IF YOU thought the Audi S5 coupe was exciting – then catch this: the new Audi RS5.
Shoehorned under the bonnet is the 4.2-litre V8 engine from the Audi R8 sports car – so you can expect 450PS at 8,250rpm (where you’ll enjoy the engine’s noise) and 430Nm torque between 4,000 and 6,000rpm (for that instant surge forward). In the meantime you’ll get to 62mph in a rather shifty 4.6 seconds. And the economy? Not as bad as you would expect: 26.2mpg.
To help you enjoy the aural delights of the engine note further, there are sound flaps that open to provide an even deeper exhaust note. If that’s not enough, there’s an optional Sport exhaust system for a deeper V8 soundtrack at extra cost.
The transmission is Audi’s seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission.
S tronic consists of two clutches and two subsidiary transmissions. Both subsidiary transmissions are continuously active, but only one is powered at any given time by the engine. Gears are then alternately shifted by the two clutches to provide imperceptibly smooth and fast gearshifts.
New four-wheel drive quattro technology also features on the RS5. There’s a new centre differential which can apportion torque to front and rear wheels by up to 70% (front) and 85% (rear). In addition, torque vectoring controls the amount of power to each individual wheel to ensure maximum grip.
Other techno niceties include Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) which allows you to select between three ride modes – comfort, auto, and dynamic.
Flared wheel arches, oversize air inlets and two oval exhaust pipes identify the RS5’s performance potential.
The new Audi RS5 will be shown at the Geneva Show (March) for the first time; orders can be placed from May; the car goes on sale October.
The price has been confirmed at £57,480.
Audi RS5 in brief
- Engine: 4.2 V8
- Power: 450PS
- Torque: 430Nm
- Economy: 26.2mpg
- CO2 emissions 252g/km
- Transmission: 7-speed S tronic
- Price: £58,500
Audi R8 engine for coupe powerhouse
