The 2018 Audi RS5 coupe has finally gone on sale in
the United States. Priced from US$ 69,900, the RS5 features an aggressive exterior
with larger air intakes and a unique Singleframe grille. The model has also
been equipped with oval exhaust tips, a rear spoiler and a RS-specific
diffuser. Rounding out the highlights are LED lighting units, a power sunroof,
matte alu-optic accents and 19-inch forged wheels with summer performance
tires. Customers can also order 20-inch wheels and a Black Optic package which
includes body-color mirrors, gloss black exterior accents and 20-inch wheels
with a two-tone finish.
The interior comes nicely equipped with a
flat-bottomed sport steering wheel, stainless steel pedals and 12-way power
front sport seats which are covered in leather and Alcantara upholstery.
Drivers will also find illuminated door door sill plates, a tri-zone automatic
climate control system and heating and massage functions for the front seats.
An assortment of different options will be available
including a 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit, a 19 speaker Bang & Olufsen
audio system and a color head-up display. Buyers can also order an MMI
navigation plus infotainment system.
The standard model comes with a handful of driver
assistance systems including side assist, rear cross traffic assist and a pre
sense city system which can automatically brake the vehicle if a potential
collision is detected. Customers can also order active lane assist, high beam
assist, traffic sign recognition and an adaptive cruise control system with
traffic jam assist.
Power is provided by a twin-turbo 2.9-liter TFSI V6
engine that produces 444 hp and 600 Nm of torque. It is
connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission and a rear biased quattro
all-wheel drive system. This setup enables the RS5 coupe to accelerate from
0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds before hitting a top speed of up to 280 km/h.
Since the RS5 is all about performance, the car has
a unique sports suspension which lowers the ride height by 7 mm compared to the S5 coupe. Engineers also installed cross-drilled brake discs
and an Audi drive select system which has four setting : comfort, auto, dynamic
and individual – which adjust the quattro sport differential as well as the
gear shift points, steering and throttle response.
Also, the car can be
equipped with a dynamic steering system, carbon-ceramic brakes and an RS sport
suspension plus with dynamic ride control. The latter option adds adjustable
dampers which promise to improve the model’s driving dynamics.
