2012 Audi RS5 confirmed for the U.S.

2012 Audi RS5 confirmed for the U.S.
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By Mark Kleis

Confirming an earlier report by Leftlane, Audi has now officially confirmed the future of the RS5 on U.S. soil.
Breaking the mold of the sleek-yet-safe styling that Audi is known for, this latest Audi boasts an aggressive front fascia and an equally aggressive rear fascia and automated rear spoiler to compliment its generous helpings of power and performance.
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. When Leftlane first brought you the leaked images we speculated that this new RS5 would come with 450 horsepower – and we were right. This hot coupe will feature a 450 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.
To bring the RS5 to a stop are internally vented 14.37-inch discs standard, or 14.96-inch ceramic carbon-fiber thanks to the option sheet.
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.
Audi says additional details and pricing will be released at a later date.

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51 COMMENTS
1. Genesis1016 days ago
  12 2
  
  AWESOME!
  
  Reply
2. shaolinsurf6 days ago
  14 2
  
  While it does not have the driver involvement of the M3, this is, IMO, probably the best looking German sports coupe.
  
  Reply
  
  DB96 days ago
  11 4
  
  Agreed!!!
  
  DB9;-)
3. DB96 days ago
  13 5
  
  Cool – A very cool car!
  
  Note:
  
  >>>>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.<<<<
  
  Only with a longitudinal powertrain layout can you have a permanent, i.e., full-time, AWD setup with a static rear bias. Yes, Audi offers some of its base models as FWD but with their longitudinal powertrain layout, except the A3 and TT, and quattro they function as full-time RWD/AWD – static rear torque bias of 50%+.
  
  Otoh, a transverse powertrain layout with AWD is part-time with a static torque split of 5:95 (rear:front) 10:90 for Hondas and others – they’re basically still front drivers.
  
  DB9;-)
  
  PS. Kudos Mark for pointing this out as it’s not trivial.
  
  Reply
  
  rarson5 days ago
  1 12
  
  Hidden due to low comment rating. Click here to see.
  Transverse AWD setups aren’t part-time. AWD implies that the wheels are connected via differentials, and hence the system is always active (otherwise it would be called 4WD). Just because the torque is biased to the front instead of the rear does not make it a part-time setup.
  
  I love how you quote Mark and then add on a bunch of **** that he didn’t say, and then thank him for “pointing it out” as if he had said it.
  
  DB95 days ago
  8 2
  
  Listen up: A transverse AWD system, those currently on the market, have a static torque split of 90%+ to the front axle – Got it! Five to ten percent of engine torque is used to pre-load the clutch plates; this arrangement is called part-time – industry definition not mine – because the system is basically inoperative until slippage is detected.
  
  Manufacturers that uses transverse AWD leave out the part-time part unless explicitly asked.
  
  Try again – go educate yourself!
  
  DB9;-)
  
  PS. My apologies Drew – Kudos to your article.
  
  rarson4 days ago
  1 9
  
  I’ll repost the same information again, since I’m not sure you’ll go back and read what I already replied to.
  
  “A transverse AWD system, those currently on the market, have a static torque split of 90%+ to the front axle”
  
  False.
  
  “Five to ten percent of engine torque is used to pre-load the clutch plates”
  
  You’re assuming that the differentials are using clutch plates.
  
  “this arrangement is called part-time – industry definition not mine – because the system is basically inoperative until slippage is detected.”
  
  That’s not what “part-time” means; ALL AWD systems operate like this. Incidentally enough, it’s “slippage” that renders AWD systems suitable for use on pavement versus 4wd, which requires all 4 wheels to be moving the same speed.
  
  DB94 days ago
  1 1
  
  No worry I’ll repost my reply – to your exact post;-)
  
  http://www.leftlanenews.com/fords-taurus-sho-to-jump-to-400-horsepower.html
  
  “False.”
  
  That would be true – prove it wrong
  
  “You’re making an assumption that the differentials are using clutch plates.”
  
  Clutch plates, viscous couplings, as in Haldex sytems – same – both need to be preloaded or they would not be able to react quick enough to slippage .
  
  “That’s not what part-time means, and that’s how ALL AWD systems operate.”
  
  That is exactly what part-time means and how the term is used in relation to transverse FWD based AWD systems. Longitudinal systems such as Audi, Subaru, BMW, MB etc react differently – best you study the difference as you are confused – we are not talking about 4 wheel drive trucks.
  
  There is a difference between transverse FWD based AWD and Longitudinal AWD – I leave it to you to educate yourself!!
  
  “So basically, you’ve confirmed my previous post.”
  
  So basically you’ve confirmed that you don’t know what you’re talking about.
  
  DB9;-)
  
  Dante_JoseCuervo4 days ago
  0 0
  
  Not to jump in late… but the SHO and the RS5 use different AWD systems… Just thought I’d point that out DB9.
  
