GTspirit Road Test: 2011 Audi RS5



We had the pleasure to drive different versions of the Audi A5 in different weather conditions and on some exotic locations. However there is one particular version we have been waiting for ever since the A5 was launched in 2007; we had to show a lot of patience but now its here, the new Audi RS5 Coupé!

On a basic level, the RS5 is quite similar to the S5 we drove a year ago. But there are a few important differences. For instance, it has boxier wheel arches that make it look wider and more macho, massive front air intakes, R8-styled exhaust tips and an integrated boot lid spoiler that automatically deploys above 120km/h. In the end the differences are subtle but noticeable.

The most potent and latest A5 family member is surely the best possible way to celebrate the 30th anniversary of one of the most iconic cars of all time – the Audi Quattro. So at the end of last year Audi offered us the chance to take the sports car for a decent ride and our road test here tells the story.

The engine setup of the RS5 is quite similar to the RS4. The same high-revving naturally aspirated 4.2 liter V8 sits under the hood and you’ll be pleased to know that it is still hand built in Gyor, Hungary. The main difference is the setup of the engine. It produces 30hp more than the RS4, in total 450hp and has a compression ratio of 12.3:1. The maximum torque of 430Nm of torque is available between a less hectic 4,000rpm and 6,000rpm. The redline is set at 8,300rpm, if the oil temperature is high enough.

The power is converted to the road via a reinforced S-tronic seven-speed twin-clutch automatic gearbox and then to through the new quattro system featuring a crown-gear center differential that splits torque 40/60 front/rear under normal circumstances. Surprisingly no manual transmission is on offer, so automatic is the only way to go with. It is the first time we’ve fancied an automatic setup in an Audi. At cruising speed enough power is available to do quick and easy overtaking and pulling out of lower speed corners is a much easier task than expected. Somehow the setup feels more crisp, reactive and nimble than we’ve experienced before, but still we had to keep the V8 revving within its 4000-to-6000-rpm sweet spot.

The all-new-four-wheel-drive system gets a decent upgrade through the self-locking crown-gear differential which can vary torque between the front and rear with the capability of sending 70 percent of available torque forward or 85 percent back as conditions dictate. The ability to deliver more torque to the rear axle takes the car to a new level of dynamism. Audi have also added a software-based, wheel-selective pseudo-torque-vectoring system. When needed it applies the brakes to the inner front wheel during cornering to effectively curb under-steer.

Read more here and do not forget to check the wonderful pictures made by our GTspirit photographer Christiaan Ploeger.

 

thorough and in depth review

edit: lol, nm

 

I am so in love with this car... I did get bad news though: It won't be in the U.S. until possibly late 2012 as a 2013 model.