Audi RS5 Price

Developed by quattro GmbH, the RS modelscomprise the dynamic spearhead of Audi‘s model range. The RS 5 is thelatest torchbearer in a tradition dating back over 15 years to the RS 2Avant: superior handling in the mid-size class.

A close relativeof the V10 which powers the high-performance R8 sports car, thehigh-revving V8 engine delivers its output from a displacement of 4,163cm3. Like nearly every Audi gasoline engine, this one also operates viadirect fuel injection known by the abbreviation FSI. This sametechnology has propelled the Audi R8 racing car to four triumphs at theclassic endurance race in Le Mans. The common-rail system generates upto 120 bars of pressure.

Intensive fine-tuning of thedual-branch intake and exhaust system allows the undersquare engine tobreathe freely; four adjustable camshafts and tumble flaps in theintake manifold facilitate mixture formation. The 4.2 FSI providesimposing torque and is right at home even at high revs – almost like arace 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 (317.15lb-ft) of torque.

The vigorous strength, the spontaneousresponsiveness, the joyful high-revving, and the throaty, sonorousmusic: this V8 produced by hand at Audi stunningly combines the essenceof 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) toan electronically governed top speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph). Audi canincrease that to 280 km/h (173.98 mph) upon request.

Impressive efficiency: just 10.8 liters of fuel per 100 km
Efficiencyis standard in every Audi; the RS 5 is no exception. The ultra-powerfuleight-cylinder engine averages 10.8 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers(21.78 miles US mpg) - far less than its main competitors. Thisimpressive figure is due in part to the technologies from the Audimodular efficiency platform. The engine and the entire drivetrain havebeen optimized to minimize friction, the oil pump operates on demand,and an energy-recovery system conserves energy during coasting andbraking.

The standard seven-speed S tronic in the RS 5 – with itshigh efficiency ratio and its high-geared top speed – also enhancesefficiency. It consists of two clutches and two subsidiarytransmissions. Both subsidiary transmissions are continuously active,but only one is powered at any given time by the engine. Gears arealternately shifted by the two clutches – at lightning speed, smoothly,and almost imperceptibly.

The seven-speed S tronic, which wasspecially reinforced to accommodate the high-revving V8, can operate infully automatic mode – or the driver can shift via the innovativeselector lever or shift paddles on the steering wheel. By means of thestandard Audi drive select, the driver can switch in automatic modeamong three different options: auto, comfort, and dynamic. In thelaunch control program, the seven-speed S tronic ensures flawlessacceleration from a standstill – at full power and with minimal tireslip.

New quattro technology: the crown-gear differential
Likeall RS models, the RS 5 also applies its power to the road with quattropermanent all-wheel drive. As for the center differential, whichregulates power distribution between the front and rear axles, Audi –the leading all-wheel-drive brand – unveils the next generation: acrown-gear differential.

The self-locking crown-gear center differential is compact and lightweight – and attains a high efficiency ratio.

Thanksto its package of plates, the differential can widely vary thedistribution 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 towardthe tail end. The 40:60 ratio of the standard rear-biased configurationensures sporty handling.

This new differential operates inconjunction with electronic torque vectoring, which affects all fourwheels. If one of the inside wheels becomes imbalanced while thevehicle is at its operational limits, then the system slightlydecelerates the wheel to obviate wheel spin. This results in terrifictraction on the one hand while generating a yaw moment which aidscornering.

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 tofurther boost stability and grip at the vehicle’s limits of handling.The electronic management of the RS 5 sport differential was designedto be uncompromisingly dynamic.

With regard to the springs, shockabsorbers, elastokinematics, and the anti-roll bars, the RS 5 chassisexhibits a sporty configuration and renders the body 20 millimeters(0.79 inches) lower than that of the Audi A5. The 19-inch alloy wheelsfitted with 265/35 tires are standard. They are executed in anexclusive 5-arm structure design. The RS 5 optionally comes with20-inch wheels and 275/30 tires. Winter wheels featuring the samedimensions are available; the 19-inch wheel is suitable for snow chains.

