.jpg?p=120209_04:29)
.jpg?p=120209_04:31)
.jpg?p=120209_04:54)
.jpg?p=120209_04:35)
.jpg?p=111221_03:51)
We weren't supposed to find out about this until next week, but call it an early GenevaPresent. Ready? OK.
Audi has revealed the RS5 - a 444bhp rival for the BMW M3 Coupe - ahead of its Geneva debut after brochure details were leaked onto the internet by some naughty rapscallions of loose morals.
But to heck with the back-story. Let's kick off with the Big Numbers: the four-wheel-drive RS5 will crack 62mph in 4.6 seconds and run to 155mph - unless you ask Audi very nicely to remove the limiter, in which case it'll hit 174mph. Yes, it's faster - and more powerful - than the M3 Coupe.
That 444bhp comes courtesy of a reworked version of the R8's 4.2-litre V8, making a full 30bhp more and driving all four wheels through a seven-speed DSG gearbox. A new centre diff feeds 60 per cent of the torque to the rear wheels in normal driving, but can send up to 85 per cent to the rear - or 70 per cent to the front - in extreme conditions. Oh, and you can turn the ESP off. Like, properly off. Good.
Visual differences from the S5 could best be described as ‘subtle': there's a new front splitter and bigger air intakes, with a retractable spoiler round the back that raises at 75mph, a feature officially known as the ‘Ooh, look at me, officer!' wing.
We're expecting the RS5 to cost around £60,000 when it goes on sale later this year, making it more expensive than that M3 Coupe. We'll bring you more details from the Geneva show next week. Waddya think, y'all?
Open Car Bar
What do you think?
Want to comment on this?
Holy.Cat commented on this article
at 05:19 pm on 22 February 2010
cool, better looking and more of a 'q' car than the BMW- I'd have a used RS4, ta
Link to this comment
Report this comment
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
604Yarks commented on this article
at 05:23 pm on 22 February 2010
With AWD I'm betting it's quite a bit heavier than the M3. Lap times will tell!
Link to this comment
Report this comment
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
Hero_Sina commented on this article
at 05:24 pm on 22 February 2010
Don't worry M3 , you are still my choice.
Link to this comment
Report this comment
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
bambamboom commented on this article
at 05:25 pm on 22 February 2010
what about the cabrio and saloon versions?
Link to this comment
Report this comment
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
bambamboom commented on this article
at 05:26 pm on 22 February 2010
VXR8 Bathurst edition is better than all these german snobs
Link to this comment
Report this comment
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.