The all-new Audi RS 5 is almost here!
2.9-liter, twin-turbocharged V6 engine. 0-60 in 3.7 seconds. 444 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque. These are the headline figures for Audi’s all-new RS 5 model. In today’s video, TFL’s Roman Mica heads to Phoenix, Arizona to give the RS 5 a shakedown and answer your questions on Audi’s latest performance offering.
Performance
Apart from the horsepower figures, the Audi RS 5 routes its twin-turbocharged power through an eight-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission. The bi-turbo 2.9-liter V6 engine chucks out 444 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque. Add in the company’s Quattro all-wheel drive system and launch control, and the byproduct of all that grunt is huge speed. Not only that, but the twin-turbo V6 has a more accessible torque curve. Instead of revving to around 4,000 RPM in the V8, now peak torque comes on at 1,900 RPM.
If the normal 2018 Audi RS 5 isn’t sporty enough for you, Audi provides you some options. There’s the Dynamic Package, which includes a sports exhaust, red-painted brake calipers and dynamic suspension. A step up from that is the Dynamic Plus Package, which adds carbon ceramic brakes, a carbon fiber engine cover, a direct tire pressure monitoring system, and a bump in top speed. With that package, instead of Audi limiting the top speed to 155 MPH, the limit’s raised to 174 MPH instead. Want both? That will be nearly $10,000 – $3,550 for the Dynamic Package and $6,000 for the Plus Package on top of that.
Features
As an RS model, there’s plenty the 2018 Audi RS 5 brings to the table on the features front as standard equipment. First, there’s the interior itself, which is just another example of how well the company executes its design in the cabin. That being said, Audi’s virtual cockpit customizable digital instrument cluster takes it up a notch over the previous RS 5.
Besides performance options, there are plenty of other packages to choose from. The $1,500 Black Optic Package adds black exterior trim and body-colored mirror housings. You can also get 20-inch milled aluminum alloy wheels for $2,500.
For those who prefer some driver assistance tech, there’s the Drivers Assistance Package. For $3,300, you can get Adaptive Cruise Control, Active Lane Assist, a 360-degree camera, High Beam Assist, and a Heads-Up display. Navigation with an 8.3-inch MMI touchscreen? That will cost you $2,600. Fine Nappa Leather with honeycomb stitching and LED interior lighting throughout the cabin will cost $1,500.
Finally, there’s a Dynamic Steering Package for $1,150. For audiophiles, $950 nets you a premium Bang and Olufsen sound system as well.
Pricing
The base price, excluding the RS 5’s plethora of options, kicks off at $69,900. Add those in, and the price can skyrocket north of $80,000 fast. The RS 5 will go on sale later in the spring of this year.
Stay tuned to TFLcar.com for more updates! Subscribe to The Fast Lane Car and TFLnow for more news, views, and real-world, ballistic RS Audi reviews.
Audi RS 5 Photo Gallery
