Geneva Motor Show - Audi calls this the GT of its RS models; the all-new RS5 Coupé, making its world debut in Geneva, promises kick-ass performance from its new 2.9-litre biturbo petrol V6 and significantly lighter weight, along with the latest in gizmotronics.
It also looks different, with a much wider, flatter single-frame grille than the A5 base model, and quattro blisters over the wheel arches, which have been widened by 15mm. The RS5 Coupé rolls as standard on 19 inch alloys, with 20 inch rims available as an option.
Claimed kerb weight is 1655kg, 60kg less than the previous RS5 - and a clear-lacquered carbon fibre roof is available as an option, taking another few grams off the total.
The car’s 2.9 TFSI V6 has its dual turbos in the Vee, with the intake charge air flowing through the turbos and into the combustion chambers through a dual-branch system, using a B-cycle combustion process with central direct injection, and a shortened compression stroke, compared to the power stroke.
Audi quotes outputs of 330kW and 600Nm, the latter available from 1900-5000rpm, taking it from standstill to 100km/h in 3,9 seconds and on to 278km/h flat out with the optional dynamic package. It drives through an uprated eight-speed tiptronic transmission to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive with optional sport rear differential distributing power in a 40:60 front/rear default split to reduce understeer.
Black is the new black
The five-link front suspension has been updated, while a five-link rear suspension replaces the trapezoidal-link set-up on the previous model; without quoting numbers, Audi says the new Audi RS5 Coupé sits much lower than its A5 sibling.
Drive select is standard, sports suspension with dynamic ride control, dynamic steering with RS-specific tuning and carbon ceramic brakes are options.
The cabin is trimmed as standard in black leather with red highlights, optional diamond stitching on the RS sports seats, and alcantara synthetic suede covering the flat-bottomed multifunction RS steering wheel, gear selector lever and knee pads.
RS logos adorn the seats, steering wheel, door sill trims and gear selector lever, and there are special RS displays in the digital instrumentation providing information on tyre pressure, torque and g-forces, while a shift light prompts you to shift up when you hit the rev limit.