Spy shots: Audi RS5 in final stages of development

Posted Mon Apr 27 2009 7:14 AM by Kenneth Hall

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

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.

Gallery: 2010 Audi RS5 spy shots

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Reader Comments

Thu Aug 21 2008 3:39 PM
ROOLLY says

I still think the M3 will be faster due to lighter weight and none AWD.
Thu Aug 21 2008 6:56 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 8:54 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 4:29 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 5:46 PM
John says

Amazing! I've always been a fan of the A5 design, this car will be a beast.
Sat Aug 23 2008 10:13 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 1:04 PM
Gus says

Gree with John, love that shape even more than the 3 coupe.
Mon Oct 6 2008 2:37 PM
YMMV says

Audi seems to have contracted a design firm by the name of Bland and Blander.
Mon Oct 6 2008 7:14 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 7:19 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 7:54 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...
Mon Mar 30 2009 3:29 PM
superg says

Dummy fenders are concealing urQ-type flares?
Tue Mar 31 2009 6:28 AM
Aiman says

My deam car. mmmmmm
Tue Mar 31 2009 6:28 AM
Aiman says

My dream car. mmmmmm
Mon Apr 27 2009 1:31 PM
danDAN says

Car magazine reports it will have a twin-turbo variant of the 4.2 V8
Mon Apr 27 2009 4:00 PM
The Mii says

the sexiest german saloon in my book
Thu May 7 2009 10:31 AM
Countach says

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

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