New Car Prices and Reviews

The 2011 Audi RS5 made its world debut last month at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show and come complete with an uprated version of the 4.2-liter FSI V-8 from the RS4. The latest iteration of the sweet engine delivers 450 horsepower at 8,250 rpm and, between 4,000 and 6,000 rpm, transmits a maximum of 317.15 pound-feet of torque.

The mighty engine is matched to a seven-speed S tronic dual clutch gearbox and a new center differential in the standard quattro all-wheel drive system. Together, the powertrain propels the coupe’s 3,803 pound kerb weight from 0-62 mph in 4.6 seconds and sees it reach a top speed of 174 mph.

Despite the performance, the new RS5 has relatively good--for a performance car--fuel economy of 21.8 mpg for the European combined cycle.

Developed by quattro GmbH, the RS models comprise the dynamic spearhead of Audi's model range. The Audi RS5 is the latest torchbearer in a tradition dating back over 15 years to the RS2 Avant: superior handling in the mid-size class. A close relative of the V10 which powers the high-performance Audi R8 sports car, the high-revving V8 engine delivers its output from a displacement of 4,163 cm3. Like nearly every Audi gasoline engine, this one also operates via direct fuel injection known by the abbreviation FSI. This same technology has propelled the Audi R8 racing car to four triumphs at the classic endurance race in Le Mans. The common-rail system generates up to 120 bars of pressure.

Intensive fine-tuning of the dual-branch intake and exhaust system allows the undersquare engine to breathe freely; four adjustable camshafts and tumble flaps in the intake manifold facilitate mixture formation. The 4.2 FSI provides imposing torque and is right at home even at high revs - almost like a race engine. The engine delivers 331 kW (450 hp) at 8,250 rpm and - between 4,000 and 6,000 rpm - transmits a maximum of 430 Nm (317.15 lb-ft) of torque.

The vigorous strength, the spontaneous responsiveness, the joyful high-revving, and the throaty, sonorous music: this V8 produced by hand at Audi stunningly combines the essence of power and emotion. The 4.2 FSI propels the coupé's 1,725 kilograms (3,802.97 pounds) in 4.6 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62.14 mph) to an electronically governed top speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph). Audi can increase that to 280 km/h (173.98 mph) upon request.

The RS 5 will ride on a lowered and stiffened suspension, and it most certainly will have a torque-vectoring rear differential similar to that which we recently sampled in the 2010 S5 cabriolet. Also look for an RS-specific calibration of the Audi Drive Select system that allows the driver to tailor steering effect, damping qualities, and transmission/throttle response to his or her tastes. We expect the RS 5 to make abundant use of lightweight materials such as aluminum, magnesium, and probably a conspicuous sprinkling of carbon fiber, á la BMW M3 coupe, as part of its ambitious plan to begin reducing vehicle mass across its model lineup and particularly among its performance cars.

A carbon design package is available for the engine compartment and, for the vehicle body, there are styling packages in black or matt aluminum look, including for the exhaust system, which can be fitted with black tailpipes. The new RS5 is scheduled to go on sale in Europe this July and previous spy shots of prototypes testing in the U.S. suggest the car will also be in local showrooms.

Sales of the Audi RS5 will begin in the spring of 2010. Its basic price will be approximately 77,700 euros.