Audi is introducing the updated RS5 lineup in North America for the 2021 model year, which includes not only a number of design revisions but two new limited-edition variants as well. For 2021, the Audi RS5 is getting a wider and flatter version of the Singleframe front grille following the footsteps of the RS6 Avant and the RS7, together with a set of ventilation slits mounted right above it as a nod to the Audi Sport Quattro of the 1980s.
The wider fenders are still present,
adding 30mm in girth compared to the regular A5/S5 models, the air inlets are
now pentagon-shaped while there’s an RS-specific rear diffuser combined with
the large oval exhaust tailpipes. Both the new Audi RS5 Coupe and Sportback
models will feature Matrix LED headlights and LED taillights with dynamic turn
signals and animation, while the interior will get the LED lighting plus
package as standard, offering more than 30 different color combos for ambient
lighting.
The most noticeable update of the
2021 Audi RS5 is the new 10.1-inch touchscreen display for the infotainment
system, which runs the latest MIB3 software and offers wireless Apple CarPlay
and Android Auto via USB. Being an Audi Sport model also means that the system
offers RS-specific displays with information on things like torque, power
output, engine oil temperature, boost pressure, lap times, acceleration
measurements, g-forces and the list goes on.
The engine in the 2021 Audi RS5 remains
the same as before, meaning a twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6 unit with 444 HP and 442
lb-ft of torque paired to an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic and a Quattro
all-wheel-drive system with a sport rear differential as standard. Audi claims
a 0-97 km/h in 3.7 seconds for the Coupe, and 3.8 seconds for the Sportback, as
well as a 250 km/h top speed. As standard, the 2021 Audi RS5 is going to be
offered with a fixed RS sport suspension, but customers can opt for the Dynamic
Package that adds electronically adjustable dampers.
Audi will also offer the 2021 RS5 in the new Ascari and Black Optic launch editions, which will be available for both the Coupe and Sportback models. The new Audi RS5 Ascari Launch Edition is going to be the rarest of the two, with just 25 Coupes and 100 Sportback examples planned. This limited edition of the RS5 is finished in the exclusive Ascari Blue Metallic paint and features matte aluminum detailing, 20-inch silver forged wheels, ceramic brakes with blue calipers, the carbon interior package, adaptive dampers, and the louder RS sport exhaust system among other.
As for the Audi RS5 Black Optic Launch
Edition, which will be limited to 100 Coupes and 325 Sportback examples, it
comes with 20-inch black alloys and features black badging and matching exterior
elements, a black roof, matte carbon inlays, and the RS design package interior
with red contrast stitching.
Prices for the 2021 Audi RS5 start from US$ 75,100 for the Coupe and from US$ 75,400 for the Sportback model. If you want one
of the new special Launch Edition models, then you’ll need at least US$ 87,400 for
the Audi RS5 Black Optic and US$ 95,600 for the more exclusive RS5 Ascari Edition.
All prices exclude a US$ 1,045 destination and handling charge.
