RE: Abt Audi RS5-R for Geneva

RE: Abt Audi RS5-R for Geneva

Friday 26th January 2018

Abt Audi RS5-R for Geneva

More power, more noise and more attitude for legendary tuner's take on the RS5



One of the joys of the Geneva motor show - yes, it’s nearing that time of year again - is delving into the depths of the tuner stands, uncovering the sublime, the ridiculous and the everything in between of the modified car scene. This green Audi is the first look into what the 2018 Geneva International Motor Show has in store.

Alright, so the Abt RS5-R is pretty tame by Geneva standards. By everyone else’s though, a 530hp RS5 tuned by a motorsport outfit is pretty bold, and right up our street. That’s because, talented though the latest Audi RS5 is, it does rather lack a bit of edge and attitude. On the face of it, neither of those appears to be missing from the Abt creation...   


Best begin with the engine, because the switch from atmospheric V8 to twin-turbo V6 must have pleased tuners - we all know how much easier it is to eke power from forced induction rather than naturally aspirated engines. Abt says the RS5-R makes 530hp and 509lb ft, increases of 80hp and 66lb ft from standard; frustratingly it doesn't yet disclose how these were reached, though the lack of detail could come from the fact the power gain was simple to achieve... A new Abt exhaust, with chunky 102mm tailpipes, will surely contribute a few horsepower. And make a right old racket while you hit 62mph in 3.6 seconds, down from 3.9 as standard.

Externally, the RS5-R can be identified by new Abt grilles, spoilers and flics, with optional carbon parts including vents and fins - your typical tuner fare. The wheels are Abt Sport GR 21s, with 275/25-section tyres; let’s hope the soon-to-be-available suspension kit - in collaboration with KW - can keep things at least moderately comfy. As is, the RS5-R will be launched with Abt anti-roll bars and height adjustable springs.


The interior brings more badges, more carbon and many other extras, to create what Abt describes as a truly fascinating overall package. Just 50 will be made, so best be quick if you’re interested; more to hopefully follow from Switzerland...

 

 

[Source: Abt]

Author
Discussion

smilo996

Original Poster:

2,754 posts

169 months

Friday 26th January 2018
quotequote all
So doing the same to the RS4 avant is not beyond the likely. Look forward to that.

davidcharles

400 posts

193 months

Friday 26th January 2018
quotequote all
wonder how many people will say this is what the Rs5 should have been in the first place...?

Jonno02

2,246 posts

108 months

Friday 26th January 2018
quotequote all
davidcharles said:
wonder how many people will say this is what the Rs5 should have been in the first place...?
Guilty. Though the alloy size looks OTT.

Chuck328

1,580 posts

166 months

Friday 26th January 2018
quotequote all
They did the same for the RS3. Near enough 500 bhp with some other upgraded work. The price, nearly 17K!

With Litchfield also squeezing out 500 for a fraction of the price.......nuts

Dr G

15,157 posts

241 months

Friday 26th January 2018
quotequote all
Dare I say this? It works!

Standard they have some sharp lines around light/grille/bonnet that jar badly with flowing lines elsewhere.

The body addenda carry on the theme of sharper lines and give a coherent look.

Fair play ABT smile

Ultrafunkula

996 posts

104 months

Friday 26th January 2018
quotequote all
In black that would look frightening...

xjay1337

15,966 posts

117 months

Friday 26th January 2018
quotequote all
I really like this. A lot of the ABT stuff is tacky but this is just right.

FN2TypeR

7,091 posts

92 months

Friday 26th January 2018
quotequote all
Ultrafunkula said:
In black that would look frightening...
It would indeed but the green is fairly smashing too IMO cool

PhantomPH

4,043 posts

224 months

Friday 26th January 2018
quotequote all
Jonno02 said:
Guilty. Though the alloy size looks OTT.
I was about to post that the wheels looked great and filled the arches better than standard...but now you mentioned it, perhaps they are just 1" too big....and I hate myself for even suggesting that. biggrin

Tim bo

1,956 posts

139 months

Friday 26th January 2018
quotequote all
Turned what was a dull-looking typically-bland Audi into something really quite desirable.

Gets a like from me.

simonbamg

767 posts

122 months

Friday 26th January 2018
quotequote all
The wheels are superb, aftermarket wheels dont usually do it for me,much needed over the standard ones

Fetchez la vache

5,568 posts

213 months

Friday 26th January 2018
quotequote all
davidcharles said:
wonder how many people will say this is what the Rs5 should have been in the first place...?
Only those people who don't think an RS model should look pretty much identical to diesel S-line.

Joeguard1990

1,181 posts

125 months

Friday 26th January 2018
quotequote all
The only critism from me is the size of the wheels.

21" is overkill and doesn't help with the handling.


PhantomPH

4,043 posts

224 months

Friday 26th January 2018
quotequote all
Joeguard1990 said:
The only critism from me is the size of the wheels.

21" is overkill and doesn't help with the handling.
Surely the handling won't be affected - just the ride quality and perhaps an almost imperceptible affect on the braking due to the increase in rolling mass?

In fact, couldn't the argument be made that the handling would improve since there is less flex in the smaller tyre side wall?

Tickle

4,879 posts

203 months

Friday 26th January 2018
quotequote all
Great colour, them wheels look ridiculously large IMHO though. I know they don't get the best rep for steering feel but they must make it even worse.

Dave Hedgehog

14,541 posts

203 months

Friday 26th January 2018
quotequote all
the car the RS5 (And 4) should have been

i am in love

19" rims max thou please

MrScrot

77 posts

161 months

Friday 26th January 2018
quotequote all
Love it! Not a big German Car fan but this is really quite nice. Would ask for smaller wheels though.

simonbamg

767 posts

122 months

Friday 26th January 2018
quotequote all
I was waiting for the small wheel brigade to wake up, why would a tuner put small wheels on it...

Yipper

5,964 posts

89 months

Friday 26th January 2018
quotequote all
They want ~£115,000 for it...

You'd have to be mental to pay 115 grand for what is basically a quick remap and a Halfords bodykit.

Rawwr

22,722 posts

233 months

Friday 26th January 2018
quotequote all
simonbamg said:
I was waiting for the small wheel brigade to wake up, why would a tuner put small wheels on it...
Performance?