Geneva show: Audi’s RS5 confirmed for 2017

AUDI has downsized from a V8 engine to a twin-turbocharged V6 for its new-generation RS5 coupe, which will land in Australian showrooms by year’s end to line up against BMW’s M4 and the Mercedes-AMG C63.

Revealed at the Geneva motor show overnight, the all-new 2.9-litre engine produces 331kW of power and 600Nm of torque, matching its naturally aspirated 4.2-litre eight-cylinder predecessor in the kilowatt count and increasing pulling power by a whopping 170Nm.

Audi is promising improved driveability with the new RS5 thanks to maximum torque available from 1900 to 5000rpm and with the turbos which are mounted within the banks of the cylinders for optimal airflow and reduced turbo lag.

Power is fed exclusively through an eight-speed automatic transmission and sent to all four wheels via Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system with a rear-biased 40:60 front/rear torque split.

The result is 0-100km/h acceleration in a claimed 3.9 seconds – down from 4.5s – and, with the dynamic package optioned, a top speed of 280km/h.

Weight, fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions are also all reduced in the new RS5, which tips the scales at 1655kg and returns 8.7 litres per 100km on the official European combined cycle (equivalent to 197g/km of CO2).

In comparison, BMW’s M4 Performance produces 331kW/550Nm from a 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline six and is 0.1s slower to 100km/h and 0.1L thirstier, while the 375kW/700Nm Mercedes-AMG C63 S matches the new RS5’s acceleration to 100km/h and fuel economy figure, but produces more power and torque from a bi-turbo 4.0-litre V8.

From the outside, Audi’s latest RS model wears a striking bodykit featuring a new-look RS grille, prominent front splitter and wider front and rear wheelarches housing 19-inch wheels as standard.

At the rear there is a contrasting diffuser, oval exhaust outlets and a boot-mounted rear lip spoiler.

Inside, front occupants are treated to RS-branded sports seats and an infotainment system compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto devices, while the driver is treated to three selectable drive modes – individual, comfort or dynamic – plus a flat-bottomed sports steering wheel, head-up display and Audi’s all-digital virtual cockpit instrumentation display.

Options include 20-inch wheels, a carbon-fibre roof, rear-axle limited-slip differential, ceramic brakes, diamond-stitched seats and an RS design package which adds red highlights to the steering wheel, gear selector and seatbelts.

Local specification levels and pricing are still yet to be revealed for the 2017 model, but Audi Australia product communications manager Shaun Cleary told GoAuto in Geneva: “What we definitely look to do – like we’ve done with a few of our other models – is to increase the amount of equipment in the car to offer additional value.

“Where the price moves is yet to be confirmed,” he said.

The outgoing RS5 model starts from $157,226 plus on-road costs and tops out with the cabriolet version for an additional $20,000.

Mr Clearly said both RS5 models have been a sales success for Audi in Australia.

“It was hugely successful in its first generation,” he said. “In Australia, we sold almost 500 coupe and cabriolets, so yeah, we’re really excited about the new car.”

However, Mr Cleary cautioned that overall volume of the second-generation RS5 may not increase much more over its predecessor.

“Obviously, Australia is a hugely successful RS5 market … we’re definitely looking to capture a significant sports coupe market, but I think it’s important that Audi Sport models are exclusive and that’s part of the appeal as well,” he said.