We’ve seen the Audi RS5 leaked photos earlier today, and now the German automaker decided to reveal complete details along with pricing and a new set of images with their stylish sports coupe that will debut in Geneva next week.
The Audi RS5 price starts at 77,700 Euro and market launch is scheduled for this spring.
Under the bonnet the Audi RS5 accommodates a 4.2-litre V8 FSI engine that delivers 450 horsepower (331 kW) and 430 Nm (317,15 lb-ft) of torque. Thanks to this engine the Audi RS5 accelerates from 0 to 100 Km/h in 4.6 seconds and an electronically limited speed of 250 Km/h can be reached (280 Km/h upon request).
Power is sent to all four wheels via a seven-speed S tronic gearbox, and Audi’s trademark quattro
permanent all-wheel drive system has been further improved and now features a crown-gear differential.
Even though it is performance oriented, the new Audi RS5 needs only 10.8 litres of fuel per 100 Km (21,78 mpg).
Audi press release :
Unbridled power lurking in a classically elegant
coupé: the Audi RS 5 will debut at the Geneva Auto Show. The
high-revving 4.2-liter V8 with its 331 kW (450 hp) unleashes powerful
performance while achieving remarkable fuel economy. The seven-speed S
tronic and an innovative center differential in the quattro drivetrain
transmit power to all four wheels.
Developed by quattro GmbH, the RS models
comprise the dynamic spearhead of Audi‘s model range. The RS 5 is the
latest torchbearer in a tradition dating back over 15 years to the RS 2
Avant: superior handling in the mid-size class.
A close relative
of the V10 which powers the high-performance R8 sports car, the
high-revving V8 engine delivers its output from a displacement of 4,163
cm3. Like nearly every Audi gasoline engine, this one also operates via
direct fuel injection known by the abbreviation FSI. This same
technology has propelled the Audi R8 racing car to four triumphs at the
classic endurance race in Le Mans. The common-rail system generates up
to 120 bars of pressure.
Intensive fine-tuning of the
dual-branch intake and exhaust system allows the undersquare engine to
breathe freely; four adjustable camshafts and tumble flaps in the
intake manifold facilitate mixture formation. The 4.2 FSI provides
imposing torque and is right at home even at high revs – almost like a
race engine. The engine delivers 331 kW (450 hp) at 8,250 rpm and –
between 4,000 and 6,000 rpm – transmits a maximum of 430 Nm (317.15
lb-ft) of torque.
The vigorous strength, the spontaneous
responsiveness, the joyful high-revving, and the throaty, sonorous
music: this V8 produced by hand at Audi stunningly combines the essence
of power and emotion. The 4.2 FSI propels the coupé’s 1,725 kilograms
(3,802.97 pounds) in 4.6 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62.14 mph) to
an electronically governed top speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph). Audi can
increase that to 280 km/h (173.98 mph) upon request.
Impressive efficiency: just 10.8 liters of fuel per 100 km
Efficiency
is standard in every Audi; the RS 5 is no exception. The ultra-powerful
eight-cylinder engine averages 10.8 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers
(21.78 miles US mpg) – far less than its main competitors. This
impressive figure is due in part to the technologies from the Audi
modular efficiency platform. The engine and the entire drivetrain have
been optimized to minimize friction, the oil pump operates on demand,
and an energy-recovery system conserves energy during coasting and
braking.
The standard seven-speed S tronic in the RS 5 – with its
high efficiency ratio and its high-geared top speed – also enhances
efficiency. It 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
alternately shifted by the two clutches – at lightning speed, smoothly,
and almost imperceptibly.
The seven-speed S tronic, which was
specially reinforced to accommodate the high-revving V8, can operate in
fully automatic mode – or the driver can shift via the innovative
selector lever or shift paddles on the steering wheel. By means of the
standard Audi drive select, the driver can switch in automatic mode
among three different options: auto, comfort, and dynamic. In the
launch control program, the seven-speed S tronic ensures flawless
acceleration from a standstill – at full power and with minimal tire
slip.
New quattro technology: the crown-gear differential
Like
all RS models, the RS 5 also applies its power to the road with quattro
permanent all-wheel drive. As for the center differential, which
regulates power distribution between the front and rear axles, Audi –
the leading all-wheel-drive brand – unveils the next generation: a
crown-gear differential.
The self-locking crown-gear center differential is compact and lightweight – and attains a high efficiency ratio.
Thanks
to its package of plates, the differential can widely vary the
distribution of torque between the front and rear axles. If necessary,
up to 70 percent can flow to the front or as much as 85 percent toward
the tail end. The 40:60 ratio of the standard rear-biased configuration
ensures sporty handling.
This new differential operates in
conjunction with electronic torque vectoring, which affects all four
wheels. If one of the inside wheels becomes imbalanced while the
vehicle is at its operational limits, then the system slightly
decelerates the wheel to obviate wheel spin. This results in terrific
traction on the one hand while generating a yaw moment which aids
cornering.
As a perfect complement to the new quattro drivetrain,
Audi can optionally position the sport differential at the rear axle.
It actively distributes torque between the rear wheels in order to
further boost stability and grip at the vehicle’s limits of handling.
