Tuesday 7th March 2017

Audi RS5 - Geneva 2017

450hp twin-turbo V6 for wide arched new-age RS5

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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.

[Dr G]

Agreed on colour; Audi always launch their cars in colours nobody will actually want to buy.

[Rawwr]

I'm almost convinced that Audi wheel designs are the worst provided by any marque. They become more and more ludicrous with each generation.

[urquattroGus]

The most predictable product launch you can imagine.

Will reserve judgement but right now everything is just peachy as I have a Giulia QV on order. Can't see anything in this RS5 and the no doubt subsequent RS4 that would make me regret that.

[Guvernator]

Err wide arches, where?? As with most modern RS's those look far too subdued and dare I say apologetic to me, almost as if they are embarrassed to make the arches too big, grow a pair Audi and bring back RS's with some proper attitude.

As for the new engine, I'm sure it will be effective but a downsized V6 with turbo's compared to a V8 that could sing to 8000rpm? Er no. I thought downsizing was going out of fashion again anyway seeing as the emissions tests which favour downsized turbo engines have turned out to be a load of bks?

Overall meh.

[Hitch]

Love the car and the blue but those wheels are an abomination.

[TheOversteerLever]

Rawwr said:

I'm almost convinced that Audi wheel designs are the worst provided by any marque. They become more and more ludicrous with each generation.

They are awful on that RS5. I don't think it's just Audi - seems to be most of the VAG group!

[moonigan]

Dan Trent said:

Bye-bye high-revving and torqueless V8, hello hard-hitting twin-turbo V6.... 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.

I LOL'd hard at this. Breathless, peaky and torqueless are not words I would associate with the RS4. Having lived with mine for almost 3 years I never once thought it breathless, peaky or lacking in torque.

[culpz]

Interesting that they've ditched the S-Tronic Box in favor of the ZF auto. After reading the last review of the B9 S4 on here, it appears that the same gearbox in that car appears to be its downfall.

[damoakaflash]

Dan Trent said:

"Now square on horsepower Audi's traditional muscularity has been restored and leaves the BMW trailing"

Eh? How does it?

[lee_erm]

I wouldn't describe the V8 as torqueless!

[EC2]

Looks great to me especially in dark blue with tan.

I wonder if the back seats fold down as they don't on the new S5 coupe?

[Rawwr]

moonigan said:

Dan Trent said:

Bye-bye high-revving and torqueless V8, hello hard-hitting twin-turbo V6.... 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.

I LOL'd hard at this. Breathless, peaky and torqueless are not words I would associate with the RS4. Having lived with mine for almost 3 years I never once thought it breathless, peaky or lacking in torque.

Added some emphasis for those missing the point.

[markwm]

Agree about the wheels, ruins the look of the whole car.

[Supersaloons]

oh nice, another sporty car with ugly big air vents left and right in the bumper.... how original.

[EC2]

lee_erm said:

I wouldn't describe the V8 as torqueless!

I'm coming from a n/a V8 Maserati which would be similarly expressed by many as slow and unresponsive. Personally I like the linear power delivery but I accept that the market is different now and many people like the great shove from low revs that forced induction gives together with the (falicy) of materially better economy.

[Gio G]

Have Audi Sport missed a trick here? This will go head to head with the new Alfa QV Sprint. I suspect it will be down on power vs 500hp and importantly the looks! The last RS5 looked and sounded great.

Will get a closer look next week and see whether it looks meaner in the flesh...

G

[E65Ross]

That side on view looks hideous in my opinion! Wheels are perhaps the main reason!

Sure it'll go well enough though.

[C7 JFW]

That, in black, with normal silver wheels, then you're talking.

[soupdragon1]

Why is it on virtually ever 'new car released thread' the majority of posts are critical of it? Doesn't matter what brand, what colour, what engine - the majority want to jump in and get the boot into it and highlight all its failings lol.

I think its a nice motor personally

[Dave Hedgehog]

lee_erm said:

I wouldn't describe the V8 as torqueless! Please stop with the constant exaggeration.

i would, it is utterly feebly below 4k, doubly so compared to the RS6

this new car should be superb as a daily 'blitzing' driver

very tempted by the avant version when that comes