The car is based on the Nuvolari concept car previewed by Audi back in 2003.

There are four A5 derivatives, all with SE specifications. Petrol versions of the designs consist of a six-cylinder 3.2litre FSI V6, producing 265bhp, with multitronic transmission ( 64,900 ex works) and a six-speed quattro permanent fourwheel drive version of the same 3.2-litre FSI model ( 65,250).

Two turbo diesel versions are also included in the lineup beginning with a 2.7-litre TDi V6, producing 190bhp, with Multitronic transmission at 60,850.

This is followed by a 3.0-litre TDi V6, six-speed quattro model producing 238bhp at 64,900.

Other engine options available in due course will include a 1.8-litre TFSI version priced at 50,000, expected before the year's end, a 2.0-litre TFSI version and a 2.0TDI version producing 170bhp scheduled to arrive in February or March of 2008 and priced at around 55,000.

Standard equipment includes air conditioning, cruise control, ESP and Audi parking system. There are also LED daytime running lights as well as electric parking brake.

A more powerful, higherspec S5 petrol model priced at 85,500 is also being introduced, powered by an eight-cylinder 4.2-litre FSI V8 engine producing 354 bhp with six-speed quattro.

Meanwhile, a brand new Ford car for Europe will be launched to the public at the forthcoming Frankfurt Motor Show. The Kuga will represent the company's foray into the compact SUV/crossover field.

It is based on the Ford Iosis X concept car shown at Paris last year. The Kuga will go into production early in 2008 at Ford's Saarlouis plant in Germany. It will be launched across Europe from spring 2008.

Ford's European design team has applied its "kinetic design" form language for the car, which is aimed at "image-conscious customers". Ford design director Martin Smith says the Kuga will combine "impressive on-road capability with substantial off-road ability".

Stefan Lamm, Ford's chief designer for exteriors, says there is a role for "a more athletic and charismatic vehicle" that marks a departure from the norm, in the same way that the Ford S-MAX carved out new territory for an MPV.