After three years of reengineering, designing and redeveloping, Audi has finally unleashed its latest high performance machine, the RS5 Coupe, whose inspiration was derived from the Audi 90 Quattro IMSA GTO race cars of the 1980s. Prior to its global launch, RS5 prototypes were seen lapping around Nurburgring’s Northern Loop, subjecting the coupe to a myriad of testing and severe beating.
The end result of that 5,000 miles of hardcore testing was unveiled early this week in an exclusive media launch held at the Butamaru Ramen restaurant at the Home Depot Ortigas compound in Pasig City. Present during the exclusive media sneak peek were PGA executives led by Audi PH head Benedicto Coyiuto; Amado del Rosario, director for Corporate Affairs; Christoph Klapper, certified driving instructor, Audi AG; and Anthony Lagmay, executive director, PGA Cars Inc.
“The Audi RS 5 Coupé is a car that exudes character – from its progressive design to its sporty interior. Not only does the new RS 5 defines perfection in design, comfort and safety, it also delivers sophisticated performance one can only expect from Audi,” Coyiuto stated.
You’ll know that this car is different judging from the massive air inlets up front with the honeycomb grille design that characterizes RS models. The single frame radiator grille is much wider and flatter than in the base model. Additional air inlets and outlets are located next to the headlights and rear lights. Tinted bezels frame the optional Matrix LED headlights. The Quattro blisters on the flanks emphasize the pronounced bulges over the wheel arches, which have been widened by 15 mm and the 20-inch wheels comes as standard. A sporty conclusion to the vehicle is provided by the RS-specific diffuser insert, the oval tailpipes of the RS exhaust system and a surface-mounted spoiler lip. With a length of 4,723 mm, the new RS 5 Coupé is 74 mm longer than the previous model.
BI-Turbo engine
Thumping at the belly of this beast is a 2.9-liter TFSI V6 bi-turbo engine that was developed by Audi from the ground up. Depress the accelerator and the RS5 summons all of its 450 bhp for some serious road rage. Peak torque is at 600 Nm, which is 170 Nm more than the previous model. The top model in the A5 family sprints from 0 to 100 kph in 3.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 250 kph – with the optional RS dynamic package, it can even reach 280 kph.
Both turbochargers of the 2.9 TFSI unit are centrally positioned inside the V of the engine, and each of them supplies a single cylinder bank. The B-cycle combustion process with central direct injection represents a new level of efficiency within the RS family. In the NEDC, the V6 bi-turbo consumes just 8.7 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers that corresponds to 197 grams of CO2 per kilometer. This is an efficiency gain of 17 percent over the previous model. Another factor in the greater efficiency of the new RS 5 Coupé is its significantly lower weight. It weighs in at 1,655 kilograms without a driver – 60 kilograms less than previous model.
The bi-turbo’s power flows through a sportily-tuned, eight-speed tiptronic transmission with optimized shift times and on to the Quattro permanent all-wheel drive that features a self-locking central differential. The drive forces are asymmetrically distributed between the axles in the ratio of 40:60. Dynamic handling with optimum traction and the best-possible levels of safety are thus guaranteed. Audi Sport also offers the standard rear sport differential.
A revised five-link construction is used on the front axle. At the rear, a five-link suspension replaces the trapezoidal-link suspension used on the previous model. This benefits the sporty driving characteristics and agility. It also improves comfort significantly. With the standard RS sport suspension, the new RS 5 Coupé sits 7 mm lower than the base model. Audi Sport also offers the RS sport suspension plus with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) with RS-specific tuning, and the optional ceramic brakes and dynamic steering. Drivers can make their personal driving experience more individual, dynamic or comfortable using the standard dynamic handling system Audi drive select.
Step inside the cabin of the RS5 and you’ll immediately notice the purpose f this coupe, which is to go fast and carve up some asphalt. RS sport seats – optionally available in fine Nappa leather with honeycomb pattern – and the flat-bottomed RS multifunction sport leather steering wheel underscore the character of the high-performance Coupé in the interior as well. The steering wheel rim bears the RS badge, as do the front seat backrests and the shift gate. Special RS displays in the Audi virtual cockpit provide information on tire pressure, torque and g-forces. A shift light prompts the driver to upshift upon reaching the rev limit. The RS design package brings the sporty contrast color red into play on the center console as well as on the armrests, the seat belts and the floor mats with RS logo. The steering wheel, selector lever and knee pads are all covered with Alcantara.
For a change of pace, visit PGA Cars showrooms along EDSA, Mandaluyong; Bonifacio Global City; and Alabang.
