Basic Specs

Base FromTBA
Unveiling 2012 Geneva motor show
Availability Summer 2012
Status Nearing U.S. production
Engine 444HP 4.2L FSI V8
Body Style Coupe
Segment Luxury High-Performance Sport
Size Midsize
By Mark Kleis
Tuesday, Mar 6th, 2012 @ 1:28 pm

Audi has released more details on its refreshed RS5 model ahead of the car’s European launch. The hottest version of the A5 will arrive in U.S. Audi dealerships sometime this summer.

Changes to the RS5 include smaller headlamps housings, new daytime running lights and a slightly restyled lower front fascia. At first glance, don’t be surprised if you don’t immediately spot the changes as they are subtle – but comparing the models side-by-side will make it a bit easier.

The 2012 Audi RS5 is sculpted with sport-appeal inside and out – from the ultra supportive race-style front seats to the spoiler and winglet-laden front fascia – this Audi means business. This hot coupe features a 444 horsepower 4.2-liter FSI V8 – capable of revving all the way to 8,250 with peak hp, and then on to a final redline of 8,500 rpms.

Audi says this V8 is also good for 317 lb-ft of torque between 4,000 and 6,000 rpm. Power is distributed amongst all four wheels via a seven-speed S tronic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive.

Aside from the incredible race-inspired seats, the rest of the interior remains mostly unchanged from the Audi A5, aside from some carbon fiber treatment and appropriate RS5 badging. Audi does point out that upon request it can bestow upon the interior an exclusive treatment of inlays such as a dark, stainless-steel mesh look, a black piano finish or brushed aluminum. The seating surfaces can also be covered in special colors or materials upon request.

The RS5 also features new quattro technology: the crown-gear differential. This new differential is a self-locking center differential that Audi says is lightweight and maintains a high efficiency ratio. The front to rear power ratio can be shifted as extreme at 70 percent upfront, or 85 percent out back – depending on where the power is needed. Under normal conditions, the RS5 enjoys a 40:60 front to rear split.

The result of that improved tech is a 0-62 time of 4.5 seconds — an improvement of 0.1 seconds over the previous car. The RS5′s top speed remains unchanged at an electronically-limited 155mph, but fuel economy has improved from 26.2 mpg on the European cycle to 26.9 mpg.

The RS5 comes standard with 14.37-inch vented discs brakes, but performance junkies can spring for a set of option 14.96-inch ceramic carbon-fiber disc brakes.

Out back, the RS5 features the large, oval dual exhaust tips that have become a staple on the RS line. The exhaust tips are surrounded by a highly stylized lower rear fascia, complete with aerodynamic channels for added stability at high speeds. Above the lower fascia, Audi worked in an automated rear spoiler that appears as the coupe reaches appropriate speeds, and then retracts back into the decklid at lower speeds.

UK deliveries of the RS5 will begin this April with an on the road price of £58,725 ($93,150). Audi has yet to announce U.S. pricing for the car, but look for the RS5 to list from about $70,000.

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