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Audi RS 5 Coupe & Sportback

Audi’s new-look sports performance spearheaded by RS 5 Coupé and Sportback

May 14, 2020

The forthcoming RS 5 Coupé and RS 5 Sportback herald sharpened RS-specific design language from Audi’s performance model line, paired with high-torque V6 twin-turbo engines and the assured grip of quattro all-wheel-drive.

The RS 5 handling experience is made even more spontaneous with the optional sport differential at the rear axle, which distributes the torque actively between the wheels. 

The New Zealand specification of the Audi RS 5 Sportback has been unveiled, showcasing head-turning looks, stunning driving dynamics and the absolute best technology feature suite available in a vehicle of its type. 

Available as either as classic two-door Coupé or as the five-door Sportback, the Audi RS 5 remains true to its genetics and continues the sporty and elegant character also in its revised version.  

Like the original Audi quattro, the RS 5 impresses with perfectly balanced proportions consisting of a long engine hood, extended wheelbase, and short overhangs underline its supremely sporty presence.  

Audi’s head-turning new Singleframe grille design – already debuted elsewhere in the model line - is reshaped for the RS derivatives, considerably flatter and wider compared to the Audi A5 and featuring a RS-specific three-dimensional honeycomb structure features a gloss black design. The implied air vents above the grille are reminiscent of the classic Audi Sport quattro from 1984. 

The side view is characterised by new sill trims, while the wheel arches, which are flared by an additional 15mm on each sidemake reference to their quattro genetics.  

Similar to the RS 6 and RS 7, the new RS-specific bumper and the diffuser insert grant the RS 5 an accentuated rear end, while the striking diffuser showcases the RS exhaust system, which, as is typical for the RS, terminates in oval, chrome colored tailpipes on both sides or, in the RS sport exhaust system, terminates in large, black tailpipes. A surface-mounted spoiler lip in black, or optionally in carbon, rounds out the rear.  

Inside the cabins of the RS 5 duo, a new RS design package in black with ‘rock gray’ contrasting seams dominate. The strongly contoured RS sport seats can be set electrically in a multitude of ways; their armrests embossed with the RS logo. As standard, a mixture of Alcantara and leather with a honeycomb pattern serves as upholstery material. As a new feature in RS 5 models, the inlays are also available in carbon matt. 

Audi’s new operating concept for the RS 5’s functional controls revolves around ‘touch’ rather than ‘turn’. Central to this is a 10.1-inch MMI touch display. Underlying the touch display’s functionality is the new third-generation modular infotainment platform (MIB 3). The large display, which is equipped with acoustic feedback, stands freely and is slightly tilted toward the driver. Its menu structure is simple and intuitive like that of a smartphone. The natural-language voice control understands many formulations from everyday speech.  

Providing technical information, the “RS monitor” view can inform the driver about the engine and transmission temperature, maximum longitudinal and lateral acceleration values, and tyre pressure and temperature. Within the Audi virtual cockpit, special RS displays concerning tyre pressure, torque, output, engine oil temperature, boost pressure, and g-forces can also be shown. Moreover, lap times and acceleration from 0 to 100km/h can be started directly via a button on the steering wheel. 

The driving experience? As you would anticipate, it furthers Audi’s reputation for engineering dynamic, engaging on-road experiences. The RS 5 Coupé and Sportback deliver immense pulling power and high output combined with real-world efficiency. 

The output from the 2.9 TFSI twin-turbo V6 remains unchanged at 331kW and 600Nm of torque. 

Both RS models are capable of rocketing from zero to 100km/h in just 3.9 seconds. An eight-speed tiptronic that has been tuned for sportiness transmits the forces of the engine; the driver can control it using enlarged aluminum shift paddles.  

The quattro permanent all-wheel drive gives the RS 5 a special place in the segment. In normal driving operation, the power distribution between the front and rear axle is 40:60. This asymmetrical dynamic torque distribution leads to sporty, rear-biased handling. If necessary, the centre differential can redirect up to 70% of the forces toward the front or up to 85% of the forces toward the rear. With the optional sport differential, which actively distributes torques between the wheels of the rear axle, the dynamic handling is increased even further.  

The taut and tuned RS sport suspension forms a perfect partner with quattro. The RS sport suspension plus with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) is available on request. It realizes a purely hydraulic and thus fully instantaneous roll and pitch stabilization; the operation of its dampers can be switched into three stages using the Audi drive select dynamic handling system.  

Apart from the familiar comfort, auto, and dynamic drive modes, there are the two new “RS1” and “RS2” modes. These can be individually configured, saved, and then selected directly and quickly via the RS Mode button on the steering wheel. Audi drive select influences the operation of important technical elements, including the engine, tiptronic, steering, and optional components, such as damping, dynamic steering, sport differential, and exhaust flaps. 

The RS 5 Coupé and the RS 5 Sportback drive on 20-inch wheels as standard in New Zealand, with further 20-inch wheel options in three new designs available on request. 

The Audi RS 5 Sportback is available to order now, with prices beginning at $157,900 + ORCs.