Maybe you've seen pictures of the 2010 Audi RS5 before. The prototypes were caught roaming around the California desert in varying degrees of camouflage last summer. But other than indicating that the program was indeed proceeding, the cobbled-together test mules didn't expose any details.
Now the RS5 is undergoing high-speed testing on the Nurburgring, and the prototypes look a little more finished. Our spy video also gives us our first chance to hear the high-performance coupe, and it delivers a good hint at what's under the hood.
Despite various rumors about V10 power, this prototype clearly sounds like it's packing a V8. Our hypothetical comparison between the BMW M3 CSL and the RS5 from last year predicted a 450-horsepower twin-turbo version of the Audi's 4.2-liter V8, but a recent article by George Achorn over at Fourtitude has a more plausible scenario.
He notes that the 450-hp number is too small of a bump over the naturally aspirated 420-hp version of that engine for all the added complexity and cost of a twin-turbo system. Audi could just as easily extract 30 hp from the same engine with a few minor tweaks to the valvetrain of the high-rpm motor.
The transmission is another story. From the sound of the prototype in our video, the RS5 is likely to be offered with Audi's S Tronic dual-clutch setup. You can hear several ultra-quick upshifts when the test mule changes gears at full throttle.
Of course, most RS models use manuals and the video doesn't rule that out either. There are a few, less definitive clips where the prototype sounds like it's being shifted manually. Our sources at the track never saw two prototypes out at the same time, but the possibility of two different test mules is certainly conceivable.
As far as timing goes, expect to see the finished car at the Frankfurt auto show in September. By then Audi should have decided whether or not the super coupe will make its way to the U.S. The recent decision by Mercedes-Benz not to build an AMG-version of its new E-Class Coupe doesn't exactly help the business case for the RS5 in America, but Audi executives have gone on record saying they're anxious to get more RS models into the U.S. A 450-hp version of what is arguably its hottest model would be a good start.
tryan says:
03:17 AM, 04/16/09
The styling of the A5/S5/RS5 is simply sensuous, there's something exotic about the lines of the car in the profile shot above.
DSG provides for faultless, exceptional performance (at least in my GTI), but I am still of the mind that for sheer pleasure and driving satisfaction, nothing beats a true manual transmission and a perfectly rev-matched downshift...especially in a car like this!
However, I'm not sure of the ability of the current marketplace to support an influx of expensive RS models, no matter how enticing they are.
thammer62 says:
04:53 AM, 04/16/09
Pontiac GTO from the side.
frank908 says:
05:19 AM, 04/16/09
I wouldn't call DSG faultless just yet. It hasn't been in use long enough in the real world to say it has long term durability, especially coming from VW.
frank908 says:
05:24 AM, 04/16/09
Although I agree that the styling of the S5 is hot, I wouldn't go as far as "sensuous", it doesn't look very graceful going around the turns like other cars I've seen do this. May be it's that front-drive architecture that makes the difference in the end no matter how much all-wheel tech you apply to it.
stingray454 says:
07:19 AM, 04/16/09
Nice looking. But it's too quiet and not powerful enough. I'm thinking the upcoming Cadillac CTS-V Coupe will whoop this car, while looking damn fine too.
felonious says:
08:24 AM, 04/16/09
I'm sorry, IL, but you guys really need to spring for a professional narrator. Either that, or hire me. :)
smilez says:
08:37 AM, 04/16/09
thammer62 - GTO? Um, no. The only thing that looks like a GTO from the side is a Cavalier.
felonious - I'm with ya'. I'm pretty sure I heard about 5 words out of that whole piece.
I do, in fact, want one...now!!!
tryan says:
08:56 AM, 04/16/09
frank908 - Sensuous, hot, whatever flavor you like, all styling descriptors are subjective.
I meant to infer that the DSG provides for faultless performance, in as much as the shift quality is concerned - which it does. As far as long-term reliability, I will note that the DSG proper (specifically meaning the VW-Licensed, Borg Warner built dual-clutch version) has been in mainstream VWAG production cars since 2003 without many (if any) major problems.
In fact, the VW DSG design has found its way onto several high profile, high-powered cars like the Bugatti Veyron (developed by Ricardo, not B-W)and the Nissan GT-R to name a few.
Additionally, most mainstream manufacturers (BMW, Mercedes, Nissan, Ford, GM, Hyundai, etc.) have announced plans to incorporate a dual-clutch style transmission across their lineups in the future if they haven't already.
I would say that there has to be at least a modicum of confidence behind the reliability of this style of transmission for so many manufacturers to roger up to its incorporation. I dunno if I can say the same thing about CVT technology...
sherief says:
08:57 AM, 04/16/09
You guys sound like you're forgetting the previous generation RS6 had a 450hp biturbo V8..
Still, a pumped up version of the RS4/R8 engine is more likely, because it's less likely to pump out manual-gearbox-breaking torque.
hondacura4 says:
10:40 AM, 04/16/09
Im unsure as to where this RS version (or the A5 lineup as a whole) sits among its competitors. It has more HP than a BMW M3 yet only matches the Mercedes AMG C63. In other words is this car more of an A4 coupe or an A6 coupe? If its an A4 coupe the 450hp will suffice, however if its more of a A6 coupe Audi will need a (detuned?) 5.2 twin turbo 500+hp V10 from the 580hp RS6 Avant.
jm1212 says:
01:51 PM, 04/16/09
the A5 is an A4 coupe. the A7 will be the A6 "coupe"
thammer62 says:
02:48 PM, 04/16/09
Don't get me wrong, I think it looks awesome in the video - but that still shot above screams GTO if you change the wheels. Pull a side shot of a GTO and put it beside this one - it's pretty close.
dyzio says:
12:29 PM, 04/17/09
Audi is well designed car!
very nice car from AUdi : nor BMW nor Merc has such a car..(they have to messy design..Audi has design philosophy, other two are chaotic designed..)
RS5 should get v8 engine (S5 wll get v6 turbocharged - downsizing philosophy ?!)
RS7 will be a great looking Muscle car !
...and I dont think GTO and A5 looks similar...ohh..they sound similar (muscular)..
dyzio says:
12:31 PM, 04/17/09
..but I still think ... I would take cheaper Camaro SS over this RS5....
modern muscle charm !
jm1212 says:
10:31 AM, 04/18/09
this will probably be similar to the twin-turbo V8 that will be available in the next generation A8. it will make 420/420, and probably have the company's 7 speed auto or even the 8 speed auto that will debut in the A7