[Kowalski]

So is this the new RS5?

To be blunt, we're not sure if this is the RS5. On the surface, this test car looks just like - ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER that was unveiled at Geneva at the start of March, right down to every last air scoop. But sources at Ingolstadt have confirmed to CAR Online that an RS5 is in the pipeline, and this vehicle could be a test bed for the range-topping model. Why else would this car be carrying such an array of test paraphernalia when the standard S5 is signed off?

The RS5 will be bestowed with a more toned-up body kit, to make it a worthy - ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER rival. Expect a similarly discrete-but-muscular treatment as the RS4; if Audi gets gets the new two-door right, it could be the closest we've come to a successor to the original 1980 Quattro.



So what do we know about the proposed RS5?

We expect the free-revving, naturally aspirated 4.2-litre V8 from the current RS4 to be installed in the A5's new platform. Count on at least 420 bhp and 317lb ft - enough for rampant acceleration of the 911-worrying variety.

The new layout moves the front axle 120mm further forward for better weight distribution, effectively nudging the motor back in the engine bay for a more even 55:45 front-rear balance. The A5's engineering boss, Stefan Härdl, told CAR Online that the new layout dramatically improves the handling. 'It really helps the steering - it's more precise and direct than even the RS4, we've removed all the elasticity.'

If proved true, this is great news - since the next A4, A6 and A8 will all use the same layout.



What else can we expect?

Audi’s Magnetic Ride dampers are a certainty, although you’ll have to shell out at least £1200 for them. A manual gearchange and rear-biased quattro four-wheel drive will be standard; 60 percent of drive goes to the rear wheels for more alert handling.

Will the R8’s ceramic brakes make an appearance on the RS5? If Audi wants to challenge Mercedes and even Porsche, it will have to pull out all the stops. Just don’t expect much change from £53,000.

See our full studio shoot and interview with the people behind the A5 in the new May 2007 issue of CAR Magazine, on sale 30 March

Words: Ben Pulman - Source: - ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Sorry if this is a repost.

If there is already an existent thread on this subject, I suggest the moderators to merge the other thread with this one. Thank you.

Or even better, if this is the first thread on the subject, make this the official "Forthcoming Audi RS5 thread".

[Centurion]

Wow what a surprise. It seem like Audi is eager to get the RS5 out on the roads as soon a possible. The RS5 might be available before 2009. My dream scenario is if Audi have the balls to stand up to BMW like a man and don't tune the V8 engine, leaving it like it is with 420hp.

[RICHBOY]

Originally Posted by Luwalira

Wow what a surprise. It seem like Audi is eager to get the RS5 out on the roads as soon a possible. The RS5 might be available before 2009. My dream scenario is if Audi have the balls to stand up to BMW like a man and don't tune the V8 engine, leaving it like it is with 420hp.

You give BMW way to much credit!

[Centurion]

Originally Posted by RICHBOY

You give BMW way to much credit!

No I don't. I just consider BMW to be brave enough not to produce an M3 equipped with more power than the competitor's engine.

[RICHBOY]

Originally Posted by Luwalira

No I don't. I just consider BMW to be brave enough not to produce an M3 equipped with more power than the competitor's engine.

I've yet to hear confirmation from Audi that the RS5 even competes against the M3, further more the A/S and RS5 is way more car than the 3-Series in every sense of the word! What you can do for me is let me know when BMW is "Brave" enough to make a interior worth a damn thing okay? You really shouldn't compare a complete car such as a A/S/RS5 to a one dimensional car like the M3. And please don't make this into a big thing okay? These is a thread about the RS5 not the M3, I got at you for that and that alone!

[Bruce]

Originally Posted by RICHBOY

I've yet to hear confirmation from Audi that the RS5 even competes against the M3, further more the A/S and RS5 is way more car than the 3-Series in every sense of the word! What you can do for me is let me know when BMW is "Brave" enough to make a interior worth a damn thing okay? You really shouldn't compare a complete car such as a A/S/RS5 to a one dimensional car like the M3. And please don't make this into a big thing okay? These is a thread about the RS5 not the M3, I got at you for that and that alone!

Now come on RICHBOY. Luwalira hasn't said anything to detract from the original topic, nor is he making anything a "big thing". He's simply drawing his "dream scenario".

When you said Luwalira gives BMW too much credit, I could say the same for you with one of the comments you've made above

Now everybody, let's keep it together.

[RICHBOY]

Originally Posted by 7.3 AMG

Now come on RICHBOY. Luwalira hasn't said anything to detract from the original topic, nor is he making anything a "big thing". He's simply drawing his "dream scenario".

When you said Luwalira gives BMW too much credit, I could say the same for you with one of the comments you've made above

Now everybody, let's keep it together.

My bad!

[Centurion]

Originally Posted by RICHBOY

I've yet to hear confirmation from Audi that the RS5 even competes against the M3

Just ask yourself why Audi has launched the S5 faster than they have ever launched an S model or why they are testing the RS5 barely a month after launch. The answer is BMW M3.

[RICHBOY]

Originally Posted by Luwalira

Just ask yourself why Audi has launched the S5 faster than they have ever launched an S model or why they are testing the RS5 barely a month after launch. The answer is BMW M3.

Sure Lawalira, Sure! Thanks for the Audi insider info.

[DaSilva]

RS5 RennSport Of Audi AG