  Bajuke3 days ago
  1 1
  
  DB9, as an automotive engineer with extensive AWD and motorsport background, it is my professional opinion that you are an idiot.
  
  What are you even going on about with this longitudinal vs. transverse BS… its all mechanical, either system can be full time, part time, anytime.. you tit.
  
  We’re all having a great laugh in the office forwarding your comments around.
  
  BTW, ever looked at which way an EVO’s engine faces?
  
  -BaJuke
  
  DB93 days ago
  1 2
  
  Really?/! Is the Taurus SHO AWD and/or other Ford and GM FWD based systems comparable to the Audi’s quattro system found in the A4, A6, A8; how about the x-drive in BMW’s, 4matic in MB etc. Well? What about the AWD in the new Explorer as compared to the 2011Grand Cherokee?
  
  This thread within a thread is not about EVO’s; it’s about optional AWD systems found in transverse FWD vehicles not engineered rally cars. I fail to see what’s funny, an experienced automotive engineer would know the difference; so either “you” and “your office” should re-read the thread from the beginning or go back to school;-)
  
  DB9;-)
  
  PS. me and my office are suitably amused
  
  rarson1 day ago
  0 1
  
  “That would be true – prove it wrong”
  
  That’s funny, but you’re the one making the claim, so the burden of proof is on you. This is how basic logic works.
  
  “Clutch plates, viscous couplings, as in Haldex sytems – same – both need to be preloaded or they would not be able to react quick enough to slippage.”
  
  Viscous couplings aren’t preloaded at all. They react due to slipping. You’re also completely ignoring Torsen differentials, which require neither preloading nor slippage. And then of course there are also electronically-controlled differentials…
  
  “There is a difference between transverse FWD based AWD and Longitudinal AWD”
  
  Repeating things over and over again doesn’t make them true, sorry.
  
  rarson1 day ago
  0 1
  
  “it is my professional opinion that you are an idiot.”
  
  Yes, isn’t it obvious?
  
  “PS. me and my office are suitably amused”
  
  He and his sock accounts are in full force. As if nobody noticed his posts suddenly going from drastically negative to drastically positive. Now he has sicked the sock puppets on me and any post of mine that he comes across. Pathetic, really.
  
  DB91 day ago
  0 0
  
  That’s funny, but you’re the one making the claim, so the burden of proof is on you. This is how basic logic works.”
  
  LOL you looked and found out who was right. As I said, it’s readily out there prove me wrong. It’s not up to me.
  
  “Viscous couplings aren’t preloaded at all. They react due to slipping. You’re also completely ignoring Torsen differentials, which require neither preloading nor slippage. And then of course there are also electronically-controlled differentials…”
  
  Oh contraire, a viscous coupling would be to slow to react to wheel spin, that’s why FWD based AWD systems transfer at least 5% of engine torque to “pre-load” the differential. Here I ‘ll help you out :
  
  “The disadvantage of a viscous coupling is that it engages too slowly and allows for excessive wheelspin before transferring torque to another wheels. This is especially critical in automatic all wheel drive .
  
  In an attempt to reduce the coupling’s activation time, VW Golf MkII Syncro always transfers 5% of torque to rear wheels
  
  At the same time, pre-tensioning the coupling too much leads to undesireable transmission wind-up and makes the system too sensitive to uneven tread wear on front and rear tires. This is why Volvo first reduced the pre-tensioning in 2000 and then replaced the viscous coupling with Haldex clutch on their all wheel drive vehicles in model year 2003 (Volvo s60 has Haldex since 2002).”
  
  http://www.awd.ee/viscous.html
  
  Torsen differentials are found primarily in longitudinal based AWD systems, e.g., Audi etc.
  
  For a primer you can start here:
  
  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torsen
  
  DB9;-)
  
  DB91 day ago
  0 0
  
  Anyone needs a sock puppet it would be you mate. Unlike you I don’t need alternate nyms.
  
  I wouldn’t be surprised if you’re having conversations with yourself here – one idiot to another – god knows you’re both FOS.
  
  DB9;)
  
  DB91 day ago
  0 0
  
  “That’s funny, but you’re the one making the claim, so the burden of proof is on you. This is how basic logic works.”
  
  Try again, I know the facts, what are you afraid of?
  
  “Viscous couplings aren’t preloaded at all. They react due to slipping. You’re also completely ignoring Torsen differentials, which require neither preloading nor slippage. And then of course there are also electronically-controlled differentials…”
  
  Oh contraire, a viscous coupling would be to slow to react to wheel spin, that’s why FWD based AWD systems transfer at least 5% of engine torque to “pre-load” the differential. Here I ‘ll help you out :
  
  “The disadvantage of a viscous coupling is that it engages too slowly and allows for excessive wheelspin before transferring torque to another wheels. This is especially critical in automatic all wheel drive .
  
