Audi RS5 duo get a tweak for 2020

AUDI RS5 drivers will have two new drive modes at their fingertips in the revamped two-door coupe and five-door Sportback range, due to arrive in Australian showrooms next year.

The new sports modes – RS1 and RS2 – can be set up and stored by the driver to suit personal driving taste and then retrieved by clicking an RS Mode button on the steering wheel.

The change has been introduced in facelift that includes a fresh face with a bigger and flatter grille, wider wheel arches, revised side skirts and a bigger 10.1-inch touchscreen that dispenses with the previous console-mounted knob.

The powertrain, with its 331kW/600Nm 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 and eight-speed automatic transmission hooked up to quattro all-wheel drive, carries over unchanged, as does the 3.9-second 0-100km/h sprint time.

Cosmetically, the biggest change is to the familiar Singleframe grille that becomes wider and flatter to bring it into line with other Audi Sport offering such as the RS6 and RS7.

“Implied air vents” above the grille, under the front lip of the bonnet, supposedly reference the 1984 Audi Quattro.

The bulging wheel arches have been extended, now sticking out 40mm over those on the standard A5 for a more aggressive look, while the air vents in the bumper below the headlights have been reshaped.

Along with the side sills, the rear diffuser has also been redesigned for a subtle freshen up.

Two new colours – blue and red – have also been added to the palette.

Inside, the biggest change is to the freestanding tablet-style touchscreen that has grown in size – up from 8.3 inches to 10.1 inches – thus reflecting recent changes to the standard A5.

However, on the RS5 duo, it can be upgraded for extra cost to include an RS information pack that dishes out info on items such as drive temperature, longitudinal and lateral acceleration, quattro sport differential status, tyre pressure and temperature.

Also optional is a12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit screen in front of the driver, offering personalised instrument displays.

The alloy wheels remain 19 inches, but a range of 20-inch options are available in a long list of personalisation features.