Audi is lastly decided to current a reputable rival to the BMW M3 and has considerably raised its sport with the brand new RS5 era. Alongside a much more muscular look, electrification boosts complete output to virtually 640 PS.
The present BMW M3 and M4 have left opponents scrambling. Mercedes misjudged the market with its hybrid four-cylinder C-Class AMG and is now paying a heavy worth. Audi may solely actually shine one class above with the formidable RS6 and RS7, because the earlier RS4 and RS5 have been just too restrained to pose a severe menace to Munich’s most interesting. Painful for Audi Sport, particularly given its long-standing dominance within the efficiency property phase.
That’s set to alter. The brand new Audi RS5, obtainable as a saloon and Avant, adopts a much more assertive design, with closely flared wheel arches and a conspicuously daring rear apron full with oval exhaust retailers. To keep away from falling behind rivals providing as much as 550 PS from BMW and 680 PS from the Mercedes-AMG C 63, Audi has not solely retained its 2.9-litre V6 twin-turbo engine however added a 130 kW (177 PS) electrical motor built-in into the transmission housing. The result’s a mixed system output of 470 kW (639 PS) and a considerable 825 Nm of torque, delivered to all 4 wheels.
There’s one notable change. In contrast to its opponents, the RS5 is now supplied completely as a saloon or Avant. The coupé, as soon as vital for model picture and differentiation, has been discontinued, and there was no RS convertible for a number of years. “The RS 5 with its revolutionary drivetrain idea marks the start of a brand new period for RS fashions,” says Rolf Michl, Managing Director of Audi Sport. “We mix the dynamic traits our clients worth with new applied sciences to succeed in a better stage of efficiency, whereas additionally enhancing on a regular basis usability via electrical vary.” Inside, the duo options RS-specific sports activities seats, distinctive trim particulars and the anticipated mix of efficiency and premium design.
The efficiency figures are suitably dramatic. The dash from zero to 100 km/h takes comfortably underneath 4 seconds, and regardless of a kerb weight exceeding 2.3 tonnes, the highest pace reaches 285 km/h. The electronically managed sports activities suspension incorporates a wider monitor, 20- or 21-inch wheels and a newly developed rear differential with electromechanical torque vectoring, permitting extremely variable energy distribution on the rear axle. Patrons can select between metal or ceramic brakes to rein within the appreciable mass. Because of two-valve adaptive damping, each pitch and roll actions are lowered throughout spirited driving, whereas nonetheless providing a broad spectrum between consolation and sportiness.
The 26 kWh battery pack mounted on the rear permits the RS5 to journey as much as 80 kilometres on electrical energy alone. Charging from an 11 kW supply takes round two and a half hours. Orders are open now, with deliveries of the RS5 Saloon beginning at €106,200 and the RS5 Avant at €107,200 from this summer time.
