Geneva: Audi Reveals Porsche powered RS5
Meet the latest contender in the cut-throat mid-size performance coupe race; the Audi RS5.
Set to battle against the immensely popular BMW M4 and the overpowered Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe, the latest German comes fitted with a comparatively humble 2.9-litre petrol V6, along with two electric turbochargers. This might sound familiar to Porsche enthusiasts, and that’s because this is the same engine that is found in the big-daddy Panamera S.
The lighter engine produces 600Nm of torque and 331kW of power; the same amount produced by its 4.2-litre predecessor, except that power is now available at a much lower rpm-range. The power is passed through an all-new 8-speed automatic gearbox before making contact with the road through the latest version of Audi’s Quattro four-wheel drive system. The power sees a 60:40 split in favour of the rear wheels, which are assisted by an optional sport differential offering a torque vectoring effect for each of the rear wheels.
If you don’t get it by now, all of these numbers mean that the new RS5 is quick. How quick exactly? Well, the super-coupe will accelerate all the way up to 280km/h and taking only 3.9-seconds to reach the 100km/h mark.
With a kerb weight of only 1655kg, the new RS5 is 60kg lighter than its predecessor. This can be attributed to a new carbon fibre roof and other weight saving efforts found all around the car.
The interior is signature Audi from top to bottom. Carbon fibre and premium leather adorn the cabin, while the driver is treated to the latest version of Audi’s virtual cockpit. A flat-bottomed multi-function steering adds a performance element, and the heavily contoured racing seats will ensure that you are held tight through any corner.
Audi’s new design language is evident all around the RS5, with the signature gloss black honeycomb grille dominating the entire front, accompanied by a new front bumper sporting larger air intakes and an intricate splitter along the lower end. The rear of the RS5 carries the sporty ambiance even further with two massive oval pipes enclosed in a gorgeous gloss-black diffuser. Aggressive 19” lightweight wheels are found on all four corners, although bigger 20” wheels will be available in the options list.
The wheel-arches are all widened by an additional 15mm over the regular A5, and the new front splitter along with the rear diffuser is sure to cut through the air, while RS5 remains completely elegant. A closer look at the headlights will reveal subtle air vents around the edges as well as the ‘Quattro blisters’ along the side fenders, reminiscent of the BMW M-series. There’s also a very neatly disguised rear spoiler to ensure that the rear wheels get forced to the ground as much as possible.
Audi RS5 will debut in Europe mid 2017 but so far no word on when it will be available in South Africa.
