The All New Audi RS 5: Power!
The RS range of performance cars from prestige German car manufacturer Audi, have always been popular with driving aficionados, including this writer who has spent many happy hours behind the wheel of the previous model Audi RS 5. Now, the premium brand have fortified that time-honoured RS formula with the latest electrified power-train technologies, as featured in today’s car, the all-new RS 5 Saloon and Avant (estate / station wagon). It’s the first ever plug-in hybrid RS model.
The new top-tier models combine a 2.9 litre, 503BHP (510PS / 375kW) twin-turbo V6 and a 130kW (174BHP / 177PS equivalent) electric motor for breathtaking performance and the potential for an electric-only driving range of up to 52 miles. It’s available to order in the UK now with deliveries scheduled for the summer.
This Audi RS 5 marks the beginning of a new era for the Audi Sport brand. For decades across our television screens the legend of ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’ has defined that Audi power and driving pleasure which has been further demonstrated through the continued innovation of the company’s RS models, all driven by a singular focus: That is, delivering the ultimate performance car in an all-purpose model. With the introduction of plug‑in hybrid technology to the RS line‑up, Audi Sport is taking automotive excitement to an entirely new level.
Audi Style
With their characteristic flared wheel arches, striking detailing and sizeable wheels (optionally various) the latest RS 5 models as always make no secret of their tremendous performance potential. At the front, the hallmark RS honeycomb ‘Singleframe’ grille is linked by a dark mask to the pronounced ‘Air Curtains’ that streamline air flow, while vents in the wings add drama to the profile in conjunction with blisters in the shoulder line that pay due homage to the iconic Audi ‘Ur quattro’ of yesteryear.
Below the tailgate with its neatly integrated spoiler, the trademark big-bore RS oval tailpipes are centrally positioned within a diffuser featuring aerodynamically optimised vertical fins and a motor-sport-inspired red reflector.
The RS 5 Saloon and Avant models will be available with a choice of three specification options: ‘RS 5’, ‘RS 5 Carbon Black’ and ‘RS 5 Performance Vorsprung’. At the entry point to the range, the RS 5 models ride on twenty inch 6-twin-spoke alloy wheels finished in dark ‘Galvano’ silver. The variant also features a black styling package taking in elements including the spoiler, window trim, door mirror surrounds, door handle inserts, RS badges and Audi rings.
The blades in the front bumper, inserts in the side skirts and rear diffuser are also finished in gloss black, as is the Saloon’s split-lip frontal spoiler. Darkened Matrix LED headlights incorporating driver-selectable active light signatures continue the theme, while at the rear the LED tail-lights are linked by a striking illuminated light strip.
As part of the upgrade to ‘Carbon Black’ specification, the RS 5 gains larger twenty-one inch alloy wheels in the 6-twin-spoke design in ‘Neodymium grey matte’, along with a high gloss carbon finish for the rear spoiler, mirror housings, front air intake blades and side skirts. In the RS 5 Saloon ‘Carbon Black’ the lipped rear diffuser surround is also trimmed in high gloss carbon. At the very top of the range, the RS 5 ‘Performance Vorsprung’ models make even greater impact thanks to exclusive RS performance bumpers incorporating further enlarged air intakes at the front and an even more distinctively styled rear diffuser, which houses matte black tailpipes. These not only differ visually from the dark chrome-plated pipes fitted elsewhere in the range but also produce an even more evocative RS sound as part of the top model’s RS sport exhaust system upgrade.
To complement the dark tailpipes the ‘Performance Vorsprung’s’ 21 inch alloy wheels are finished in Phantom Black, and the overall look is also elevated further by the addition of special carbon camouflage trim for the spoiler, mirror housings, air intake blades, sand skirts.
The RS 5 ‘Performance Vorsprung’ models are also unique in the range in featuring an upgrade from LED to second-generation Digital OLED tail-lights offering selectable digital light signatures, including a chequered flag signature that is unique to the RS 5. They also incorporate an innovative communication light that can display integrated warning symbols to alert other road users to hazards, which is a genius idea for dark roads.
