Audi
has revised its RS5 Coupe and Sportback models, giving them a more aggressive
appearance and new MMI touch technology. The 444 HP 2.9-liter TFSI twin turbo
V6 unit however remains the same.
The
exterior of the two RS5 models now features a wider and flatter Singleframe
grille, following in the footsteps of the latest RS6 and RS7. Meanwhile, the
implied air vents above the grille take us back to the iconic Audi Sport
quattro from the 80s.
The 40 mm wider wheel arches and darkened matrix LED headlight bezels
serve to further differentiate these new RS5 models from their regular A5
counterparts. Also new are the contoured air inlets that now feature a
pentagonal cut, as well as the redesigned side sills and diffuser insert at the
rear.
Customers
can also choose to get the four rings and RS logos in black, while two new
colors (Turbo Blue and Tango Red) have been added to the palette. Then there
are the optional 20-inch wheels (19-inch standard ones), which can be had on
gloss black or matte bronze.
The
interior is largely the same as before, apart from the 10.1-inch MMI touch
display with acoustic feedback, which happens to be slightly inclined towards
the driver. Other bits of kit include the optional Audi virtual cockpit plus
(12.3-inch display), two new individual RS modes, standard RS sport seats
covered in Alcantara and leather (fine Nappa leather optional), and the RS
design package (with red or grey accents), which is available upon request.
On
paper, maybe. According to Audi, the updated RS5 range now features improved
handling thanks to the optional sport differential at the rear axle,
distributing the torque actively between the wheels. The two
previously-mentioned new RS modes (RS1 and RS2) can be enabled via the ‘RS
MODE’ button on the steering wheel, for a more personal touch.
The engine continues to be the same 2.9-liter TFSI twin-turbo V6
unit as before, with 444 HP and 600 Nm of torque,
manipulated via an eight-speed tiptronic gearbox. The 0-96 km/h acceleration time is the same too, rated at 3.7 seconds for the Coupe and 3.8
seconds for the Sportback – with a 3.9 second 0-100 km/h (96 km/h) time for
both.
Sales
for Europe are scheduled to commence “shortly”, according to the automaker,
with pricing in Germany starting from 83,500 euros (US$ 92,500) for both versions.