Audi RS5 Coupe
In the second generation of the Audi RS5 Coupe, Audi Sport is presenting its first model to feature the current RS design idiom. Its all-new 2.9 TFSI bi-turbo engine produces 331 kW (450 hp) and delivers 600 Nm (442.5 lb-ft) of torque. The standard quattro drive distributes the power to all four wheels.
"The new Audi RS5 Coupe is the gran turismo among the RS models from Audi Sport. The high-performance Coupe combines elegant aesthetics with high everyday usability. The car's V6 bi-turbo has been developed from the ground up and provides significantly more performance coupled with higher efficiency," said Stephan Winkelmann, CEO of Audi Sport GmbH, in describing the new model.
The designers drew inspiration for the RS5 Coupe from the distinctive racing details of the Audi 90 quattro IMSA GTO. Massive air inlets with the honeycomb structure typical of RS models characterize the front end of the car. The Singleframe radiator grille is much wider and flatter than in the base model. Next to the headlights are additional lateral air intakes and outlets; tinted bezels differentiate the optional Matrix LED headlights. quattro blisters on the flanks emphasize the pronounced bulges over the wheel arches, which have been widened by 15 millimeters (0.6 in). As standard, these house 19-inch forged aluminum wheels, with 20-inch wheels available as an option. A sporty conclusion to the vehicle is provided by the RS-specific diffuser insert, the oval tailpipes of the RS exhaust system and a surface-mounted spoiler lip. With a length of 4,723 millimeters (185.9 in), the new Audi RS5 Coupe is 74 millimeters (2.9 in) longer than the previous model.
The 2.9 TFSI V6 bi-turbo engine, which Audi developed from the ground up, offers sharp increases in power and efficiency as well as an incomparably full-bodied RS sound. It delivers 331 kW (450 hp). And it's peak torque of 600 Nm (442.5 lb-ft) - 170 Nm (125.4 lb-ft) more than the previous model - is available across a broad engine speed range from 1,900 to 5,000 rpm. The top model in the A5 family sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 3.9 seconds, and reaches a top speed of 250 km/h (155.3 mph) - with the optional RS dynamic package it can even reach 280 km/h (174.0 mph).
Both turbochargers of the 2.9 TFSI unit are centrally positioned inside the V of the engine and each of them supplies a single cylinder bank. The B-cycle combustion process with central direct injection represents a new level of efficiency within the RS family. In the NEDC, the V6 bi-turbo consumes just 8.7 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (27.0 US mpg), which corresponds to 197 grams of CO2 per kilometer (317.0 g/mi). This is an efficiency gain of 17 percent over the previous model. Also beneficial for the new Audi RS5 Coupe is a drastic reduction in weight. The vehicle weighs in at 1,655 kilograms (3,648.7 lb) - 60 kilograms (132.3 lb) less than previously. A carbon roof with visible fiber structure is also available as an option.
The bi-turbo's power flows through a sportily-tuned, eight-speed tiptronic transmission with optimized shift times and on to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive which features a self-locking central differential. The drive forces are asymmetrically distributed between the axles in the ratio of 40:60. Dynamic handling with optimum traction and the best-possible levels of safety are thus guaranteed. Audi Sport also offers an optional rear sport differential.
Bathed in black, the interior is of an extremely high standard and sportily equipped. RS sport seats - optionally available in fine Nappa leather with honeycomb pattern - and the flat-bottomed RS multifunction sport leather steering wheel underscore the character of the high-performance Coupe in the interior as well. The steering wheel rim bears the RS badge, as do the front seat backrests and the shift gate. Special RS displays in the Audi virtual cockpit provide information on tire pressure, torque and g-forces. A shift light prompts the driver to upshift upon reaching the rev limit. The RS design package brings the sporty contrast color red into play on the center console as well as on the armrests, the seat belts and the floor mats with RS logo. The steering wheel, selector lever and knee pads are all covered with Alcantara. The Sonoma green design package from Audi exclusive enriches the interior with appropriately colored contrasting stitching - perfect for the new, exclusive exterior color.
A comprehensive range of infotainment choices is sure to keep everyone on board entertained. Optionally available, the MMI navigation plus with MMI touch includes the Audi connect hardware module. This connects the new RS5 Coupe to the internet using LTE technology. Thanks to the Audi connect SIM, which is permanently installed in the car, the flat-rate data package for the connect services including Europe-wide roaming is free of charge for three years. Passengers can browse the internet with their mobile devices via the Wi-Fi hotspot option. The Audi smartphone interface uses Apple Car Play and Android Auto to make selected apps available in a separate MMI menu. Operation is easy and intuitive, thanks to natural language voice control, free text search function and the multifunction steering wheel. The touchpad in the center console can be used to zoom, scroll and enter characters. Further high-end technologies, such as the head-up display and as many as 30 driver assistance systems enhance safety, comfort and efficiency. The intelligent interplay between these systems represents another step towards piloted driving.
Engine
With the newly developed 2.9 TFSI, Audi has drawn upon the legendary 2.7 liter V6 from the first RS4 Avant. Produced between 1999 and 2001, it delivered 280 kW (380 hp). Just like the 2.7 liter engine, the new high-performance V6 is also designed as a bi-turbo engine. In comparison with its direct predecessor, a freely-aspirated, high-revving V8 unit, its pulling power and efficiency attain a whole other dimension.
From 1,900 to 5,000 rpm, the 2.9 TFSI supplies the crankshaft with an impressive 600 Nm (442.5 lb-ft) of torque, which is 170 Nm (125.4 lb-ft) more than on the previous model. With its 331 kW (450 hp) - which equates to a power ratio of 155.5 hp per liter displacement - the unit accelerates the new RS5 Coupe from zero to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 3.9 seconds and thus six tenths of a second faster than before. If the customer orders the RS dynamic package, Audi increases the electronically restricted top speed from 250 km/h (155.3 mph) to 280 km/h (174.0 mph).
The new high-performance Coupe is coming to dealerships in Germany and other European countries in June 2017. The base price is 80,900 euros.
