Audi has just pulled off the wraps on the eagerly awaited RS5, which now features a plug-in hybrid setup and a sedan body style to choose from.
The car gets a more menacing look that features flared arches, a lower ride height, and large gaping air intakes to feed what lies under the body, which is the same 2.9-liter V6 engine coupled with two twin turbos that allow the car to produce 375 kW via an 8-speed automatic that pushes power to all four wheels through the smart Quattro system, with rear-axle torque vectoring-more on that later.
Audi said that this isn't enough power, so they decided, " Ahh, what the heck, more power!" They then added an electric motor producing 129 kW, which will yield a whopping combined figure of 469 kW ! That makes this car more powerful than the BMW M3.
So expect that the car is blisteringly quick since Audi claims that this new RS5 can reach 0-100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds and achieve a top speed of 285 km/h. The electric components added to the RS5 aren 't just for power delivery because Audi has confirmed that you will have the option of traveling 87 km without using a single drop of fuel, meaning fewer trips to the petrol station and more fun/naughty time.
The car should be more fun to drive too, since Audi has tweaked the RS torque rear mode, which carefully portions power to each wheel but always leaves room for rear- tire bias (up to 85 percent) in order for the back to kick out every now and then.
You see, the engine configuration works in a Miller combustion cycle, which is a smart technique in most Audi performance vehicles that closes the intake valve before the pistons bottom out to improve efficiency. This makes the cars fall in line with Euro 7 emissions regulations.
Since it is a PHEV, the RS5 clients will be able to charge their vehicles in about 2 hours for a full battery charge via an 11 kW AC charger.
Exterior features in the front start with a new RS-specific fascia that sports huge side air intakes, matrix LED headlights that integrate a checkered-flag motif within them using Audi's smart lighting sequence, and the signature black Four Rings.
Side profile grows a bit at nine centimeters wider than a standard A5 at both ends whilst the brakes get upgraded to ceramics which sit behind 20- or 21-inch wheels.
The back must be the most beautiful, in all honesty, because here sit large, REAL oval exhaust tips that are centrally positioned, which is a first in any in-house production Audi ever produced. The exhausts sit within an extensively aero-work designed lower bumper, as well as a spoiler that further feeds into the performance theme.
From launch, it seems you can upgrade the exterior packages to gain exposed forged carbon accents in areas like the vents, lower bumpers, wing mirrors, and parts of the interior.
Speaking of interior, here we have glossy accents, Race-Tex or suede materials, body-hugging sports seats featuring honeycomb stitching, standard electric adjustment, and a massage function. The base RS5 omits leather upholstery, while higher trims offer a choice of red or gray leather.
Some additional cabin features would be the option to get the seatbelts in different color shades, the RS-specific steering wheel complete with RS buttons, and some decorative in-lays to finish off the interior additions.
Whilst we do not know when this vehicle will touch down on our end of the world, as there has been no communication locally, Audi has stated that deliveries of the new RS5 will begin in June this year. We cannot wait for this one, for sure.