INGOLSTADT, Germany — Thirty years after the original Audi Quattro debuted in Geneva, the latest addition to the brand's high-performance RS line makes its world premiere at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show: the Audi RS5.
Based on the A5 coupe and developed by the Quattro GmbH performance group, the RS5 will go on sale in Europe later in the spring, priced from around $105,600. Regarding export plans, Audi says, "There is no information regarding U.S. availability of the RS5 at this time."
The potent 444-horsepower 4.2-liter V8 FSI engine generates 317 pound-feet of torque and is mated to Audi's seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission, which can be controlled by shift paddles on the steering wheel. Audi also has incorporated a new self-locking crown-gear center differential that can distribute torque widely from front to rear through the car's permanent all-wheel drive.
While averaging an impressive 22 mpg on the European driving cycle, the RS5 also can sprint from zero to 60 mph in less than 4.6 seconds. Speed is electronically limited to 155 mph, but Audi says it can boost that to 174 mph "upon request."
The RS5 comes equipped with standard 265/35R19 tires on 19-inch alloy wheels, with a 20-inch combination also available. The body has been lowered by 0.8 inch, and the suspension, brakes and steering have been upgraded. Customers can order optional ceramic-carbon-fiber front brake discs.
To distinguish it visually from the A5, the RS5 gets flared fenders, a revised front bumper with splitter, oversize air intakes for the engine and brakes, xenon headlamps with LED running lamps, a rear diffuser with integrated oval exhaust pipes, a rear spoiler that automatically extends at speeds above 75 mph and matte aluminum accents.
The cockpit is fitted with leather/Alcantara sport seats with side bolsters and integrated head restraints, with climate-controlled comfort seats available as an option. Also part of the standard kit are black gauges with white lettering, a perforated-leather-covered steering wheel, carbon-fiber inlays and aluminum accents. Customers can order exclusive trim, including suede, dark stainless-steel mesh, piano black and brushed aluminum.
In addition, Audi is offering black and matte-aluminum exterior styling packages, plus a carbon design package for the engine compartment.
Inside Line says: Once you start checking the boxes, it shouldn't be too difficult to run the price up past $120K. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
Add A Comment »
krellamps says:
02:17 PM, 08/22/2010
It's not 100,00 grand! excgange rate people. I have the s5, I have my name down for the rs5. The price is about 75,000 and 80k loaded. That's it. I like the wheels and front grille better in my s5 though..
esf says:
12:57 PM, 03/07/2010
Sigh... it's not going to be $100K if it comes here. Inside Line is very misleading in putting the euro-to-dollar conversion as the car's price. It's about 75,000 Euros, and cars are ALWAYS more expensive in Europe. If it does come here, expect to pay about $80,000. I'd say $90K at the absolute most, as the RS4 Cabriolet was just over $80K when it was sold here and this is essentially an RS4 coupe.
renorally says:
09:26 AM, 02/23/2010
I agree with triks..the price point doesn't make sense. I love the car. What will be telling is the street price vs. MSRP. $ 120,000? with options? That makes its pricier than what an M3 or a Panamera S loaded is going for on Ebay. For a company that makes such complex, beautiful cars seems to struggle with math.
shahgtr says:
09:22 AM, 02/23/2010
And I looks better than the GT-R also in my opinion.
shahgtr says:
09:21 AM, 02/23/2010
This is a good competitor for the Nissan GTR, even though there might be a price gap, they both have auto trannys and have comparable specs.
triks86 says:
08:33 AM, 02/23/2010
I am confused about the pricing point...The audi rs4 retailed new at around 66,000 U.S. dollars. The cabriolet rs4 was about 81,000. The Rs6 would run you about 91,000. The R8 is roughly 114,000. So the RS5 is going to base at 105,000? I would be inclined to think it would fall in between the Rs4 and RS6. Also I find it hard to belive it would be priced higher than an RS6 because in reality even more so than the R8 the RS6 is an absolute monster. How could audi justify this price point? I think this price may be way off the mark. The S5 is 350 HP and 323 llbs of torque (roughly)while the RS5 is 444 HP and 317 llbs of torque, how does basically 100 HP equal almost 50,000 dollars more lol..something does not make sense gentleman
ms_3 says:
10:42 PM, 02/22/2010
Whats the word on the next RS4? Will it essentually be this with an extra pair of doors?
notabigdeal says:
09:50 PM, 02/22/2010
@atenza94546
the results of RS5 v. GTR is pretty simple. The GT-R will rape the RS5 on track and the RS5 will be better to live with as in real life you don't need to pull 1.00G figures. It would be another one of those pointless tests. as apparently the GT-R will be like 30k cheaper.
notabigdeal says:
09:46 PM, 02/22/2010
Oh, on the previous post i said it would make a good M3 competitor.... never mind... 120k HOLY SHIT! I thought this would top out at 80~85k. I forgot that's the v8 from the r8 (a little more hp).... Sorry for 10k more you can get the r8 and i don't think people putting up that much money really care about 10k.
As much as i love a sweet untouched v8. Will any get this knowing BMW is selling the m6, for the same price, and will, soon, come with 550hp. This is probably for rich diehard RS fans.....they not planning on making big money on this are they?
06sti says:
06:57 PM, 02/22/2010
Desirable? Yes.
6 figure desirable? Heck no!