confirmed the A4 will also feature a diesel in North America, there is hope the A5 will get it as well. If that happens, customers would be able to option the coupe with a 2.0-liter turbodiesel rated at 190 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of twist.

Why it matters

The revised A5 may be a little late to the party when it arrives in 2017. However, the significant improvements we've seen on the new A4 -- which are likely to find their way onto the A5 -- should make up for the long wait and give Audi the upper hand in the battle against the 2014 BMW 4 Series and the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe.