It is difficult not to fall for this car; it certainly captured the attention and imaginations of the people I crossed in the numerous little towns I drove through. If to be further smitten by this car was considered impossible, all I needed to do was open the door. Faced with silk nappa leather-covered sport seats with subtle contrasting piping and RS embossing, I could do nothing less than be tempted to drop behind the wheel, not that the promise of a performance extravaganza wasn't enough.
Once in perfect driving position, working the controls is fairly simple if you're an Audi regular. If not, it'll take you a few moments to figure out what does what. But enough of this.
450hp Quattro
The RS5 carries the same 4.2L V8 as the RS4 but now with 450 hp at 8,250 rpm. Torque remains unchanged at 317 lb-ft of torque. To it is bolted a 7-speed S-Tronic automated dual clutch manual gearbox. Furthermore, to the 'box, is attached Audi's Quattro AWD system.
The RS5 doesn't get a regular version of this already very effective all-wheel-drive. In fact, it sports the latest trickery in its gear consisting of a Sports Differential which features a new crown-gear for improved locking values at higher speeds. There is also a torque vectoring function, fancy words to say that the system is smart enough to distribute different amounts of power to each wheel as necessary. AKA: more traction.
Although the country roads north east of Munich set out their own challenge, none were up to the task of making the RS5 work, period. This is the only let down of this ride and drive. Some track time would have demonstrated what the car can do.
Dynamically inclined
Dynamic ride control and Audi drive select are two intertwined beasts that live to please the driver. In comfort mode the RS5 is a liveable, if not a comfortable daily driver. The pilot can select the auto mode and allow the car to do the thinking. Given a series of variables, the car's brain will determine the best course of action for the suspension settings, throttle and steering assists.
Left in one of these modes, the car chugs along quietly, only looking bad-ass but sounding incredibly subdued. You could drive by a nursery that has all its windows open and wake not one of the toddlers. That is, unless you cross 3,500 rpm, when the engines comes alive. This is but a sample.
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| Once in perfect driving position, working the controls is fairly simple. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre/Auto123.com) |
Once in perfect driving position, working the controls is fairly simple if you're an Audi regular. If not, it'll take you a few moments to figure out what does what. But enough of this.
450hp Quattro
The RS5 carries the same 4.2L V8 as the RS4 but now with 450 hp at 8,250 rpm. Torque remains unchanged at 317 lb-ft of torque. To it is bolted a 7-speed S-Tronic automated dual clutch manual gearbox. Furthermore, to the 'box, is attached Audi's Quattro AWD system.
The RS5 doesn't get a regular version of this already very effective all-wheel-drive. In fact, it sports the latest trickery in its gear consisting of a Sports Differential which features a new crown-gear for improved locking values at higher speeds. There is also a torque vectoring function, fancy words to say that the system is smart enough to distribute different amounts of power to each wheel as necessary. AKA: more traction.
Although the country roads north east of Munich set out their own challenge, none were up to the task of making the RS5 work, period. This is the only let down of this ride and drive. Some track time would have demonstrated what the car can do.
Dynamically inclined
Dynamic ride control and Audi drive select are two intertwined beasts that live to please the driver. In comfort mode the RS5 is a liveable, if not a comfortable daily driver. The pilot can select the auto mode and allow the car to do the thinking. Given a series of variables, the car's brain will determine the best course of action for the suspension settings, throttle and steering assists.
Left in one of these modes, the car chugs along quietly, only looking bad-ass but sounding incredibly subdued. You could drive by a nursery that has all its windows open and wake not one of the toddlers. That is, unless you cross 3,500 rpm, when the engines comes alive. This is but a sample.
 |
| The RS5 carries the same 4.2L V8 as the RS4 but now with 450 hp at 8,250 rpm. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre/Auto123.com) |