RS5 may be coming to the US after all ....
Apr 4, 2010 | 08:44 PM
#13
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Audi RS5 Confirmed for U.S. - Car News
Word from the CEO: RS returns!BY JENS MEINERS, PHOTOGRAPHY BY PETER BURN AND THE MANUFACTURER
April 2010
Audi is engaging BMW in a thrilling fight over who can make the sportiest premium cars, and the RS models are an important cornerstone in this strategy. Targeting BMW's legendary M line, Audi's RS family currently includes the 340-hp TT RS with its turbocharged straight-five and the 580-hp RS6, which packs a twin-turbo V-10 into either a sedan or wagon body. But alas, no RS model is currently sold in the U.S., and the brand's utterly enjoyable S models are simply outgunned by the M models and the Mercedes-Benz AMG line.
With the RS5, the wait is finally over. Audi CEO Rupert Stadler tells us that the upcoming coupe, powered by a naturally aspirated, 450-hp V-8, is U.S.-bound. That's very good news not only for Audi aficionados, but for anyone shopping in this segment. The RS5's most direct competitors will be the two-door versions of the 414-hp BMW M3 and the 556-hp Cadillac CTS-V, both bringing rear-wheel drive against the Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system. Mercedes-Benz is abandoning the segment, with no planned AMG version of its new C-class-based but E-class-badged coupe. Interestingly, Audi is sticking to its extremely high-revving engine, an evolution of the former RS4 and current R8 unit, while BMW M and Mercedes-AMG are on the verge of switching to turbocharged engines.
For a while, it seemed like the RS models wouldn't return to the U.S. market. We were told that costly certification requirements and a limited market made it difficult to justify a business case. While that may have been so, some of the most loyal Audi customers were left without a suitable in-house replacement for their beloved RS6s or RS4s, the previous generations of which were sold here. The absence of RS models in a market niche bristling with offers from key competitors made it increasingly difficult for Audi to claim that it is indeed the sportiest of luxury brands.
Stadler had no word yet on pricing, but we expect the new RS5 to be positioned close to the BMW M3. Money aside, we’ll get behind the wheel shortly and report on how well it stacks up agains the benchmark Bimmer.
read more here
Word from the CEO: RS returns!BY JENS MEINERS, PHOTOGRAPHY BY PETER BURN AND THE MANUFACTURER
April 2010
Audi is engaging BMW in a thrilling fight over who can make the sportiest premium cars, and the RS models are an important cornerstone in this strategy. Targeting BMW's legendary M line, Audi's RS family currently includes the 340-hp TT RS with its turbocharged straight-five and the 580-hp RS6, which packs a twin-turbo V-10 into either a sedan or wagon body. But alas, no RS model is currently sold in the U.S., and the brand's utterly enjoyable S models are simply outgunned by the M models and the Mercedes-Benz AMG line.
With the RS5, the wait is finally over. Audi CEO Rupert Stadler tells us that the upcoming coupe, powered by a naturally aspirated, 450-hp V-8, is U.S.-bound. That's very good news not only for Audi aficionados, but for anyone shopping in this segment. The RS5's most direct competitors will be the two-door versions of the 414-hp BMW M3 and the 556-hp Cadillac CTS-V, both bringing rear-wheel drive against the Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system. Mercedes-Benz is abandoning the segment, with no planned AMG version of its new C-class-based but E-class-badged coupe. Interestingly, Audi is sticking to its extremely high-revving engine, an evolution of the former RS4 and current R8 unit, while BMW M and Mercedes-AMG are on the verge of switching to turbocharged engines.
For a while, it seemed like the RS models wouldn't return to the U.S. market. We were told that costly certification requirements and a limited market made it difficult to justify a business case. While that may have been so, some of the most loyal Audi customers were left without a suitable in-house replacement for their beloved RS6s or RS4s, the previous generations of which were sold here. The absence of RS models in a market niche bristling with offers from key competitors made it increasingly difficult for Audi to claim that it is indeed the sportiest of luxury brands.
Stadler had no word yet on pricing, but we expect the new RS5 to be positioned close to the BMW M3. Money aside, we’ll get behind the wheel shortly and report on how well it stacks up agains the benchmark Bimmer.
read more here
Apr 4, 2010 | 09:06 PM
#14
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It's going to be way too expensive to be on the same level as the M3. The E63 Coupe is about as close a competitor as you'll probably find but that'll outpower it. Not sure what to think about this car anymore.
Apr 7, 2010 | 10:38 AM
#15
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Base price for an S6 in Germany 85,500 Euros, the RS5 77,700 Euros and an S5 58,150.
The US prices for the S6 $76,100 and the S5 $52,400. Both highly spec'ed as Premium Plus as the cheapest version. My guess the RS5 will debut for under $70K to be competitive. $68-69 sounds about right.
The US prices for the S6 $76,100 and the S5 $52,400. Both highly spec'ed as Premium Plus as the cheapest version. My guess the RS5 will debut for under $70K to be competitive. $68-69 sounds about right.
Apr 7, 2010 | 02:02 PM
#17
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I don't even think it will go this high unless you add ceramic brakes. Most options with Audis in the US are included in the differetn packages. It most likely come in Premium Plus and Prestige. Additional Options might be Nav/Technology, ceramic brakes, color and not much more.
Apr 10, 2010 | 06:50 PM
#19
Watch this space.
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 12,211
The RS4 came loaded with maybe one or two options. I anticipate full leather and the B&O sound to come standard. Maybe a titanium package and a choice of aluminum or CF inside as options...
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