The electronic management of the RS 5 sport differential was designed
to be uncompromisingly dynamic.
With regard to the springs, shock
absorbers, elastokinematics, and the anti-roll bars, the RS 5 chassis
exhibits a sporty configuration and renders the body 20 millimeters
(0.79 inches) lower than that of the Audi A5. The 19-inch alloy wheels
fitted with 265/35 tires are standard. They are executed in an
exclusive 5-arm structure design. The RS 5 optionally comes with
20-inch wheels and 275/30 tires. Winter wheels featuring the same
dimensions are available; the 19-inch wheel is suitable for snow chains.
The
brake system employs powerful and internally ventilated discs, which
measure 365 millimeters (14.37 inches) in diameter at the front axle.
In order to maximize the dissipation of heat, the steel friction rings
are perforated and connected by pins to the aluminum brake discs. The
high-gloss black brake calipers bearing RS logos are likewise made of
aluminum; the front calipers are fitted with eight pistons each. Audi
can optionally fit the front axle with ceramic carbon-fiber brake discs
measuring 380 millimeters (14.96 inches) in diameter. They are
extremely lightweight, strong, and durable. The electronic
stabilization program (ESP) integrates a sport mode and can be switched
off entirely.
Even more dynamics: Audi drive select
The
speed-dependent servotronic steering in the RS 5 is especially taut.
The standard Audi drive select (a vehicle-dynamics control system)
allows the driver to switch among three modes of operation – comfort,
auto, and dynamic – to adjust steering, the seven-speed S tronic, the
sport differential, the engine, and the exhaust system. And if the car
is equipped with the MMI navigation system, a fourth mode allows the
driver to customize their own profile.
As regards the engine,
Audi drive select controls the exhaust system’s two throttle valves and
the sound flaps; when they open, the rich sound becomes even more
resonant. Along with the sport differential, dynamic steering is
another optional component of Audi drive select. Dynamic steering
adjusts the steering ratio to a vehicle’s speed – directly for
maneuvering at low speeds and indirectly for traveling at highway
speeds. At the vehicle’s cornering limits, it automatically ensures
smooth handling via minor corrective actions.
The RS 5 exudes an
athletic and powerful identity; its classically beautiful coupé styling
dazzles with new and clear-cut accents. Its single-frame grille bears a
shiny charcoal-gray rhombus-pattern grid. Xenon plus headlights
boasting a sweeping strip of LED daytime running lights are standard.
The oversized air inlets for the engine, front brakes, and the
radiators are bordered by striking contours. The newly designed bumper
tapers downward into a splitter.
The flared fenders with the
crisp horizontal upper edges are reminiscent of a classic Audi: namely,
the all-wheel-drive pioneer Audi quattro, which itself debuted at the
Geneva Auto Show 30 years ago. The side sills bear angular caps; the
trim strips on the single-frame grille and near the side windows as
well as the outside mirrors’ covers feature a matt aluminum look. Eight
different paint finishes are available.
The tail end is dominated
by two oval exhaust pipes integrated within the bumper. A large
diffuser protrudes prominently upward. The spoiler in the tailgate
automatically extends at a speed of 120 km/h (74.56 mph) and retracts
at 80 km/h (49.71 mph).
The extensively clad underbody of the
RS 5 integrates air vents for the seven-speed S tronic and the front
brakes. At highway speeds, the aerodynamic characteristics of the RS 5
generate downforce to further enhance stability.
Dynamic elegance: the interior
The
vehicle’s dynamically elegant styling extends to the interior. Sports
seats with pronounced side sections and integrated head restraints are
standard. They are electrically adjustable and feature a
leather/Alcantara combination. Alternatives include bucket seats with
more prominent contours and folding backrests or ventilated and
luxuriously upholstered climate-controlled comfort seats.
The
steering wheel has a substantial rim and is covered with perforated
leather. The instruments have black gauges and white lettering with
distinctive scaling. When the ignition is switched on, the red needles
briefly rise high and then drop back down. The driver information
system integrates a lap timer for recording circuit times and an
oil-temperature gauge. Just like the optional MMI navigation systems’
monitor, it displays an RS greeting upon ignition.
The interior
is black and the decorative inlays are made of carbon fiber. A fascia
in the instrument panel features a piano finish. The pedals, the
footrests, and the optional MMI navigation systems’ control buttons
gleam thanks to their aluminum look. Moreover, the door handles consist
of two slim strips – typical of Audi RS models. Aluminum inserts adorn
the door sill trims and RS 5 logos lend dynamic highlights to the
interior.
Upon request, truly exclusive features such as
decorative inlays with a dark, stainless-steel mesh look, a black piano
finish or brushed aluminum are available. Or seat upholstery featuring
special leathers and colors as well as silver headlining. In addition,
the Audi exclusive RS program offers options such as suede-covered
controls and floor mats bearing RS 5 logos.
A Carbon design
package is available for the engine compartment and, for the vehicle
body, there are styling packages in black or matt aluminum look. And
the acoustically bold Sport exhaust system – also with a sound flap –
has black tailpipe trims.
Sales of the Audi RS 5 will begin in the spring. Its basic price will be approximately 77,700 euros.
