2011 Audi RS5: First Look

Jay Williams - 23/February/2010

Ingolstadt, Germany - Audi has released official details about its 2011 RS5, ahead of the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, where the official unveiling was to take place before pictures were leaked on the internet in late February.

Audi say that the RS5 is powered by 4.2-litre direct injection V8 that produces 331 kW of power and 430 Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a seven-speed S tronic transmission that uses Audi’s drive select, three modes of shifts are available – automatic, comfort and dynamic, which also controls throttle response and steering precision.

Weighing 1725kgs, the RS5 coupé accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds, before hitting an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h. 

For potential buyers who have a hankering to go fast, an option to remove the speed limiter enables the car to reach a top speed of 280 km/h.

Despite these impressive performance figures, the RS5 only consumes 10.8-litres per 100km.

The RS5 engine features friction reduction technology, "intensive fine-tuning of the dual-branch intake", and a new exhaust system.

The RS5 has a new crown-gear centre differential, to help with the cars handling. The self-locking crown-gear "can widely vary the distribution of torque between the front and rear axles. If necessary, up to 70 percent can flow to the front or as much as 85 percent toward the tail end."

When extra traction isn't required, the unit has a 40:60 rear-biased configuration. According to Audi, "This new differential operates in conjunction with electronic torque vectoring, which affects all four wheels. If one of the inside wheels becomes imbalanced while the vehicle is at its operational limits, then the system slightly decelerates the wheel to obviate wheel spin. This results in terrific traction on the one hand while generating a yaw moment which aids cornering."

Other enhancements include an upgraded braking system (ceramic carbon-fibre brakes are optional), a modified electronic stabilisation system (which can be disabled), and a recalibrated speed-dependent servotronic steering system (dynamic steering is optional).

Styling of the RS5 can be summed up as aggressive, with a reduced ride height (20mm/0.79" lower than the Audi A5), and 19-inch five-spoke alloy wheels (20-inch are optional) adding significantly to the overall aggressive appearance.

Other sporty touches include twin oval exhaust pipes (which are integrated in the rear bumper), a large diffuser, and a rear spoiler which automatically extends at 120 km/h and retracts at 80 km/h.

Interior styling of the RS5 comes by the way of leather/Alcantara sports seats, a sport steering wheel, carbon fibre inserts, piano black accents, and aluminium highlights.

Expect to see the RS5 in showrooms in the later part of the year, or early next year.

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