2018-2019 Audi RS5 Coupe Review

2018-2019 Audi RS5 Coupe

With the newly developed 2.9 TFSI, Audi has drawn upon the legendary 2.7 liter V6 from the first RS4 Avant. Produced between 1999 and 2001, it delivered 280 kW (380 hp). Just like the 2.7 liter engine, the new high-performance V6 is also designed as a bi-turbo engine. In comparison with its direct predecessor, a freely-aspirated, high-revving V8 unit, its pulling power and efficiency attain a whole other dimension.

From 1,900 to 5,000 rpm, the 2.9 TFSI supplies the crankshaft with an impressive 600 Nm (442.5 lb-ft) of torque, which is 170 Nm (125.4 lb-ft) more than on the previous model. With its 331 kW (450 hp) - which equates to a power ratio of 155.5 hp per liter displacement - the unit accelerates the new RS5 Coupe from zero to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 3.9 seconds and thus six tenths of a second faster than before. If the customer orders the RS dynamic package, Audi increases the electronically restricted top speed from 250 km/h (155.3 mph) to 280 km/h (174.0 mph).

"The new Audi RS5 Coupe is the gran turismo among the RS models from Audi Sport. The high-performance Coupe combines elegant aesthetics with high everyday usability. The car's V6 bi-turbo has been developed from the ground up and provides significantly more performance coupled with higher efficiency," said Stephan Winkelmann, CEO of Audi Sport GmbH, in describing the new model.

The designers drew inspiration for the RS5 Coupe from the distinctive racing details of the Audi 90 quattro IMSA GTO. Massive air inlets with the honeycomb structure typical of RS models characterize the front end of the car. 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; tinted bezels differentiate the optional Matrix LED headlights. 

Quattro blisters on the flanks emphasize the pronounced bulges over the wheel arches, which have been widened by 15 millimeters (0.6 in). As standard, these house 19-inch forged aluminum wheels, with 20-inch wheels available as an option. A sporty conclusion to the vehicle is provided by the RS-specific diffuser insert, the oval tailpipes of the RS exhaust system and a surface-mounted spoiler lip. With a length of 4,723 millimeters (185.9 in), the new Audi RS5 Coupe is 74 millimeters (2.9 in) longer than the previous model.

                 

Both turbochargers of the 2.9 TFSI unit are centrally positioned inside the V of the engine and each of them supplies a single cylinder bank. The B-cycle combustion process with central direct injection represents a new level of efficiency within the RS family. In the NEDC, the V6 bi-turbo consumes just 8.7 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (27.0 US mpg), which corresponds to 197 grams of CO2 per kilometer (317.0 g/mi). This is an efficiency gain of 17 percent over the previous model. Also beneficial for the new Audi RS5 Coupe is a drastic reduction in weight. The vehicle weighs in at 1,655 kilograms (3,648.7 lb) - 60 kilograms (132.3 lb) less than previously. A carbon roof with visible fiber structure is also available as an option.

The increased dimensions of the gran turismo, the 15-millimeter (0.6 in) longer wheelbase and more compact seats increase the space for the driver and passengers. The shoulder room in the front row of seats has been increased by 26 millimeters (1.0 in) and the knee room in the rear by 23 millimeters (0.9 in). The central armrest in the front with storage compartment, the big door pockets, two cup holders and a new, closed stowage compartment beneath the rotary light switch further increase the car's everyday usability. One standard feature offering additional convenience to the driver and front passenger is the seat belt height adjustment featuring extending and retracting power belt feeds. The rear bench seat provides space for two passengers and integrates a practical stowage tray between the two seats, as well as a folding armrest. The backrests can be folded forward in the ratio 40:20:40 using the remote unlocking feature in the trunk.

The luggage compartment offers ten liters (0.4 cu ft) more volume than before. It now holds a best-in-segment value of 465 liters (16.4 cu ft). The tailgate opens automatically and the two-door Coupe can be ordered from Audi with optional sensor control. With this, a proximity sensor in the rear bumper reacts to a kicking motion. The tailgate unlocks and opens automatically if the optionally available advanced key is detected.

Sporty interior in black and red: the flat-bottomed RS sport leather steering wheel is standard, as are the stainless steel pedals and RS sport seats. As an option, they can be covered in fine Nappa leather with honeycomb pattern. Red contrasting stitching adds emphasis to the steering wheel, center console, armrests, seats and floor mats. Carbon decorative trim underlines the dynamic appearance.

My general point : 9,4/10

My point to exterior design : 9,25/10

point to interior design : 9,25/10

point to front bumper : 9,5/10

point to rear bumper : 9,25/10

point to headlight : 9,5/10

point to rearlights : 9,5/10