High-revving V8, S tronic twin-clutch transmission, upgraded quattro system and impressive specification grace latest RS flagship

Audi UK has today confirmed an OTR price of £57,480 for the UK-bound RS 5 high performance coupe. Featuring a high-revving V8 FSI petrol engine delivering 450PS through rapid-fire S tronic twin-clutch transmission, and anchored by the very latest Audi driver aids, including a new iteration of the quattro system, the new RS flagship will open for order in the spring. First customer deliveries are scheduled for October.

The V10 FSI engine from the R8 5.2 FSI quattro provides the technological basis for the new hand-built, 4.2-litre V8 FSI engine that delivers its 450PS peak output at a heady 8,250rpm in the RS 5, along with a torque maximum of 430Nm at between 4,000 and 6,000rpm. Helped by fast-paced shifts from a specially reinforced version of the seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission, which makes its RS debut here, it enables the Audi RS 5 to power to 62mph in 4.6 seconds and continue to an electronically governed 155mph top speed. Its impressive efficiency, bolstered by on-demand oil pump operation and energy recovery during coasting and braking, also makes up to 26.2mpg possible.

New quattro technology

This remarkable engine and transmission pairing has the very best habitat in which to demonstrate its capabilities thanks to the integration of the Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) adaptive damping system adopted from the RS 6, the sport differential which already brings acute adjustability to the S4 and S5 and the latest generation quattro all-wheel-drive system with crown gear differential.

The self-locking crown-gear centre differential can widely vary the distribution of torque between the front and rear axles. If necessary, up to 70 per cent can flow to the front or as much as 85 percent towards the rear. The 40:60 ratio of the standard rear-biased configuration ensures highly responsive handling.

Audi drive select

The Audi drive select vehicle dynamics control system is a standard feature of the new RS 5. It allows the driver to switch between three modes of operation – comfort, auto, and dynamic – to adjust the steering weighting, the shift points for the seven-speed S tronic, the sport differential, Dynamic Ride Control, the engine and the exhaust system. And if the car is equipped with the optional MMI navigation system, a fourth mode allows the driver to customize their own profile. Audi drive select also controls the exhaust system’s two throttle valves and the sound flaps, enabling the exhaust note to be varied at will.

With its RS-specific spring, damper and anti-roll bar settings, the RS 5 chassis sits 20 millimetres lower than that of the Audi A5 on 19-inch five-spoke Aero design alloy wheels fitted with 265/35 tyres. Its purposeful body is also embellished by adaptive swivelling xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights and LED rear lights, a speed-activated rear spoiler and the now trademark oval RS tailpipes.

Inside, black Silk Nappa leather upholstery is complemented by carbon fibre and aluminium elements and additional oil temperature and lap timer gauges for circuit use. Electrically adjustable super sports seats with pronounced side sections and integrated head restraints are standard, as of course are comforts such as a 180-watt CD sound system, deluxe three-zone climate control, the Audi Parking System Plus with front and rear sensors, tyre pressure monitoring and an RS multi-function steering wheel with aluminium-look gearshift paddles.

Key options will include 20-inch alloy wheels, a sports exhaust system, HDD-based satellite navigation, adaptive cruise control and a 505-watt Bang & Olufsen audio system.

Audi’s four-wheel-drive-system Quattro is celebrating 30 years of existence. Back in the 80’s Audi revolutionised road and rally driving with the Audi Quattro (Ur-Quattro) and 30 years the Ingolstadt company is about to do it again with the Audi RS5 that will incorporate the newly developed centre differential for Quattro drivetrain, with the acclaimed Quattro sport differential on the rear axle, the latest in four-wheel-driving.

Following the tradition of a lineage dating back over 15 years ago to the illustrious Audi RS2, the Audi RS5 was developed by Audi high performance engineering and styling subsidiary Quattro GmbH. The RS badge on an Audi means ultra-high performance and sportiveness combined to top notch styling features.

