Audi have released official information on the Audi RS5 which will debut tomorrow at the Geneva Motor Show 2017. The new Audi RS5 is built upon the new Audi A5 model line. It has been sharpened by Audi Sport, headed by former Lamborghini CEO Stephen Winkelmann. It is said to blend performance with higher levels of efficiency.
The new Audi RS 5 Coupe is the first Audi Sport model under the new RS design idiom. Audi have always drawn inspiration for the RS5 from classic rally models. This time, the press release reveals that inspiration came from the Audi 90 quattro IMSA GTO.
The design incorporates massive front air inlets with the honeycomb structure typical of RS models. The Singleframe radiator grille is much wider and flatter than the non-RS models and the additional lateral air intakes and outlets next to the optional Matrix LED headlights give it a unique style. The wheel arches are 15 millimeters wider.
The rear is dominated by the distinctive RS-specific diffuser insert and the trademark oval tailpipes of the RS exhaust system. Trim can be specced with gloss black, carbon and matt aluminium trim. The RS5 Coupe gets a visible carbon fibre roof.
Power is provided by an all-new 2.9 TFSI biturbo engine producing 450 hp and 600 Nm of torque. The RS5 uses quattro drive to distribute that power to all four wheels. It manages a 0 to 100 km/h time of 3.9 seconds and with the optional dynamic package reaches a top speed of 280 km/h. Power is routed through the eight-speed tiptronic gearbox.
The Audi RS5 uses two turbochargers positioned between the cylinder banks, much like the Mercedes-AMG models. The 2.9 litre unit uses a shorter compression stroke for improved efficiency. The V6 biturbo consumes just 8.7 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (27.0 US mpg). Weight is 60 kg less than the previous model, tipping the scales at 1,655 kg.
The chassis modifications include an updated five-link construction for the front axle. At the rear, a five-link suspension replaces the trapezoidal-link suspension used on the previous model. The standard RS sport suspension sits lower than the production model while Audi Sport also offers the RS sport suspension with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC), ceramic brakes and dynamic steering.
Inside, the new Audi RS 5 Coupe gets details such as RS sport seats with optional diamond stitching and a flat-bottomed RS multifunction sport steering wheel. Special RS displays in the Audi virtual cockpit provide information on tire pressure, torque and g-forces. A shift light prompts the driver to upshift upon reaching the rev limit.
An RS design package is also available using red as a contrasting color. The package includes elements applied to the steering wheel, selector lever and knee pads in Alcantara plus seat belts contoured in red and floor mats with the RS emblem. Sonoma green metallic is available as an exclusive paint finish for the RS 5 Coupé.
The new Audi RS5 will debut in Europe during June 2017 with a price of 80,900 euros.
