Audi to Unveil 2011 Audi RS5 in Geneva
In what be another case of Audi teasing performance car enthusiasts, the German automaker will unveil the all-new Audi RS5 next week at the Geneva Motor Show. Based off the sleek Audi A5 Coupe (pictured), the 2011 Audi RS5 is all about high performance, and ahead of the car's official introduction, Audi released most of the juicy details for its newest model. One thing that has yet to be released is whether or not Audi actually plans to bring the RS5 to the United States after the car goes into production this spring.
Like past and current RS cars such as the Audi RS4, Audi RS6 and Audi TT RS, the new Audi RS5 will deliver stunning performance from its high-revving 4.2-liter V-8. This engine produces 450 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque which is an increase of 96 hp and a decrease of 8 lb-ft compared to the 2010 Audi S5. The only transmission choice in the RS5 will be the new seven-speed S tronic dual clutch transmission, and like all Audi performance models it comes standard with Audi's quattro® permanent all-wheel drive system. This system will feature Audi's next generation system that uses a crown-gear differential that can send up to 70 percent of the torque to the front wheels and up to 85 percent of the torque to the rear wheels which varies from the 40/60 front-to-rear split under normal driving. All of this should give the Audi RS5 stellar handling capabilities, and it is likely this powertrain will be available later in the year in sedan form with the Audi RS4. Audi claims the RS5 can accelerate from zero to 60 miles per hour in less than 4.5 seconds, and it will have a top speed of 155 mph (or 174 mph upon request).
Visually, the RS5 gets a more aggressive styling than both the A5 and the S5 thanks to new front and rear fascias, unique wheels and a side body kit. Up front, the crossbar has been removed from the front grille (which is now solid mesh) and the side air intakes have been significantly enlarged. To match the lower front fascia, lower rocker panels have also been added which tie in well to the new rear fascia that gets a center diffuser and integrated oval dual exhaust outlets.
Finishing off the styling of the new performance coupe, the Audi RS5 features sleek 19-inch wheels wrapped in Pirelli P Zero tires and an electronically controlled rear spoiler that is integrated into the rear decklid. Like the Audi R8's rear spoiler, the RS5's spoiler raises at certain speeds for better aerodynamic stability but neatly tucks away when not in use to help retain as much of the A5's clean, attractive styling as possible. As one of the defining features of Audi's S and RS vehicles, the RS5's side door mirrors feature an aluminum outer shell.
Inside, changes aren't as major, but they are still noticeable. Everything inside the RS5 from the headliner to the carpet is covered with some luxurious and stylish material including soft perforated leather, dark carbon fiber, aluminum and piano black inserts. Like the signature exterior mirrors, the cabin also features signature interior door handles that consist of two thin metal strips. Standard seating includes front sport bucket seats with integrated headrests and a mix of leather and Alcantara materials, but in true Audi form, more luxurious seats are available including more comfort-minded seats that feature heating and ventilation.
Options will include a Carbon Design Package which adds carbon fiber accents to the engine compartment and the exterior, and there will also be a Sport Exhaust System that will give the car an even more menacing exhaust note and a meaner look from the blacked-out tail pipes.
Now that the A4 is a sedan body style only, there is also a possibility that Audi could replace that now-retired RS4 Cabriolet with the new RS5 Cabriolet based off of the convertible version of the A5 and S5. European pricing for the Audi RS5 will start at €77,000, which is converts to around $104,000 USD putting it about $10,000 below the Audi R8.