Thebrake system employs powerful and internally ventilated discs, whichmeasure 365 millimeters (14.37 inches) in diameter at the front axle.In order to maximize the dissipation of heat, the steel friction ringsare perforated and connected by pins to the aluminum brake discs. Thehigh-gloss black brake calipers bearing RS logos are likewise made ofaluminum; the front calipers are fitted with eight pistons each. Audican optionally fit the front axle with ceramic carbon-fiber brake discsmeasuring 380 millimeters (14.96 inches) in diameter. They areextremely lightweight, strong, and durable. The electronicstabilization program (ESP) integrates a sport mode and can be switchedoff entirely.

Even more dynamics: Audi drive select
Thespeed-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, thesport differential, the engine, and the exhaust system. And if the caris equipped with the MMI navigation system, a fourth mode allows thedriver to customize their own profile.

As regards the engine,Audi drive select controls the exhaust system’s two throttle valves andthe sound flaps; when they open, the rich sound becomes even moreresonant. Along with the sport differential, dynamic steering isanother optional component of Audi drive select. Dynamic steeringadjusts the steering ratio to a vehicle’s speed – directly formaneuvering at low speeds and indirectly for traveling at highwayspeeds. At the vehicle’s cornering limits, it automatically ensuressmooth handling via minor corrective actions.

The RS 5 exudes anathletic and powerful identity; its classically beautiful coupé stylingdazzles with new and clear-cut accents. Its single-frame grille bears ashiny charcoal-gray rhombus-pattern grid. Xenon plus headlightsboasting a sweeping strip of LED daytime running lights are standard.The oversized air inlets for the engine, front brakes, and theradiators are bordered by striking contours. The newly designed bumpertapers downward into a splitter.

The flared fenders with thecrisp horizontal upper edges are reminiscent of a classic Audi: namely,the all-wheel-drive pioneer Audi quattro, which itself debuted at theGeneva Auto Show 30 years ago. The side sills bear angular caps; thetrim strips on the single-frame grille and near the side windows aswell as the outside mirrors’ covers feature a matt aluminum look. Eightdifferent paint finishes are available.

The tail end is dominatedby two oval exhaust pipes integrated within the bumper. A largediffuser protrudes prominently upward. The spoiler in the tailgateautomatically extends at a speed of 120 km/h (74.56 mph) and retractsat 80 km/h (49.71 mph).

The extensively clad underbody of theRS 5 integrates air vents for the seven-speed S tronic and the frontbrakes. At highway speeds, the aerodynamic characteristics of the RS 5generate downforce to further enhance stability.

Dynamic elegance: the interior
Thevehicle’s dynamically elegant styling extends to the interior. Sportsseats with pronounced side sections and integrated head restraints arestandard. They are electrically adjustable and feature aleather/Alcantara combination. Alternatives include bucket seats withmore prominent contours and folding backrests or ventilated andluxuriously upholstered climate-controlled comfort seats.

Thesteering wheel has a substantial rim and is covered with perforatedleather. The instruments have black gauges and white lettering withdistinctive scaling. When the ignition is switched on, the red needlesbriefly rise high and then drop back down. The driver informationsystem integrates a lap timer for recording circuit times and anoil-temperature gauge. Just like the optional MMI navigation systems’monitor, it displays an RS greeting upon ignition.

The interioris black and the decorative inlays are made of carbon fiber. A fasciain the instrument panel features a piano finish. The pedals, thefootrests, and the optional MMI navigation systems’ control buttonsgleam thanks to their aluminum look. Moreover, the door handles consistof two slim strips – typical of Audi RS models. Aluminum inserts adornthe door sill trims and RS 5 logos lend dynamic highlights to theinterior.

Upon request, truly exclusive features such asdecorative inlays with a dark, stainless-steel mesh look, a black pianofinish or brushed aluminum are available. Or seat upholstery featuringspecial leathers and colors as well as silver headlining. In addition,the Audi exclusive RS program offers options such as suede-coveredcontrols and floor mats bearing RS 5 logos.

A Carbon designpackage is available for the engine compartment and, for the vehiclebody, there are styling packages in black or matt aluminum look. Andthe 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.