With its hand-built, high-revving 4.2-litre V8 FSI engine the Audi RS5 has a maximum output of 450PS when the engine hits the 8,250rpm mark. A torque maximum of 430Nm is available between 4,000 and 6,000rpm, helping to power the new, Audi RS 5 to 62mph in 4.6 seconds and to an electronically governed 155mph top speed.

For Audi performance is nothing without efficiency that is why the RS5 engine has been fine tuned to maximise performance and also economy. Drivetrain friction was minimized, the oil pump operates on demand, the dual-branch intake and exhaust system were tuned to allow the engine to breath freely, four adjustable camshafts and tumble flaps in the intake manifold facilitate mixture formation and Audi’s energy recovery system assure a fuel efficiency of up to 26.2mpg.

Making its RS debut, the high-tech seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission will be a standard specification for the RS5. This specially reinforced S tronic transmission consists of two clutches and two subsidiary transmissions. Both subsidiary transmissions are continuously active, but only one is powered at any given time by the engine. Gears are alternately shifted by the two clutches – at lightning speed, smoothly, and almost imperceptibly.

Presenting the brand new Quattro technology with crown-gear differential

If it has an RS badge it sure has Quattro four-wheel-drive. Like all Audis in the RS lineage the Audi RS5 will be equipped with Quattro permanent all-wheel-drive but not any Quattro. This latest generation model has evolved further through a next generation centre differential known as a crown-gear differential; expect to hear more about that on future posts.

With such a wide array of innovations it’s hard to mention them all in only one post. So if you want to know more about the Audi RS5 don’t miss our next post about it on Monday when we will explain in detail the new Quattro technology as well as the new Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) and the more acutely controllable Audi drive select.

Before we end this post we want to know. Will the Audi RS5 be the most successful vehicle in the RS lineage?

Audi officially confirmed that the Audi RS5 will be released at the Geneva Motor Show this week but last week and Australian motoring blog leaked images from the forthcoming Audi RS5 sales brochure and we managed to get our hands on some of those images.

In total there are 28 images but little written information, there are not shots of the engine bay so we can only speculate on what powerplants will propel the RS5. Experts believe that power shall fall between the 420 hp of the Audi RS4 and 571 hp of the current Audi RS6. A V10 engine has been ruled out because it wouldn’t fit into the A5’s engine bay.

Speculations are that maybe we could see a turbo or supercharged version of the 4.2 litre V8 used in the Audi S5 or a severely amplified version of the 3.0 litre TFSI V6 from the Audi S4.

Either way the Audi RS5 is set to be one of the stars of this year’s Geneva Auto Show and we can’t wait to see it on the roads.

Audi won Germany’s most prestigious design award for the fourth time; this time the with the Audi A5 coup. The German Design Council will present the Audi A5 Coupe with the 2010 Design Award of the Federal Republic of Germany during the opening ceremony of the International Ambiente Fair in Frankfurt on February 12, 2010.

The Audi A5 Coupe joins the Audi A4 Avant, the Audi A3 and the Audi A2 as the forth Audi model to win Germanys most prestigious design award.

Stefan Sielaff, Head of Audi Design, said:

Audis Design team and I are thrilled by this accolade. It convincingly acknowledges the Audi brands design excellence. The A5 Coup boasts the genes of a design icon, and it’s great that the judges also see it that way.

Since its launch back in June 2007 the Audi A5 sold 112.000 units worldwide with largest markets being Europe and North America.

Over the past 15 years, Audi has been experimenting and implementing the ASF principle in some of it vehicles. ASF stands for “Aluminium Space Frame”, with this technology Audi can reduce the weight of the car body by 40%. Already in use in models like the Audi A8, the Audi TT and the company’s flagship car the Audi R8. Audi decided it is time to extend this technology to other models and it is starting with an Aluminium Bodied Audi A5 Prototype.

