Audi RS5 launched at Rs 1.1 crore (ex-showroom)

Audi has brought in the second generation RS5 coupe to our shores. The RS5 is a sports coupe that takes inspiration from the Audi 90 quattro IMSA GTO. Under the bonnet of the RS5 coupe is an all-new 2.9-litre V6 twin turbo petrol engine that makes 444bhp and 600Nm of peak torque. The engine comes mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. It also comes with self-locking centre differential as standard while the torque is split 40:60 between the front and rear. The new RS5 can sprint from 0-100kmph in just 3.9 seconds (claimed). The top speed is however limited to 250kmph. The car has lost 60kg over its predecessor.

The 2.9-litre TFSI engine derives its roots from the 2.7 litre V6 from the first RS4 Avant. The turbochargers are centrally positioned inside the ‘V’, supplying to the single cylinder bank, building a charge pressure of 0.95 bar.The turbos are installed within the 90-degree angle of the cylinder banks. This layout reduces flow losses and in turn delivers a spirited performance.  The crankcase of the engine is made using an aluminium – silicon alloy, and it weighs only 34kg.

The car gets single frame grille, Matrix LED headlamps and LED taillamps, panoramic sunroof and an optional matt aluminium and carbon exterior package. It also gets the RS sport exhaust as standard. Audi claims that the fuel efficiency of the car is 10.8kmpl, thanks to the B-cycle combustion process where the intake valve opening times are shortened, as they close well before the piston reaches bottom dead center. Compression phase is started later than usual, when the piston moves back up again after reaching bottom dead center. This allows a high geometric compression ratio of 10.0:1, allowing the combustion to take place in a relatively small volume. The expansion phase is extended comparing to the compression phase, resulting in more efficiency.The injectors are also positioned centrally in the combustion chamber they fuel into the combustion chamber at a pressure of 250 bar.

Suspension duties are managed by five-link constructions for front and rear axles. Audi Sport also offers RS sport suspension plus with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) as an option, which uses steel springs connected to three-stage adjustable dampers that are connected to each other through oil lines and a central valve to reduce the pitching and rolling movements of the car at high speeds.

Moving to the interiors of the car, the RS5 features Audi’s ‘Virtual Cockpit’ as standard and it comes with 12.3-inch TFT infotainment screen with Bluetooth connectivityand MMI navigation system. The car also comes with Android Auto and Apple Car Play. The RS5 gets ambient lighting and three zone air-conditioning. It gets sport seats in the front with alcantara leather upholstery as standard. For aural delight, a 755 watt 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system is offered as standard.  Driver aids include cruise control, hill hold assist and parking assist. The car gets Audi Drive Select as standard and comes with four driving modes -auto, comfort, dynamic and individual. Safety features include six airbags, ABS, EBD, anti-slip regulation system, ESC with torque vectoring and ISOFIX child seat anchors. The car rolls with 19-inch alloys shod with 265/35 section tyres and also come with an optional 20 inchers.

On the launch of the Audi RS5 coupe, Rahil Ansari, head of Audi India, said, “Audi Sport signifies the transition of Audi’s racetrack technology into production ready performance cars. Born on the track, built for the road – the all new Audi RS5 Coupé is the Gran Turismo among the RS models from Audi Sport. The car’s V6 bi-turbo engine has been developed from the ground up and provides significantly more performance coupled with higher efficiency. The all new Audi RS5 Coupé combines the performance of a sportscar and the comfort of a sedan which makes it a desirable machine for our customers and enthusiasts who are smart yet adventurous and want to make an incomparable style statement.”

Audi has priced the RS5 coupe aggressively, as its nearest rivals, the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S and the BMW M4 coupe retail at Rs 1.41 crore (ex-showroom-Delhi) and Rs 1.33 crore (ex-showroom), giving the RS5 the price advantage.