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Spy shots: Audi RS5 in final stages of development

Spy shots: Audi RS5 in final stages of development

Kenneth Hall April 27th, 2009 Kenneth Hall By Kenneth Hall Author April 27th, 2009
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December 31st, 1969 When Audi released the RS4 back in 2005, few expected it to be a true competitor to BMW’s benchmark M3 coupe but with the benefit of quattro AWD, a high-revving V8, and better weight distribution, the performance sedan managed to upset many, if not all, of its rivals. A replacement for the RS4 is till several years away as RS variants are usually only released in the final couple of years of a standard model’s product cycle, but to fill the gap a brand new RS5 model is due. These latest spy photos show the RS5 being put through its paces ahead of a planned launch at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show. One new feature not previously seen is an adjustable rear bootlid spoiler. Previous shots also revealed Audi has been testing the car in California’s Death Valley, which means a U.S. launch is highly likely. With the release of the new generation BMW M3 Coupe and sedan and the Mercedes C63 AMG, Audi will once again be playing catch-up but it does have a few tricks up its sleeve to ensure it will be the class-leader once again. One potential powertrain option is the same 4.2L V8 as the RS4, however, power will likely be boosted to 450hp (335kW). The car will also likely get the option of Audi’s newly upgraded S-tronic dual-clutch gearbox along with a manual transmission. Other sources claim it may use a derivative of the V10 from the RS6, however, this is likely to be too expensive for a car that will have to compete in price with its aforementioned rivals.2010 Audi RS5 spy shots
The RS5 is expected to make its word debut at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show

The RS5 is expected to make its word debut at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show

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When Audi released the RS4 back in 2005, few expected it to be a true competitor to BMW’s benchmark M3 coupe but with the benefit of quattro AWD, a high-revving V8, and better weight distribution, the performance sedan managed to upset many, if not all, of its rivals. A replacement for the RS4 is till several years away as RS variants are usually only released in the final couple of years of a standard model’s product cycle, but to fill the gap a brand new RS5 model is due.

These latest spy photos show the RS5 being put through its paces ahead of a planned launch at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show. One new feature not previously seen is an adjustable rear bootlid spoiler. Previous shots also revealed Audi has been testing the car in California’s Death Valley, which means a U.S. launch is highly likely.

With the release of the new generation BMW M3 Coupe and sedan and the Mercedes C63 AMG, Audi will once again be playing catch-up but it does have a few tricks up its sleeve to ensure it will be the class-leader once again.

One potential powertrain option is the same 4.2L V8 as the RS4, however, power will likely be boosted to 450hp (335kW). The car will also likely get the option of Audi’s newly upgraded S-tronic dual-clutch gearbox along with a manual transmission. Other sources claim it may use a derivative of the V10 from the RS6, however, this is likely to be too expensive for a car that will have to compete in price with its aforementioned rivals.
2010 Audi RS5 spy shots
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Tags: Spy Shots, RS5

Posted in: Audi, Spy Shots, Coupes


Comments (18 total)

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  1. By ROOLLY #1, Posted: 8/21/2008

    I still think the M3 will be faster due to lighter weight and none AWD.

  2. By Layne #2, Posted: 8/21/2008

    Turbo or supercharge the V8. Plenty of power to out-muscle it's competitors without having to resort to an uber-expensive, low-production V10.

  3. By NoNameDenton #3, Posted: 8/21/2008

    What about people who have families, they need an RS4, since we in America get screwed by not getting the RS6.

  4. By Roman #4, Posted: 8/22/2008

    i thought rs models had those huge dual exhausts, not quad exhausts. All this looks like is s5, this provides very little evidence this is an rs5.

  5. By John #5, Posted: 8/22/2008

    Amazing! I've always been a fan of the A5 design, this car will be a beast.

  6. By Kristian #6, Posted: 8/23/2008

    Anyone else see the 2 intercoolers on the last photo (below the headlights - in the same position where they were on the original B5 RS4). That sucker is a Twin Turbo.

  7. ma_gus avatar by Gus Chyba #7, Posted: 10/6/2008

    Gree with John, love that shape even more than the 3 coupe.

  8. ma_YMMV avatar by YMMV #8, Posted: 10/6/2008

    Audi seems to have contracted a design firm by the name of Bland and Blander.

  9. ma_bradley avatar by bradley #9, Posted: 10/6/2008

    ymmv--- if you think the a5/s5 is bland than you have NO about how a car should be styled period.

  10. ma_HECTOR avatar by HECTOR #10, Posted: 10/6/2008

    I don't want to think how many years of my life I'd give to own one of these...

  11. ma_gus avatar by Gus Chyba #11, Posted: 10/6/2008

    I don't see this one as bland so much as understated.
    I agree it blends in somewhat (compared to a Ferrari or even a Mustang) but that's the whole point of German design.
    The problems the Germans run into is when they try to be wild and different, that's when you get bangle butt and other monstrosities...

  12. ma_superg avatar by superg #12, Posted: 3/30/2009

    Dummy fenders are concealing urQ-type flares?

  13. ma_Aiman avatar by Aiman #13, Posted: 3/31/2009

    My deam car. mmmmmm

  14. ma_Aiman avatar by Aiman #14, Posted: 3/31/2009

    My dream car. mmmmmm

  15. ma_danDAN avatar by danDAN #15, Posted: 4/27/2009

    Car magazine reports it will have a twin-turbo variant of the 4.2 V8

  16. ma_The Mii avatar by The Mii #16, Posted: 4/27/2009

    the sexiest german saloon in my book

  17. ma_Countach avatar by Countach #17, Posted: 5/7/2009

    I love it but than again, 90% of all cars I like are Germans!

  18. By Audi Fan #18, Posted: 10/22/2009

    the last few had the rs4 exhaust. they try and trick us, but this is probably an RS5 and I really,really, really hope it is.

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