Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Audi RS5
Audis RS badge -- denoting the ultimate performance models by Quattro GmbH -- has been a rare sight on U.S. roads. An RS6 sedan was a one-year-only offering in 2003, the RS4 sedan and convertible were sold in 2007-2008, and the TT RS arrived last year. For 2013, were going to get another RS model, the RS5 coupe, to face off against the BMW M3 and the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG. The normally aspirated 4.2-liter V-8 from the S5 coupe is now good for 450 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque in the RS5. It is paired with a seven-speed S tronic transmission and, naturally, Quattro all-wheel drive -- but this is an enhanced version that can send as much as 85 percent of the torque to the rear wheels (the default torque split is 40/60 front/rear). To telegraph that performance visually, the RS version gets a unique lower fascia, diffusers, grille, and flared fenders; a rear spoiler deploys automatically at 75 mph. To make the same point aurally, theres an optional sport exhaust. With the RS5, Quattro GmbH is speaking a little louder in the U.S. market
On sale Now
Price $80,000 (est.)
Engine 4.2L V-8, 450 hp, 317 lb-ft
Feeding the rivalry Audi is finally taking it to the M3.