  In an attempt to reduce the coupling’s activation time, VW Golf MkII Syncro always transfers 5% of torque to rear wheels
  
  At the same time, pre-tensioning the coupling too much leads to undesireable transmission wind-up and makes the system too sensitive to uneven tread wear on front and rear tires. This is why Volvo first reduced the pre-tensioning in 2000 and then replaced the viscous coupling with Haldex clutch on their all wheel drive vehicles in model year 2003 (Volvo s60 has Haldex since 2002).”
  
  http://www.awd.ee/viscous.html
  
  Torsen differentials are found primarily in longitudinal based AWD systems, e.g., Audi etc., or RWD and FWD e.g., Ford Focus RS.
  
  Google it a see for yourself;-)
  
  “Repeating things over and over again doesn’t make them true, sorry.”
  
  LOL yes, now repeat that to yourself over and over till you get it;-) Keep coming back for more…
  
  Torsen differentials are found primarily in longitudinal based AWD systems, e.g., Audi etc., or RWD and FWD e.g., Ford Focus RS.
  
  Google it and see for yourself;-)
  
  DB9;-)
  
  PS: I gave you a start;-))
4. A46 days ago
  13 4
  
  Woop woop! I hope this still means we get an RS4 though.
  
  Reply
5. cocojoe536 days ago
  12 1
  
  One of thr best looking and now with a engine to match. Wonder how much this will cost 75k?
  
  Reply
6. Troll Killer6 days ago
  9 1
  
  This is great news. I really like the changes Audi made in the interior to differentiate the RS5. The piano black around the instrument panel looks way better than before.
  
  Shaolinsurf is correct…the M3 is the funner car to drive but I think the exterior, interior, and uniqueness of the RS5 makes up for it. Hopefully this is 65K or less.
  
  Reply
  
  Troll Killer6 days ago
  9 2
  
  This might not be the best car in its class, but any M3/CTS-V/IS-F/C63 driver will still be jealous seeing one of these at the light.
  
  To be honest though, I’d probably choose the C63 once it gets the turbo 5.5 liter V8. Mercedes’ new turbo engines look absolutely ridiculous and after it’s upgraded, it’ll probably be just as fast as the CTS-V. It already runs 0 – 60 in 4.1 anyway.
  
  But you really can’t go wrong with anything is this class. All these cars are amazing.
  
  leftwingagenda6 days ago
  5 1
  
  a true bmw guy will scoff at any non-bmw! what about “ultimate driving machine” do you not understand!?
  
  now, park your A5/S5/RS5 next to a 3 series coupe, and the owner will drive off less pleased with himself than before, but i don’t know if that’ll progress to true jealousy…probably more like yuppie angst…
7. cmcarter36 days ago
  13 2
  
  This car excites me. Sexually.
  
  Reply
8. WalthamDan6 days ago
  5 1
  
  by far the best looking Audi in their lineup IMHO
  
  anyone know how reliability has been for the A5?
  
  Reply
9. reedfast6 days ago
  1 8
  
  Such great news. It would be even cooler with a de-tuned version of the engine in the rs6, but i’m not gonna complain about 450 horses. 550 would have been nice though….Or 580….. I’m just saying. Maybe They could shoehorn the veyron engine in there? *Hint Hint*
  
  Reply
  
  MoDo5 days ago
  1 1
  
  LOL..yeah..it would be such a great handler with a 1000 lb W16 sitting over the front axle. You 12 year olds really need to read up on cars before making these ridiculous comments.
  
  reedfast5 days ago
  3 2
  
  it was a ****ing joke asshole. Take it for face value, of curse i wasn’t serious. My god, some people.
10. leftwingagenda6 days ago
  1 1
  
  my boss’ S5 is that exact shade of “holy ****” red…pretty impressive in person…good for making traffic part ways in front of you, too…
  
  Reply
11. atoms6 days ago
  0 4
  
  yay!!
  
  Reply
12. waterveedub6 days ago
  1 4
  
  great news! However, there is no way in hell I can afford it unless I win the lottery. Please bring the S3 over….or Scirocco, or the Golf R. VAG, WTF????
  
  Reply
  
  reedfast6 days ago
  1 2
  
  I’m hoping for the RS3. That would be sweet.
13. johnnycanuck6 days ago
  6 6
  
  Holy uber reaction meine freunds. I’m guessing there won’t be a lot of suspense if any of you are playing ‘is that a bratwurst in my pocket?’ with the missus heute Abend.
  
  Reply
  
  reedfast6 days ago
  1 4
  
  You just get back from germany or something? I guess drinking too much pilsner could make you speak german also. I’m gonna go with option number two.
  