By implementing the ASF principle in an Audi A5 coupe, Audi shed away 242 Lbs by swapping steel for advanced aluminium and carbon fibre construction in the interest of fuel economy, emissions reduction and handling agility. The A5 project is the latest example of the pioneering work undertaken by the Audi to extend efficiency optimisation measures well beyond the engine bay. This shows in a kerb weight of 2,888 Lbs for the aluminium Audi A5 prototype, versus a total of 3,100 Lbs for the equivalent steel-bodied series production model.

Thanks to the significant weight loss, achieved by mounting aluminium and carbon fibre-reinforced plastics onto the aluminium Audi Space Frame (ASF), the Audi A5 prototype is able to use a four-cylinder engine with its attendant economy and emissions advantages to deliver the performance of a higher output V6.

With the acclaimed 2.0-litre, 211PS Turbo FSI engine, the A5 achieves a power-to-weight ratio of 161PS per tonne. For comparison, the ’standard’ A5 3.2 FSI V6 quattro with 265PS, which tips the scales at 1,540kg, shades it only by a fraction at 172PS per tonne.

The lightweight design of the Audi A5 lightweight prototype not only enables a smaller engine to supplement a larger one with no impact on performance and gains in economy and emissions, but also has a knock-on effect on ancillaries such as the brakes and transmission, which can also be reduced in size and weight. It also enables the car to change direction noticeably more keenly and nimbly and, thanks to the reduction in unsprung weight, to ride with even more refinement.

Audi’s stunning new A5 Cabriolet has arrived in Australia, offering a choice of three sporty engines, quattro all wheel drive and S tronic transmission as standard.

This brand new four-seater convertible combines its distinctly sporty character with the added benefit of open-top driving, high levels of comfort and everyday versatility.

Joerg Hofmann, Audi’s managing director says the new A5 Cabriolet will appeal to customers who appreciate the stylish design of the coupe model, but still want the added engagement of top-down driving.

Hofmann said: “The A5 Coupe has been very successful to-date and we expect this version to have a similar loyal following which will have a positive impact on our sales results.”

The exterior silhouette of the new A5 Cabriolet is elegant, yet sporty, with sculpted body surfaces.

Fourtitude report that like all Audi convertibles, the open-top A5 has a classic lightweight fabric roof with a flat clear glass window that shouts dynamic elegance.

The new Audi A5 Cabriolet is expected to follow in the footsteps of its successful predecessors. The brand has offered a premium mid-sized convertible since 1991, with around 227,000 units sold to-date.

The Audi A5 Cabriolet truly is in a class of its own, for a full specification of the A5s available here at Audi Nationwide please visit the website.

Without a doubt Audi is one of the most innovative auto makers in the world, with highly efficient, clean, diesel engines, The Audi Quattro four-wheel-drive 7 speed S-tronic transmission, just to name a few. But it is not just under the hood that Audi innovates, hence the creation of the Avant concept and recently, the Sportback concept already seen on the Audi A3 and Audi A5.

The Audi A3 Sportback has been on sale for a while now and the Audi A5 Sportback is due to hit Audi dealerships in September, but sales have already begun, for Audi contract hire and Audi Leasing options contact Audi Nationwide.

The Audi A5 Sportback joins the Coupé and Cabriolets models to complete the Audi A5 family, for now. Could we see an Audi A5 Avant in years to come? I believe that is a question not even Audi has an answer too.

So for now, let’s have a closer look of what the Audi A5 Sportback has to offer. First, all six engines are highly efficient direct injection and are equipped with Audi’s exclusive energy recuperation system, this combination helps all 6 engines comply with the Euro 5 emissions standards which could save you money with your company car tax. Out of the 6 engines available, only the 2.0 TDI and the 2.0 FSI come with Audi Start/Stop technology.

As mentioned above, the Audi A5 Sportback reinforces Audi’s leadership in innovative automotive design. With a combination of elegance with flowing stretched lines and progressive styling the A5 Sportback impose a powerful figure on the road.

Fourtitude describes the Audi A5 Sportback with perfection:

“A five-door model with the long, flowing rear end unites the best of various vehicle genres: the emotion and elegance of a coupe, the comfort of a sedan and the practicality of a station wagon.”

