Audi is all set to launch the second generation of its RS5 sports coupé in India on April 11, 2018. The RS5 is the high-performance version of the Audi A5 coupé and also debuts the coupé body style of the latest-gen A5 in India. At present, the A5 line-up in India includes Sportback and convertible models.
Under the RS5’s hood is a new 2.9-litre, twin-turbo V6 petrol motor. The engine is a drastic departure in spec to the last-gen RS5’s 4.2-litre naturally aspirated V8. The new RS5’s engine may be smaller in displacement but it packs a solid punch with peak power at 450hp and max torque at 600Nm (up 170Nm). Audi claims a 0-100kph time of 3.9sec for the new RS5, which is half a second faster than the old car. The sports coupé also boasts a limited top speed of 250kph in standard form; it remains to be seen if Audi India will offer the optional RS Dynamic package that ups the figure to 280kph. The said package also includes lightweight components, like a carbon-fibre roof, to bring the weight down by 60kg. A sport exhaust system is also on offer.
As expected, power is channelled to all four wheels via Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system and an eight-speed gearbox.
The new RS5 features Audi Sport’s aggressive styling cues. 19-inch wheels will be standard, while 20-inchers are expected to be offered as an option. On the inside, there will be enough RS-spec elements to tell you this is a performance car. Sport seats, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, Alcantara leather upholstery, sport pedals and Audi’s Virtual Cockpit digital instrument system with RS highlights are the few elements that will distinguish the RS5 from the standard A5 models.
Once launched, the RS5 will rival the BMW M4 that costs Rs 1.33 crore (ex-showroom).
Uday Singh
Lenny D'sa
Dipan Sur
Glenn Noronha
