Car of the Day - Audi RS5

Car of the Day - Audi RS5

Audi have RS, Mercedes have AMG and BMW have M - those letters of the alphabet when paired with the corresponding manufacturer simply spell excitement for the driving enthusiast. Such is definitely the case for the latest in Audis RS line.

The RS5 takes the already stunning A5 Coupe and adds a bit of that special Audi Quattro heritage. This car in many ways is a true modern version of the all-conquering original Quattro, a 2 - door, 4 seat performance coupe, albeit without the competition entry.

Audi have been on a winner with the RS4 and the RS5 offers incremental improvements to the potent 4.2 litre engine that powers both these RS models. Output has increased to 336 KW (450 hp) and comes in at 8,250 rpm making this a screamer of a V8. Maximum torque of 430 Nm (317 ft lbs) is available between 4,000 and 6,000 rpm.

The 336 kw is enough to push the 1,725 kilograms (3,802.97 pounds) coupe to 100 kph (62.14 mph) in 4.6 seconds and on to an electronically governed top speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph) top speed, this limiter can be removed by request directly to Audi. Terminal speed is then increased to 280 km/h (173.98 mph).

Like all good socially responsible performance car manufacturers these days the RS5 sees improvements to efficiency with an averages 10.8 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (21.78 mpg).

The Quattro all-wheel-drive gets a new centre crown gear differential with electronically controlled clutch pack. The new electronic control allows a variable torque split ranging from a maximum 70 percent at front through to 85 percent at rear meaning for the first time drivers can dial in that predominantly rear wheel drive experience. There is a new seven-speed S-Tronic dual clutch gearbox as the only available transmission.

The RS5 sits 20 millimeters (0.79 inches) lower than the standard A5 and the suspension has been suitably upgraded. There are 19-inch alloy wheels with 265/35 tires as standard. There is an option of 20-inch wheels and 275/30 tires.

The already beautiful interior gets a major make-over in black with decorative inlays of carbon fiber, the sports seats are electrically adjustable and feature a leather/Alcantara combination. There is a thick rim sports steering wheel covered with perforated leather. The instrument fascia features a piano finish with black gauges and white lettering with large increment display. The driver information system integrates a lap timer for recording circuit times and an oil-temperature gauge.

Additionally buyers can request decorative inlays with a dark, stainless-steel mesh look, a black piano finish or brushed aluminum are available. Or seat upholstery featuring special leathers and colors as well as silver headlining. A Carbon design package is available for the engine compartment and, for the vehicle body, there are styling packages in black or matt aluminum look.

Rod Halligan