(continued from above)
The Audi RS 5 Coupe now has an even more athletic and muscular road stance. The
upper corners of the single-frame grille are beveled, and sharper edges lend the
hood an even more sculpted appearance. The most striking elements at the front
of the car, however, are the new, wedge-shaped headlights. Utilizing xenon plus
technology, they include narrow LED strips for the daytime running lights. The
taillights and the rear bumper have also been redesigned.
Interior updates include the leather-wrapped RS 5 multifunction sport steering
wheel with the ring flattened at the bottom, redesigned controls, the ignition
key, the knob of the gear selector lever, the steering column stalks and the
buttons for Audi drive select and the optional MMI navigation plus. The interior
is a study in black. The standard inlays are carbon, with aluminum, Piano finish
or stainless steel mesh available as options.
The Audi RS 5 Coupe is an elite athlete. Its 4.2 FSI engine, a high-revving,
normally aspirated V8, produces 450 hp (331 kW) at 8,250 rpm, with the peak
torque of 317 lb-ft (430 Nm) available between 4,000 and 6,000 rpm. The 4.2 FSI consumes an average of just 10.5 liters
of fuel per 100 kilometers (22.40 US mpg) on average.
With its high efficiency and its long top gear, the standard seven-speed S
tronic dual-clutch transmission also contributes to the good fuel economy.
Like every Audi RS model, the RS 5 Coupe applies its power to the road with
quattro permanent all-wheel drive, here in the latest evolutionary stage with
the self-locking crown gear center differential and torque vectoring. Audi also
offers the optional sport differential, which actively distributes the power
between the rear wheels.
The suspension of the RS 5 Coupe lowers the vehicle body by 0.8 inches (20 millimeters). The new electromechanical power steering is highly efficient and provides
excellent road feedback. The new standard 19-inch forged aluminum wheels are
shod with 265/35-series tires. The brake system features large, internally
vented wave discs with a wave-shaped outside contour; the front calipers are
painted black and have eight pistons each. Audi delivers carbon fiber-ceramic
discs up front upon request.
Audi drive select comes standard. Besides the standard vehicle components, it
can also modify the behavior of the optional sport differential, dynamic
steering, adaptive cruise control and the sport suspension plus with dynamic
ride control (DRC). The latter is a purely mechanical system without any lag.
Its damping characteristic can be switched between three characteristics. Among
the options available for the RS 5 Coupe are Audi's driver assistance systems
and infotainment features.
2013 Audi RS 5 Coupe, rear three quarters.
Audi RS 5 Coupe: Review (2/2)