  Borat5 days ago
  1 0
  
  Watch Johnny. our local uber mench will confuse with fuhrer and start worshiping and killing in your name
14. GTS-R6 days ago
  4 2
  
  Epic car!
  
  Gotta love the people who missed the thumbs up!
  
  Reply
15. 123sub5 days ago
  9 2
  
  In mine opinion, this is the best looking Audi ever. To bad you cant get this beautiful car with RWD.
  
  Reply
16. Borat5 days ago
  5 8
  
  While everybody is getting overexcited over 450 ponies, don’t forget that they will come at 8500 RPM or about. Which one of you ever saw your RPM needle clime to red line in top gear? Honestly, none of you could, because there is speed limiter on your car shutting off between 130 and 155 mph and those ponies are awaken way past that point. So, when you suck balls into your rectum and plow 100 mph waiting for UFO lights to light your rear view mirror you may exhaust all of 130-250 horses of your motor, depending on your motor and cars heft. Remaining 200 will never leave their stable. Please vote me down, since laws of physics are highly unpleasant.
  
  Reply
  
  leftwingagenda5 days ago
  2 1
  
  i was pretty close to maxing out an ’84 honda prelude back in the early ’90s, but then again that was only ~100 mph (with the windows down and sunroof open)…does that count?
  
  rarson5 days ago
  1 12
  
  Hidden due to low comment rating. Click here to see.
  That’s why the first 6 gears are there.
  
  Borat5 days ago
  0 3
  
  Lefty, orrecto mundo, in immortal words of Jules Winnfiel; this definitely falls into 100-250 hp line. Interestingly enough, if you want to upgrade your motor with cold air intake and you read promo material, you are may notice that most manufacturers indicate horsepower gains at very high RPM and in THIRD gear (for a manual 6 speed vehicle). So unless you want to drive 100 mph in modern type GP car in third or even second gear, those ponies are dormant.
  80′s-90′s Prelude (and Accord, Civic) were very efficient in that sense you were using ponies that you truly needed.
  
  Borat5 days ago
  2 5
  
  @rarson, sorry you missed the point completely. I can’t teach physics in college, much less on this blog. Enjoy, whatever you’re driving.
  
  rarson5 days ago
  2 11
  
  Maybe it was your broken English, or perhaps it was this statement: “Remaining 200 will never leave their stable.” Surely you realize that first gear is not geared to 155 mph?
  
  I fail to see what you’re even trying to say here, let alone how it connects to physics.
  
  rarson5 days ago
  2 10
  
  “Interestingly enough, if you want to upgrade your motor with cold air intake and you read promo material, you are may notice that most manufacturers indicate horsepower gains at very high RPM and in THIRD gear (for a manual 6 speed vehicle).”
  
  What the hell are you even babbling about? How about talking about the car in the article? You know, the one with the 7-speed S tronic transmission.
  
  Borat5 days ago
  0 2
  
  @rarsor, you are right.
17. singhracing165 days ago
  5 6
  
  M3 all the way
  
  Reply
18. dubuqueautoplaza5 days ago
  0 0
  
  I love it….but….I like the S5 front bumper more. I would be putting on an aftermarket if it comes with this front end. I also like the S5 LEDs more as well.
  
  The only thing that would keep me from getting an S5 over this would be the 7 speed dual clutch Tip S over the 6speed Tip. Otherwise I would just slap on a supercharger for the price difference and all it a day.
  
  Reply
19. krautninja5 days ago
  1 0
  
  Finally, someone answered my dreams Sadly tho i just got an S5 So an RS5 isn’t exactly in my near future. The M3 may be slightly more engaging over all, but this would be an epic good time on a road full of twist. Not to mention this one is sure to turn alot more heads. Price however will make or break this car. My friend that works at the Audi design studio says that they plan to price it competitively against the M3 (much like they did for the Euro market)
  
  Reply
  
  reedfast5 days ago
  1 0
  
  complaining about getting an S5. That’s a first. I sure wouldn’t be posting sad smiley faces, i’d be driving the darn thing. Get out there man!
20. Bankruptcy20095 days ago
  1 11
  
  Hidden due to low comment rating. Click here to see.
  I will take this RS5 Downtown in my Ford 5.0 and leave em at the light guess as i tell scotty to go full speed ahead warp factor 9
  
  Reply
21. pahammer3 days ago
  0 0
  
  Oooooooh Daddy want!
  
  Reply
22. SettinYoAssFree3 days ago
  0 0
  
  Once again Audi comes in at the end of the lifecycles of it’s competitors…..SMH
  
  Reply
23. Scarface032 days ago
  0 0
  
  My only beef is that the RS6 put out the same power from a V8 8 years ago. Not sure what the RS6 torque rating was, but couldn’t be much lower than the number quoted for the RS5, if it even is lower.
  
  Still the A5 spawn of cars are currently among the best looking designs in the industry….
  
  Reply
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