Audi RS 5 Coupe locked in for December arrival priced from $156,600

The all-new Audi RS 5 Coupe is locked and loaded for its arrival into Australian shores this December priced from $156,600 plus on-road costs.

The RS 5 Coupe is the first RS model to utilise the new MLBevo chassis architecture and the first Audi Sport model to make use of Audi’s new RS design idiom. Weighing in at 60kg lighter than before and together with a new suspension layout at the front and rear, the new RS 5 Coupe promises even more dynamic handling.

The newly-developed 2.9-litre V6 biturbo engine now produces 331kW of power and 600Nm of torque, a hefty 170Nm increase over the previous model. The sprint from 0 to 100km/h comes up in a blistering 3.9 seconds and when fitted with the optional dynamic package the top speed clocks out at 280km/h.

Efficiency has been improved thanks to a B-Cycle combustion process and central direct injection, dropping fuel consumption by as much as 17% compared to the previous model. Audi claims that the RS 5 Coupe will sip 8.7L/100km.

Unlike its dual-clutch, rear-wheel driven BMW M4 and Mercedes-AMG C 63 rivals, the RS 5 feeds the biturbo’s power through a sports-tuned, eight-speed torque converter automatic with optimised shift times to deliver a constant stream of power to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system. The drive forces are distributed asymmetrically (40:60) to the front and rear axles, with the active torque vectoring sport differential actively transferring torque to the rear wheel with most traction.

An updated suspension with a five-link construction is used on the front axle. At the rear, a five-link suspension replaces the trapezoidal-link suspension used on the previous model. According to Audi, the new setup offers even more sporty driving characteristics and agility, while also benefitting ride comfort. Ceramic brakes and dynamic variable steering with RS-specific tuning are available as cost options.

Styling wise, designers drew inspiration for the RS 5 Coupé from the distinctive racing details of the Audi 90 quattro IMSA GTO. Massive air inlets with the honeycomb structure, typical of RS models, characterise the front end of the new Audi RS 5 Coupé. The Singleframe radiator grille is much wider and flatter than in the base model. Next to the headlights are additional lateral air intakes and outlets. quattro blisters on the guards emphasise pronounced bulges over the wheel arches, which have been widened by 15 mm.

Sporty accents are provided by the RS-specific diffuser insert, the oval tailpipes of the RS exhaust system and surface-mounted spoiler lip. The RS 5 Coupé rolls on 20-inch wheels, available in a variety of designs. The appearance packages – gloss black, carbon and matt aluminium – provide even more customisation options. With a length of 4,723 mm, the new Audi RS 5 Coupé is 74 mm longer than the previous model.

The interior is clad in high fine nappa leather with optional diamond stitching and can be further optioned up with the RS design package delivering red sporty highlights for additional contrast throughout and alcantara trim for the steering wheel, selector lever and knee pads.

Audi are offering the RS 5 Coupe in a unique Sonoma green metallic paint that’s exclusive to the model.

When it arrives in Australia, the new RS 5 Coupe will be equipped with a substantial level of standard specification. Key highlights include 20-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, gloss black exterior styling package, panoramic glass sunroof, as well as privacy glass and red-painted brake calipers.

In addition, a suite of high-performance features will be standard on all Australian RS 5 Coupe vehicles, including the quattro sport rear differential, RS sports exhaust system, as well as Dynamic Ride Control with adaptive dampers.

Also standard are Audi virtual cockpit digital instrumentation, Audi connect, smartphone interface and DAB+ digital radio, as well as the high-end Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system.

2018 Audi RS 5 Coupe Pricing (excluding on-roads)

Audi RS 5 Coupe 2.9 TFSI quattro tiptronic 331kW $156,600