Audi says its updated RS 5 models, sportback and coupé, now boast the new RS design language and operate via the new 10.1-inch central MMI touchscreen.
It also claims the V6 twin-turbo with 450 HP1, the quattro permanent all-wheel drive, and the intelligent dynamic ride control suspension technology ensure outstanding driving performance.
The German carmaker says the RS 5, either as a classic two-door coupé or as a five-door sportback, remains true to its genetics and continues the sporty and elegant character also in its revised version.
The best example of this is the three-dimensional wave-like shoulder line. Like the original quattro, the RS 5 impresses with perfectly balanced proportions: A long engine hood, the extended wheelbase, and the short overhangs underline the sporty presence of the RS 5. And the new single frame is considerably flatter and wider compared to the Audi A5. The side view is characterised by the new sill trims. The wheel arches, which are flared by an additional 15 mm on each side, make reference to their quattro genetics. Similar to the RS 6 and RS 7, the new RS-specific bumper and the diffuser insert grant the RS 5 an accentuated rear end.
Audi says horizontal lines and the new RS design package in black with rock grey contrasting seams dominates the interior of the RS 5 models. The strongly contoured RS sport seats can be set electrically in many ways and their armrests are embossed with the RS logo. As standard, Nappa leather with a honeycomb pattern serves as upholstery material, and the inlays are available in carbon matt.
Pulling power
Audi claims the new RS 5 has immense pulling power and high output combined with efficiency. Even after the revision, the output of the 2.9 TFSI remains unchanged at 450 HP1. The V6 twin-turbo delivers between 1,900 and 5,000 rpm - during this process, each charger supplies a cylinder bank with compressed air, and 600NM of torque is supplied to the crankshaft. Both RS models catapult themselves from zero to 100km/h in 3.9 seconds. On request, Audi Sport GmbH can raise the top speed from 250km/h to 280km/h.
An eight-speed tiptronic that has been tuned for sportiness transmits the forces of the engine; the driver can control it using enlarged aluminium shift paddles. The quattro permanent all-wheel drive gives the RS 5 a special place in the segment. In normal driving operation, Audi claims the power distribution between the front and rear axle is 40:60 – this asymmetrical dynamic torque distribution leads to sporty, rear-biased handling. It adds that if necessary, the centre differential can redirect up to 70 per cent of the forces toward the front or up to 85 per cent of the forces toward the rear. With the optional sport differential, which actively distributes torques between the wheels of the rear axle, the dynamic handling is increased even further.
The taut and tuned RS sport suspension forms a perfect partner for the strong drive. The RS sport suspension plus with dynamic ride control (DRC ) is available on request. It realises a purely hydraulic and thus fully instantaneous roll and pitch stabilisation; the operation of its dampers can be switched into three stages using the Audi drive select dynamic handling system.
In addition to the familiar comfort, auto, and dynamic drive modes, Audi says there are the two new RS1 and RS2 modes. These can be individually configured, saved, and then selected directly and quickly via the RS Mode button on the steering wheel. Audi drive select influences the operation of important technical elements, including the engine, tiptronic, steering, and optional components, such as damping, dynamic steering, sport differential, and exhaust flaps. The RS 5 coupé and the RS 5 sportback drive on 20-inch wheels as standard.
