Audi announces RS 5 Sportback

Audi has taken the dust covers off a new model at the New York International Auto Show, revealing a stunning five-door, Sportback incarnation of the high-performance RS 5.

The distinctive, aggressive styling of the RS 5 Coupé works perfectly in the Sportback design, melding the versatility of the five-door configuration with the grand touring credentials of the RS 5 Coupé which was launched in Australia late last year.

“The Audi RS 5 Sportback is more than just an international trade fair novelty,” says Michael-Julius Renz, Managing Director of Audi Sport GmbH. 

“It offers something new to our customers. Our innovative interpretation of a five-door high-performance coupé has neither predecessor models, nor a direct competitor,” he said at the unveiling.

Certainly the look of the RS 5 Sportback is distinctive, but with its own unique character. Sporting a longer wheelbase, short overhangs and long, wraparound engine cover with power dome, there’s no mistaking the athletic intent of the model.  The powerful shoulder line is a visual nod to the Coupé, while the muscular flanks, or ‘quattro blisters’ emphasise the strong bulges over the wheel housings, which have been extended by 15 millimetres. And those flared are not just design elements but are very much a practical consideration for the 19-inch wheels which are standard or the 20-inch wheels which are available as an optional extra.

The ‘face’ of the RS 5 Sportback is the now distinctive flat single-frame grille, with solid air intakes and a honeycomb structure, as well as a front spoiler with matte aluminium quattro lettering. Aside from the headlights, the vehicle features additional design elements in gloss black, making the RS 5 Sportback appear even wider. An RS-specific diffuser insert, RS exhaust system with oval exhaust tips and fixed spoiler lip all add to the overall performance character of the car which can be customised with the Gloss Black, Carbon, and Matte Aluminium optic packages.

Powered by Audi’s  2.9 TFSI V6 twin turbo engine, it offers both power and efficiency, delivering 331kW with incredible torque of 600Nm available right through the rev range from 1900 to 5000rpm. The sprint from 0 to 100km/h is all over in 3.9 seconds on the way to a top speed of 280km/h. 

The powerplant is mated to an eight-speed tiptronic transmission with optimised shift times tuned to performance driving, with power transferred to the road through the quattro permanent all-wheel drive with centre differential. It distributes power asymmetrically 40:60 between the axles – this guaranteeing dynamic handling with optimal traction alongside the greatest possible safety. As much as 85 percent of power can be directed to the front and up to 70 percent to the rear –  the locking effect enabling a clearly-defined torque distribution and precise co-operation with the control systems. The optional sport differential selectively shifts the torque between the rear wheels. 

Five-link design on the front and rear axles allows for substantially enhanced comfort, even in the sportiest of driving modes. With the standard RS sports suspension, the RS 5 Sportback is seven millimetres lower than the Audi S5 Sportback. Alternatively, Audi Sport offers RS sport suspension plus with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC), ceramic brakes and RS-specific dynamic steering. Drivers can create their own personal driving experience – to make it more customised, more dynamic or more comfortable – using the Audi drive select dynamic handling system, which is fitted as standard.

The performance theme is carried on inside the RS 5 Sportback, but certainly not at the expense of luxury appointment. RS sport seats with optional honeycomb pattern in fine Nappa leather, and the flat-bottomed RS multifunction sports leather steering wheel adorn the spacious cabin that comfortably accommodates five people and boasts boot capacity of 480 litres – or 1300 litres with the rear seats folded down.

Special RS information displays in the Audi virtual cockpit provide information on tyre pressure, torque and G forces, while in manual mode, the shift light display prompts the driver to shift up once the engine speed threshold is reached. 

Particular highlights of the RS design package include the contrasting red stitching on the steering wheel and selector lever, the Alcantara knee pads, and the red-trimmed seat belts and floor mats featuring the RS logo. For the Audi RS 5, Audi Sport offers Sonoma Green Metallic as an exclusive paint option.

The RS 5 Sportback is expected to arrive in Australia towards the end of 2018, and join a strong contingent of RS models offered under the the Audi Sport banner. The RS models have always been particularly sought after by Australia’s performance enthusiasts, ranking as one of the most successful world markets for the Audi Sport offerings, despite the country’s small population relative to the rest of the world.

The versatility of a five-door, high-performance tourer like the RS 5 Sportback is certain to find a very welcoming audience when it arrives Down Under.