These latest spy photos show the RS5 being put through its paces on the Nurburgring, the legendary circuit that has become popular of late among carmakers for its demanding surface and use as a testing and proving grounds. The new wheels and reworked front air dam indicate the car is nearing final specification, including a prototype of the final engine that will power the car.
Previous spy shots revealed Audi has been testing the new car in Death Valley, USA. It is expected to get a new front-end treatment compared to the rest of the A5 lineup. Like the RS4, expect the final production RS5 to be fitted with large fenders and an aggressive rear-end as well.
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 be boosted to 450hp (335kW) and it will 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 German rivals.
The previous model was unable to use the dual-clutch gearbox because it was limited to just 236lb-ft (320Nm), however the latest version of the gearbox can handle torque figures of up to 406lb-ft (550Nm) and engine speeds of 9,000rpm, which could allow the RS5 engine to rev even higher than the lofty 8,300rpm in the old RS4.
Expect the RS5 to make its official debut next January at the Detroit Auto Show.
Reader Comments
Thu Aug 21 2008 12:39 PM
ROOLLY says
I still think the M3 will be faster due to lighter weight and none AWD.
Thu Aug 21 2008 3:56 PM
Layne says
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.
Thu Aug 21 2008 5:54 PM
NoNameDenton says
What about people who have families, they need an RS4, since we in America get screwed by not getting the RS6.
Fri Aug 22 2008 1:29 AM
Roman says
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.
Fri Aug 22 2008 2:46 PM
John says
Amazing! I've always been a fan of the A5 design, this car will be a beast.
Sat Aug 23 2008 7:13 AM
Kristian says
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.
Mon Oct 6 2008 10:04 AM
Gus says
Gree with John, love that shape even more than the 3 coupe.
Mon Oct 6 2008 11:37 AM
YMMV says
Audi seems to have contracted a design firm by the name of Bland and Blander.
Mon Oct 6 2008 4:14 PM
bradley says
ymmv--- if you think the a5/s5 is bland than you have NO about how a car should be styled period.
Mon Oct 6 2008 4:19 PM
HECTOR says
I don't want to think how many years of my life I'd give to own one of these...
Mon Oct 6 2008 4:54 PM
Gus says
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...
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