The 2015 Audi A4 has been generating a lot of buzz in the automobile industry since 2012. Although only prototypes of the car have been seen, the A4 is set to hit showrooms sometime in 2015.

But it seems Audi has been busy with news about the A4's sleeker brother, the 2016 Audi A5. According to a report by Car and Driver, the A5 will be released as a coupe and convertible model in the US market. On the other hand, Europeans will be treated to a five-door model similar to the 2010 Audi A5 Sportback.

For Volkswagen Group's chief engineer Walter de'Silva, the A5 is not a reinvention of the A4, but an evolution. The second generation car builds on the prestige set by its predecessor.

The 2016 A5 will feature a sporty exterior design and can also be equipped with LED headlights and a futuristic-looking interior complete with HUD or head-up display. It will also feature an autnonomous driving function. Like its predecessor, the A5's platform will be based on the Volkswagen Group's updated MLB Evo, which employs a longitudinal design. However, its frame will make use of more aluminum material, making the car about 220 lbs. lighter than the A4.

The specs of the engine are still unconfirmed. But Audi will most likely go with the upgraded versions of the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and the supercharged 3.0 liter V6, which can be found in the 2013 Audi S5.

The 2016 A5 is Audi's answer to the BMW 4-series, Cadillac ATS coupe, Lexus RC, and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe.  A prototype model for this car is expected to be revealed by the end of this year and will appear in showrooms during the second half of 2015

Check out the concept photos of the 2016 Audi A5 here.