Audi hasn’t sold a four-door, sedan version of the RS4 since 2008, instead opting to sell it exclusively as a high-performance station wagon. That will change with the latest-generation model that’ll switch to the RS5 nameplate and be offered in both sedan and Avant guises. Our spy photographers have snapped the new RS5 testing on numerous occasions in recent months, but all the prototypes we’ve seen have been wagons. Turns out, Audi has also been working on a sedan version, but it’s not until now that we can see it up close for the first time. A heavily-camouflaged prototype of the RS5 Sedan was spotted during hot-weather testing in Europe, and it’s shaping up to be just as butch and aggressive as its long-roof sibling.
The M3 and C63 rival has a front end that
sits wide and low and includes a large black singleframe grille. The muscular
front wheel arches are unmistakable for a serious Audi Sport model. Much of the
car’s side design is hidden, although we can see small vents behind the front
arches, bulging hips at the rear, and a beautifully sleek roof line. It all
looks rather lovely and should definitely give its rivals a run for their money
in the design stakes.
The finished car will also have a rear end
that stands out as much as the front. Visible on this prototype are a small lip
spoiler and large dual exhausts. All new Audi RS5 models will adopt the same
powertrain. This is expected to consist of an updated twin-turbocharged
2.9-liter V6, which is expected to deliver more power and fewer emissions. The
key development of this powertrain is that it will be coupled to a plug-in
hybrid system, meaning healthy gains over the current RS4’s 444 hp are
inevitable.
