- Olga Kokorina
- Translated by Olga Apetenok
- Ru Fr
The most powerful among the most beautiful
The Audi RS5 is a Gran Turismo sports car manufactured since 2010 by Audi Sport GmbH (formerly quattro GmbH) on the Audi A5 platform. There are cabriolet, coupe and liftback versions. The great designer Walter de Silva once said that the design of the Audi A5 coupe is ‘the most beautiful design in history.’ This also applies to the more powerful version of this coupe called the RS5. In 2021, Israeli buyers can purchase the second generation car after the restyling of 2019 in coupe and liftback bodies. It is built on the MLB evo platform, which makes it similar to the A4 sedan and other models.
The first generation
It was produced from 2010 to 2017, and was restyled in 2012. Unveiled at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, the Audi RS5 was available as a coupe and cabriolet. The RS5 differed from the A5 models by new bumpers, wider front and rear fenders, aluminum rear-view mirrors, a spoiler extending at a speed of 120 km/h and two oval exhaust pipes. The expressive front face bore a huge mesh grille, Xenon plus headlights with a wide strip of LED daytime running lights and air vents for the 7-speed S-Tronic gearbox at the bottom.
The interior of the first RS5 was sporty, featuring a steering wheel with a cut-off rim at the bottom, covered with perforated leather, seats with pronounced lateral support, electrically adjustable, heated and upholstered in leather and Alcantara, aluminum pedals. The dashboard was contrasting, with white on black scales and red arrows, which made a circle when the engine was started. The information system contained data on pressure, oil temperature and a timer. The car came with the dual zone automatic climate control.
The first RS5 was equipped with a 4.2-liter V8 FSI engine from the RS4 model (which appeared back in 2005), but modernized (power increased to 450 hp). It had only a 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission with two continuously active auxiliary gears, which changed each other with minimal delay, providing almost lightning-fast shifting. The first generation Audi RS5 was equipped with quattro all-wheel drive with a 40/60 torque distribution between the front and rear axles. For the first time, a Torsen differential was replaced by a self-locking center differential. The car featured a completely independent multi-link suspension. Moreover, the RS5 was standardly equipped with the sports suspension, which could be adjusted by the driver along with the transmission and the accelerator pedal. The safety package included six airbags and numerous assistants, including a fatigue detection system, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring system, as well as a parking system with a rear-view camera.
2012 restyling
The A5 and RS5 models were restyled in 2011, and in 2012 the models went into series production. The manufacturer upgraded the front and rear lights, redesigned the front bumper, installed the eye-catching air intakes, new radiator grilles and flat fog lights. The restyled 2012/2013 Audi RS5 was 10 mm longer than its predecessor. Changes also included redesigned front suspension dampers and springs, new electric power steering instead of power steering, an exclusive retractable rear spoiler and a carbon fiber intake manifold. The car acquired other exterior elements, such as the 20-inch graphite-colored wheels or the sports exhaust system.
The second generation
It has been produced from 2017 to the present, and was restyled in 2019. The new generation A5 and its sporty versions, the S5 and RS5, are built on the ninth generation of the Volkswagen Group MLB platform. The coupe was presented in 2017, and the Audi RS5 Sportback liftback was presented a little later at the 2018 New York Auto Show. The cabriolet is not available in this generation. The new Audi RS5 features a large honeycomb grille, wider fenders and an aggressive front bumper with larger openings than the A5 and S5.
We should immediately note the excellent acceleration dynamics: both the coupe and the liftback accelerate to 100 km in 3.9 seconds. Lighter weight also contributes to the improved dynamics: the new RS5 has a lower unladen weight than the previous model, and this circumstance can be enhanced with the optional CFRP roof. The body has great aerodynamic characteristics. The designers have not forgotten about such traditional bright sports elements as massive air intakes, side air ducts, enlarged exhaust pipes.
The 2017/2018 Audi RS5 coupe and liftback are powered by a 2.9-liter TFSI V6 twin-turbocharged engine that produces the same 450 hp and a torque of 600 Nm, which is also used on the Porsche Panamera 4S. The torque is transmitted to all 4 wheels via quattro and an 8-speed automatic transmission. The maximum speed is 280 km/h. The RS5 features highly refined sporty steering and suspension settings. The ground clearance is 7 mm lower. The cars have a new chassis with five-link front and rear suspension in combination with Audi Sport dynamic control system (for an additional charge). Other options include a carbon fiber engine cover and ceramic front brakes.
2019 restyling
On December 10, 2019, the manufacturer introduced the restyled RS5. The restyling touched both the coupe and the liftback. The 2019/2020 Audi RS5 started featuring new LED optics with dotted navigation lights and an even wider front grille. At the rear, the restyled model can be recognized by the new light pattern. With the dimensions of 4,723 – 1,866 – 1,372 mm (length - width - height), the RS5 coupe has a wheelbase of 2,766 mm and a turning radius of 5.4 m. The trunk volume is 450 liters.
The interior of the 2020/2021 Audi RS5 doesn’t feature the MMI controller anymore. The infotainment system has acquired a 10.1-inch touch screen, while the digital instruments have new graphics. The interior looks impressive and comprises a combination of leather and faux suede upholstery, power heated sports front seats with heating and massage, 3-zone climate control, a 10-speaker sound system, subwoofer and 6-channel amplifier, and an electric trunk. The basic equipment includes automatic dimming exterior mirrors and keyless entry. The top version will definitely include the Audi virtual cockpit, a premium Bang & Olufsen Sound System with 19 speakers, a panoramic roof, a heated steering wheel and heated rear seats, wireless charging and much more.
