Bye-bye high-revving and torqueless V8, hello hard-hitting twin-turbo V6. Yes, the new RS5 making its debut here at Geneva reverts to Audi type with its punchy new 2.9-litre engine, the 442lb ft of torque from just 1,900rpm perhaps the most telling difference to its predecessor that launched here seven years ago. That car also had 450hp, in this instance from a 4.2-litre V8 that revved to over 8,000rpm. All well and good but 317lb ft of torque and a peaky, naturally aspirated power meant it was left breathless in comparison once the latest turbocharged M4 and C63 rivals arrived.
V8 out, six cylinders in - where's that M4?
Now square on horsepower Audi's traditional muscularity has been restored and leaves the BMW trailing, the Quattro four-wheel drive chassis, 'selective torque control', 40:60 front-to-rear power split and an optional active Sport Differential. Interestingly it's also moved from a dual-clutch S Tronic gearbox to an eight-speed auto, mirroring a move made by the S4 and S5. We'll hope the calibration is more punchy than that in our
S4 Avant long-termer for starters. Standard Dynamic Steering is another cause for concern, based on past experience.
Even with all that extra hardware in the powertrain Audi claims a 60kg weight saving over the predecessor, this and the increased power chopping half a second out of the 0-62mph sprint to record 3.9 seconds. The limited 155mph top speed can be optionally increased to 174mph if you wish. Meanwhile Audi claims 32.5mpg and 197g/km CO2 - again if our S4 is anything to go by that first number may be rather optimistic.
The engine is all-new and packs a lot of interesting tech, not to mention a soundtrack Audi says is reminiscent of the B5 RS4. That car also used a twin-turbo V6 of course, the new one adopting the very 'now' configuration of twin turbos within the vee of the cylinder banks, 'shortened' compression stroke and direct injection for maximum power and reduced emissions.
Hmm yes, right. We'll wait for the RS4 Avant...
In terms of the looks the RS5 follows tradition by looking considerably more butch than the standard A5, 15mm arch extensions giving it a broad-shouldered muscularity harking back to the Ur Quattro. The grille is bigger and more assertive, there's a diffuser at the back and various additional vents and aero pieces. Assorted exterior packages are available, including gloss black, matt aluminium and chrome. There's also a carbon roof option and a choice of 20-inch 'milled' wheels over the standard 19s. The red car here on the Audi stand seems to have all of the above fitted and, frankly, looks a bit of a dog's dinner. The more restrained dark blue one with the black options has much more presence and gets the PH vote.
Pricing is TBC with first deliveries expected in the summer.
