Audi’s monster RS5 coupe has shown up once again, this time looking more production ready than the mules we’ve photographed so far. These photos also reveal that the RS5 will indeed have a trunk lid spoiler that rises automatically at higher speeds.

Up front, this RS5 has a sportier front fascia with two massive air intakes on either side of the grille. Adorning the axles are 20-inch, triple spoke wheels with large, cross-drilled rotors in front and regular rotors in back. A larger, production rear bumper is also on this prototype. That bumper is housing two enormous, oval exhaust pipes — a standard on all RS models.

While there have been many rumors suggesting a V10 lurks under the hood, we have a pretty good tip that says it’s actually a V8. More specifically, it is a heavily worked over version of Audi’s 4.2L V8 tuned to produce somewhere in the neighborhood of 450 horsepower.

Rumors suggest that Audi’s S-tronic dual-clutch gearbox will also find its way into the RS5, at least as an option. For those looking to save some coin, or just simply prefer manually working your way through the gears – a six-speed manual transmission will come standard.

Being an Audi, you can also count on a freshly revised high-performance all-wheel-drive Quattro system, complete with a performance-minded rear differential for improved handling and throttle application. This torque-sensing rear differential will distribute the power to the ground with a 60 rear, 40 front split.

Most expected the RS5 to debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in the fall of 2009, but the date has come and gone and the car has yet to be fully unveiled.

May 8th, 2009

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