Chris from Cali's RS5 Review (with pics)
 

So here's my disclaimer: My buddy at Audi of America was not to let me drive the car today, so with that said, I will be addressing the test drive to... let's call him Mr. X. :whistle:

First off, the car is gorgeous. As in, F me dead gorgeous. Not sure if it was because of the Misano Red paint, the Titanium package, the bright sun, whatever. The car is much more arresting (more on that later) in person than any pics can convey. The boxed fenders are much more noticeable in person (it was tough to capture in photos).

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Next up, the Audi cliche of beautiful interiors continues here, though much less blingy than functional. For a first-timer in this car, it was a bit confusing, but once I sorted out what/where the gadgets were, it all made sense. It definitely felt more special inside than my 911 does (though that just may be a function of familiarity). This was a full, 100% German-spec car, though the seats might make it into the US version. They were very comfortable and supportive. As my wife pointed out, they feel like a cross between my Sport Buckets and the Recaros in the RS4. I could definitely spend some time in here...

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So what's it like to drive... er, ride in it? It's amazing. Honestly, I was fully prepared (and told my buddy as much) for the RS5 to be the disappointment the magazines had suggested. It couldn't be further from the truth. When Mr. X drove it, it handled well, not much understeer, very tight turning radius, TONS of torque, and an unholy, yet mesmerizing, soundtrack. It was driven in Dynamic mode with the ESP set to Sport (allowing for some slip). Only in slow-speed maneuvers did it have that AWD binding (though the C4S does that as well). The carbon brakes were INSANE. Literally like hitting a brick wall, and they only worked better as the car was pushed harder. When my buddy drove it in Dynamic with ESP off, the car was a BEAST. So impressed...

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(I have an MPEG, but I don't want to post it on YouTube. If any of you have a good site to host it somewhat anonymously or an FTP, let me know and I'll send it)

The Verdict: It is now on my "to buy" list. As I told my wife when we drove off, there is not another car I find more desirable (in a realistic price range) than the RS5. Depending on how the Cayman Clubsport turns out, I might forgo the CS. If the Clubsport is that great, then bye bye C4S and hello RS5/CS combo.

All the stuff I'd read over the last few months dissipated quickly in this car. It was comfortable, very fast, sounded and looked great, and was practical to boot. Based on my contact's information, it'll be likely in the $70K range base and working up to low $80Ks for a loaded car like the demo. That's about the same price as the old RS4 or a current GT-R, but this car feels so much more substantial. There are other faster cars out there, but this car would really scratch my itch. Apparently every person (until Mr. X) that has driven this very car has received a ticket, so I guess it's fast enough. If you are already an Audi fan, it's a no-brainer. I can't imagine any of you would be disappointed. :golfclap:

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Thanks for the post! This makes me want a RS5 even more! Does your friend know when we can expect the RS5 state side?

He said there isn't an RS5 program set up yet, though it is coming. It gives me hope that the seats will get approved. The best part? The US might get a 6-speed manual...

chris, have you gotten a chance to drive a GT-R yet?

Yep - I drove Gobbles' GT-R. Fast as hell, nicest Japanese interior outside of a Lexus, a little clunky on the paddle-shift. I still like it, but not as much as the RS5 now.

Very cool. I've had my eye on this car. Would make a great dd.

Love the seats, but if they don't have side airbags, they ain't coming here.

What's the hp tally?

4.2L, 450hp. Definitely felt every bit of it... My 911 didn't feel quite so fast afterward.

I'm still waiting to see one in the flesh with different wheels. These make the car look almost cartoonish to me.

And you are right, the box fenders are much more noticeable in person, but still, you would easily mistake it for an S5, I often have.

Havn't seen it in red however.

Imagine those seats in your old RS4 chris, along with the GmBH suspension pack. You yanks miss out on everything.

Big want!!!

You can't argue with the design of the car either; has a great body.

LOVE those seats as well!!!