HERNDON, VA, March 12, 2018 – The all-new 2018 RS 5 coupe builds on the heritage and success of the first generation, delivering even more performance, a refined design and everyday usability. As the newest model in the Audi Sport lineup, the RS 5 Coupe is on sale now.
Featuring a newly developed 2.9-liter V6 TFSI® biturbo engine and an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission, the RS 5 coupe melds efficiency and high levels of performance with a full-bodied RS sound. As with any vehicle that bears the RS badge, the RS 5 coupe includes motorsport developments and technologies that embody the Audi Sport motto “Born on the Track. Built for the Road.” New for 2018, the high-performance coupe delivers benchmark infotainment such as the available Audi virtual cockpit and advanced driver assistance systems including standard Audi pre sense® city and available adaptive cruise control with Traffic Jam assist.
The all-new 2018 RS 5 features a newly developed 2.9-liter V6 TFSI® biturbo engine, which compared to its naturally-aspirated V8 predecessor, delivers more power, and weighs 68 pounds less. The 2.9-liter V6 biturbo engine generates 444 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, 126 lb-ft of peak torque more than the previous generation, and it is available between a broad range of 1,900 and 5,000 rpm. As a result, the RS 5 can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in a class-leading 3.7 seconds, eight tenths of a second faster than the previous generation RS 5, and achieve a top track speed of 155 mph, or increased to 174 mph with the optional Dynamic plus package.
Similar to the S5 coupe V6 engine design, each of the two turbochargers on the 2.9-liter engine of RS 5 are positioned directly inside the “V” and generate a max buildup of 21.5 PSI. This compact configuration ensures improved engine responsiveness and performance. As for intake, the Audi valvelift system (AVS) changes the duration of the valve opening depending on the throttle and engine speed. To help increase engine efficiency and power, the V6 engine uses a centrally mounted fuel injector and a combustion method with shorter compression and longer expansion phases. This allows for a higher compression ratio of 10.0:1, further improving the engine’s efficiency and allowing for greater power and torque delivery.
The power of the biturbo engine flows through an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission with self-locking center differential that focuses on high levels of performance and acceleration. A traction control system manages distribution for maximum acceleration with minimal slip.
The standard quattro® all-wheel drive offers high-precision handling through active torque distribution to both axles. In regular driving situations, the system delivers 60 percent of the torque to the rear axle and 40 percent to the front. However, when needed, power can be redirected to the opposite axle, with up to 85 percent of torque to the front and up to 70 percent to the rear axle.
The standard quattro® sport rear differential with RS-specific tuning offers a dynamic driving experience by actively splitting torque between the wheels of the rear axle, with the ability to direct nearly all available rear torque to one wheel.
The RS 5’s newly developed front and rear suspension allows for both a sporty driving experience and more comfortable ride for long distances. The redesigned front five-link suspension with lightweight construction offers greater steering precision and better handling through optimized steering-rack placement direct at wheel centers. With the standard RS sport suspension, the RS 5 coupe sits 7 mm lower than the S5 Coupe. RS sport suspension plus with Dynamic Ride Control, which uses steel springs and adjustable dampers that are connected to one another via diagonal oil lines and a central valve, is also available. When cornering at speed, the valves regulate the oil flow in the shock absorber of the deflected outside front wheel almost immediately. This increases the support and reduces pitch and roll movements to improve the vehicle’s overall driving dynamics.
Drivers can customize their driving experience through the standard Audi drive select system which offers four distinct drive modes: comfort, auto, dynamic and individual. Each mode allows the driver to adjust the quattro sport differential, dynamic steering, and dynamic ride control (if equipped), in addition to being able to change gear shift points, steering and throttle response. Handling is also improved by RS-specific programming for the Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC) unit with wheel-selective torque control and an available sport mode. Also as part of the Audi drive select system, both with the standard RS exhaust system and with the available RS Sport exhaust, the driver can control the opening and closing of the exhaust flaps in order to hear more of the exhaust sound.
Available RS-tuned dynamic steering offers a variable steering ratio that adjusts based on vehicle speed and the Audi drive select setting. At higher driving speeds, dynamic steering helps to improve straight-line stability, and at lower driving speeds, a more direct steering ratio is used to help increase steering response for easy maneuvering. Additionally, unique to RS models, when in dynamic mode, dynamic steering locks the steering ratio at 13.5:1 for a consistent response.
Two brake systems are available on the new Audi RS 5 coupe, both offering outstanding stopping performance. RS steel brakes with cross-drilled discs and six-piston front brake calipers in black or optionally painted red, both featuring the RS logo are standard on the RS 5. Also available are carbon ceramic front brakes (as part of the Dynamic plus package) which offer weight savings and superior stopping power compared to the traditional steel brakes. The front and rear calipers on the carbon-ceramic brakes are painted in gray and feature the RS logo.
The design of the new RS 5 Coupe draws inspiration from the distinctive racing details of the Audi 90 quattro IMSA GTO. The wave-design shoulder line underscores the athleticism of the coupe and the flared box fenders provide cues to the standard quattro® all-wheel drive, in addition to widening the body by 15mm on each side. At the front, the Singleframe® grille with the signature quattro script is wider and flatter than the A5 Coupe and larger air intakes in the lower bumper serve the engine’s need for cooling. Additional sporty accents on the rear include an RS-specific diffuser, large oval “RS” exhaust pipes, and a rear-lip spoiler.
Additional exterior design details include:
Similar to the S5 Coupe, the RS 5 features the Audi brand’s hallmark wing-design wrap-around dashboard with driver-oriented interior with easy-to-operate controls and functions. From its S sport seats with RS embossing, flat-bottomed, perforated leather RS sport steering wheel and gear shift, and stainless steel pedals, the RS 5 Coupe is a sports car with a high degree of everyday practicality.
The all-new RS 5, while offering outstanding performance, also integrates benchmark technologies including standard Audi smartphone interface, which provides Apple CarPlay™ and Google™ Android Auto integration for compatible mobile devices, available Audi virtual cockpit and full color head-up display.
Additional interior highlights include:
Additional infotainment features include:
Audi connect® packages together all applications that help connect the vehicle with the internet, the owner and the surrounding infrastructure (active subscription required). Improved functions include online traffic info, weather updates, fuel prices, Apple Siri® Eyes Free integration for compatible devices, internet radio streaming as well as picture navigation, read-aloud personalized news headlines and Twitter® alerts, among other features.
Available in-car Audi connect® CARE features include:
The Audi connect® mobile application has also been updated to support new remote services designed for the U.S. market which include Curfew, Speed, and Valet Alerts, remote lock and unlock capability and online car finder.
The RS 5 coupe includes many available advanced driver assistance systems that are designed to help drivers navigate the road and traffic with increased confidence.
Driver assistance systems include:
Model year 2018 RS 5 Coupe starting manufacturer suggested retail prices:
Model | |
---|---|
2018 RS 5 | $69,900 |
*Prices above exclude $975 destination charge, taxes, title, options, and dealer charges. Dealer sets actual price.
For more information, please visit www.audiusa.com.