The new Audi RS 5 Coupé

Audi Sport has launched its first model to feature its current RS design idiom, with the introduction of the second-generation RS 5 Coupé.

The new Audi RS 5 Coupe is the gran turismo among the RS models and is priced at around N$ 1 285 500.



Power

The 2.9 TFSI V6 bi-turbo engine, which Audi developed from the ground up, offers sharp increases in power and efficiency; capable of 331 kW/600 Nm – 170 Nm more than the model it replaces. The Sportiest A5 sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 250 km/h – however customers can choose to increase this to 280 km/h as an option. The V6 bi-turbo consumes a claimed 8.7 litres/ 100 km with emissions of 197 g/km. This is an efficiency gain of 17% over the previous model. Also beneficial for the new RS 5 Coupé is a drastic reduction in weight; the vehicle weighs 1655 kg, 60 kg less than its predecessor.

A revised five-link construction is used on the front axle. At the rear, a five-link suspension replaces the trapezoidal-link suspension used on the previous model.

With the standard RS sport suspension, the new RS 5 Coupé sits 7 mm lower than the base model. As an alternative, Audi Sport also offers the RS sport suspension plus with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC), ceramic brakes and dynamic steering with RS-specific tuning.

Drivers can make their personal driving experience more individual, dynamic or comfortable using the standard dynamic handling system Audi drive select.



Exterior design

The designers drew inspiration for the new RS 5 Coupé from the racing details of the Audi 90 quattro IMSA GTO. The new model measures 4.7 m long (74 mm longer than its predecessor), 1.3 m tall (6 mm lower) and 1.8m wide.

In comparison with the A5 Coupé, the Singleframe radiator grille appears broader and flatter thanks to its new honeycomb structure. It bears both the Quattro lettering and the RS 5 emblem.

Beneath it, a blade in contrasting colour runs between the air inlets, connecting these with one another. These also adopt the three-dimensional honeycomb structure and underline the dynamism of the RS 5 Coupé. The standard headlights use LED technology, while the optional Matrix LED headlights are distinguished by their darker tinted bezels.

Alongside them are additional lateral air inlets, which make this top-performing athlete appear even wider and more aggressive. It's fitted with a RS-specific diffuser insert, oval tailpipes and a surface-mounted spoiler lip.

The styling packages – gloss black, carbon and matt aluminium – provide even more customisation. Overall, the RS 5 Coupé is available in seven colours, with Audi Sport also offering the exclusive paint colour Sonoma green metallic. A carbon roof with visible fibre structure is also available as an option.

Additionally, customers are also able to specify the RS Dynamic Package which contains Matrix LED headlights, dynamic steering, quattro with sports differential, speed limiter increase to 280 km/h and sports suspension plus with dynamic ride control.



Interior

As standard, the RS 5 Coupé welcomes the driver and passengers with illuminated door sills bearing the RS 5 logo. LED light guides trace the contours of the doors and the center console – doing so in 30 different colours in combination with the optional ambient lighting.

Bathed in black, the interior is of an extremely high standard and sportily equipped. RS sport seats in Fine Nappa Leather with honeycomb pattern is standard – and the flat-bottomed RS multifunction sport leather steering wheel underscores the character of the high performance Coupé in the interior as well. The steering wheel rim bears the RS badge, as do the front seat backrests and the shift gate.

The RS design package brings the sporty contrast colour red into play on the centre 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 luggage compartment offers 10 litres more volume than before. It now holds a best-in-segment value of 465 litres.



Display and controls

As standard, the RS 5 Coupé features large RS-specific analog instruments for speed and revs. Between this is the 7” colour driver infotainment system.

The MMI navigation plus has a screen diagonal of 8.3” and is a standard feature on the new vehicle.

The all-digital Audi virtual cockpit is also standard on the new RS 5 Coupé. With a resolution of 1440 x 540 pixels, the 12.3” TFT display provides detailed and selectable graphics. As with all RS models, the RS screen supplements the infotainment and classic displays.

It places the rev counter with integrated digital display for speed in central focus. The driver can configure other displays around this, such as torque, power, tyre pressure and temperature and g-forces. The rev counter also serves as a shift indicator: if the eight-speed tiptronic is in manual mode, green, orange and red segments are activated sequentially as the revs increase.

Just before the engine reaches the limit, the entire scale flashes red.

The lap timer, a further function of the RS menu, records up to 99 laps and compares the times against each other.

Another option available is the head-up display. It projects all relevant information onto the windshield in the driver's direct field of vision as easily comprehensible symbols and digits. Drivers can then keep their eyes on the road. Here, too, the RS 5 Coupé features specific content like the shift light and displays for lap times and oil temperature.

-MotorPress