Audi has just released details of the brand new Audi A5 Sportback.

The model is based on the A5 coupe, but has a more practical five-door body. Audi says it’s ‘as emotional and elegant as a coupe, as comfortable as a sedan and as practical as an Avant’.

It has a coupe-style roofline and rear end design, but Audi promises a 480-litre boot and 980 litres of load space with the rear seats folded, according to What Car?

Despite a lower height than the A4 saloon, Audi says the A5 Sportback has comparable head- and legroom.

Five engines will be on offer from launch: 2.0 TFSI and 3.2 V6 petrols and 2.0 TDI, 2.7 TDI and 3.0 V6 TDI diesels.

The 3.2 and 3.0 TDI V6s both come with four-wheel drive and the 2.0 TDI has a stop-start system to save fuel.

A further entry-level model will follow in 2010.

The new 5-door coupe will debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show and be available from September 2009.

For a full specification on all of our Audi A5’s available at Audi Nationwide please click visit our product page.

Audi has one the most complete fleet of vehicles, from the sportive Audi A3 hatchbacks to the ultra luxurious Audi A8 saloons, to help you choose an Audi Company Car that best suit your company, we at Audi Nationwide compiled a list of Audi’s best models to ease your decision process.

Audi A3 – Everyday Luxury

The Audi A3 is a model with endless options from Cabriolets to Hatchbacks, the A3 has all the practical benefits of a sports car together with advanced technologies and the classic refinement from Audi. Its design combines the muscularity of a sports car with the practicality of a hatchback and flared panels help deliver sporty driving dynamics and looks.

Audi A3 Leasing for Company Cars and Audi A3 Specifications

Audi A4 – Evolution

The new Audi A4 is beautifully built and flawlessly engineered. The Audi A4 Saloon boasts modern, ultra-stylish looks and advanced technology. Audi’s traditions of perfect performance, luxurious interiors and high safety levels are all here. Satisfying to own and drive, it’s clear why the Audi A4 Saloon sits proudly at the top of its class.

Audi A4 Leasing for Company Cars and Audi A4 Specifications

Audi A5 – Intelligent

The New Audi A5 is special from the first sight of it; the first time you accelerate the first corner and the first long journey. For this special feeling there are now three very special Audis: the new Audi A5, its Sporty big brother, the Audi S5 and the recently launched Audi A5 and Audi S5 Cabriolet.

Audi A5 Leasing for Company Cars and Audi A5 Specifications

Audi A6 – Executive

The Audi A6 offers unrivalled beauty, power and cutting edge technology. In all areas, from styling, performance and handling to value, safety and environmental responsibility, it simply excels. Superior technology and refinement make the Audi A6 one of the most desirable models in the prestige market.

Audi A6 Leasing for Company Cars and Audi A6 Specifications

We want to hear from you, out of these four Audi Models which is your favourite or the one the best suits your company’s needs? Leave your thoughts in our comments section and don’t forget to check back for next week’s post

Audi and the automotive industry are celebrating a very important year, as on the 16th of July 2009 Audi celebrates its 100th birthday and as we reported earlier this year Audi has planned centenary celebrations for the whole year in its 2009 event calendar.

As part of the Audi  countdown to their one hundredth birthday, Audi is inviting everyone to take part in the Audi centenary celebrations by participating on a free raffle that will hand out as a top prize a brand new Audi A5 coupe.

Second prize is a trip for 2 to Finland where you will experience the exclusive Audi Driving Experience in an Audi A4 quattro and third prize is a high quality premium mechanical watch made by one of Audi’s leading designers with Audi’s unique square chronograph design.

To take part in this raffle all you have to do is register and stay tuned for the bonus questions released every week, by answering them correctly you accumulate bonuses  to increase your chance of winning. Once you register you have the option to receive the questions in your mailbox as soon as they are released.

The draw will take place on the 16th of July at noon CET. Good luck everyone!!