Premium Interior
Inside, just as much as out, the RS 5 driver is left in no doubt as to the top model’s exceptional sporting calibre. The cabin’s sporty focal points are the exceptionally supportive sport seats ‘plus’ with their massage and ventilation functions and honeycomb quilting, and the heated RS sport steering wheel with its flat top and bottom, motor-sport-inspired 12 o’clock marker and integrated RS drive mode satellite controls.
Interior accents with a ‘Vanadium’-effect finish and inlays in a black-painted aluminium Rhombus design help to accentuate the dynamic tone. The look is softened by the extensive use of ‘fine ‘Nappa’ leather, leatherette (man-made) and sustainable, suede-effect ‘Dinamica’ microfibre, much of which is further enhanced by contrast stitching.
In the RS 5 Carbon Black model the body’s carbon detailing is carried through into the cabin by carbon twill structure inlays and the RS 5 ‘Performance Vorsprung’ variants follow suit, with inlays that mirror their carbon camouflage exterior trim. The seats in these top versions are also marked out by upholstery combining ‘Dinamica’ microfibre in deep black with fine ‘Nappa’ leather and feature honeycomb stitching in serpentine green. The steering wheel is also trimmed in ‘Dinamica’ deep black.
High-Tech
Technology also abounds as befits these pinnacle performance models. The curved, OLED Audi MMI (multi-media interface) ‘Panorama’ display housing the 11.9 inch Audi virtual cockpit and the 14.5 inch MMI Touch screen is the hub and is supplemented in all RS 5 models by a head-up display and a 10.9 inch passenger display.
Drivers can view real-time information about the interplay between the petrol engine and electric motor under acceleration and regenerative braking on the central MMI touch screen. The Audi virtual cockpit also features RS-specific dials providing detailed data such as engine revolutions, speed, G forces, lap times, temperatures and individual tyre pressures. It also houses a shift light for the eight-speed Tiptronic (auto/manual paddles) transmission.
A highlight for the keenest RS 5 drivers is the standard Audi driving experience function, which enables in-depth analysis of the driver’s actions, particularly during circuit use. It can record data on accelerator and brake pedal use, oversteer and understeer and lateral, longitudinal, and overall acceleration. Lap and sector times can also be accurately logged by the system and compared across multiple runs. Obviously this won’t be used on the school run but it’s worth knowing how the car is responding to driver actions: ‘Know your car’, in other words.
Performance
Whether on road or track, the breathtaking power and torque overall output of the combined engine/electric unit is 630BHP (639PS / 470kW) and 825Nm delivered jointly by the 2.9 litre V6 TFSI and 130kW motor enables the RS 5 Saloon and Avant models to rocket from 0-62mph in just 3.6 seconds. The driver can activate a boost function to enjoy maximum acceleration in ten-second phases, optimising overtaking capability. Where conditions allow, a top speed of 155MPH (249KPH) is achievable in RS 5 and RS 5 ‘Carbon Black’ versions, while RS 5 ‘Performance Vorsprung’ models feature an elevated 177MPH (284KPH) top speed.
The phenomenal output is harnessed on challenging roads by bespoke RS sport suspension with twin-valve shock absorbers, underpinned by a completely new quattro drive-train with rear electromechanical torque vectoring that represents a world first in series production. Capable of shifting torque between the wheels in milliseconds, the rear axle ‘Dynamic Torque Control’ system works with a new centre differential with a preload function that ensures it always remain partially locked to further enhance agility and adjustment ability.
During braking and coasting, intelligent recuperation technology harvests energy for the upgraded battery, and when plugged in, the RS 5 can charge at up to 11kW, meaning the hybrid battery can be restored from 0% to 100% in as little as 2.5 hours. This is a great car to suit most uses with the Avant version being particularly practical.
MHH International & Audi
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