Audi RS 5

In the history of Audi, many of there most well known sports cars donned the "S" denotation before the numeral that represented the particular model vehicle (i.e. A3 - S3, A4 - S4). Because of the immense popularity of their S model vehicles, naturally Audi would come out with an S version of their newest and quite possibly, most beautiful car ever, the A5 - S5. The handsome coupe is available with either the 2.0 TFSI four-cylinder or the 3.2 FSI six-cylinder in the A5 model or a 4.2 FSI eight-cylinder in the S5 model. Now all of these different trim and performance levels will surely suite a wide range of enthusiasts, however, some will be needing deeper pockets than others. With all the success in A5 sales, and the popularity of the S5, many have been wondering if Audi will roll out an RS 5. Long have the Audi RS model vehicles been fan-favorites and only owned by few, due to the rarity of the models and limited production. The RS models take performance to a whole other level, far beyond that of a standard Audi model and even an S model.

Thus far, not much information has been leaked on the RS 5 for the exception of a few astonishing numbers. As compared to the Audi S5, which boasts a plentiful 354bhp, the RS 5 will be producing 450bhp! It will skip along 0-60 in about 4.6 seconds which, interestingly enough, is only about one tenth of a second faster than the S5. The RS 5 will use a 7-speed twin-clutch transmission, similar to VW's DSG design (Road&Track). Since it would appear that the extra 96bhp found in the RS 5 doesn't move the car any quicker than the S5, what is the real selling point? Audi has stiffened the shocks and thrown on a few sway bars to help the AWD coupe corner, and run the slalom, a hair quicker than its younger brother. One interesting added feature worth noting would be the deployable trunk spoiler on the RS 5. Once 75mph is reached the spoiler raises a few inches off of the trunk and then retracts when speeds are dropped down below 50. Don't get too excited because the spoiler is mainly for shock-and-awe purposes seeing that it's size helps to provide almost zero pounds of downforce even at 75mph.

Unfortunately, you will not see the RS 5 in America since Audi has decided to only keep it on the other side of the pond. I wouldn't fret too much since the car isn't that much more of a performance beast than the S5 and looks nearly identical. I also must not forget to mention that the RS 5 is nearly $45,000 more than the S5, topping out at around $105,000. So you are getting less performance than a BMW M3 but paying the price of a BMW 750i? Doesn't sound like anything Americans would be interested in; Europe can keep the gorgeous, overpriced, underpowered coupe.