Car Reviews

AUDI RS 5 PICTURES LEAKED!

23 February : Stakes raised against M3, C 63 AMG

By the time you have read this the interweb will be infested with these pictures and many more of the Audi RS 5, one of the most anticipated cars of the year. Truth be told we’ve all been waiting for this car for about two years now and finally it’s here.

These pictures were leaked by someone who’s obviously close to the Audi strong room and they confirm that aggression and brawn are going to be part of its DNA. Note the huge gaping front grille with mesh styling, dropping all the way from the bonnet down to the lower lip. Note also the absence of your average fog lamp casings, replaced instead by two air intakes in mesh as well. LED lights could not have been left out and are thus quite present.

The side profile is dominated by those massive wheels and side skirts. By the time you approach the rear, those two oval tailpipes that typify all RS models are just about ready to blow. The only thing standing between them and lift off is that air diffuser.

Audi didn’t throw the winged RS seats away with the RS 4 and RS 6. From these images it appears they are available but only as an option. I wonder how Audi South Africa will price them…

As for the rest it’s not too hectic, apart from the optional alcantara-covered steering wheel which can be had over the normal perforated leather one. It seems the square-bottom steering wheel fad is out, which would be a pity. I really liked that part myself but I guess at times it could get in the way of a quick lap, especially because of the brushed aluminium.

Sadly we couldn’t get under the bonnet. However speculations are rife as to what exactly lives under there. No doubt power will be well over 300kW, probably around 350kW or so. Where will it all come from? Possibly a 4.2-litre V8, or a 3.6-litre V6 twin turbo/ supercharged, or something else, who knows. The pictured model uses a double-clutch system. I’m not sure if this is the 6 or 7-speed option but I’d probably place money on the latter.

All I know is that very few cars, in and out of its class will be able to keep up with the all-new Audi RS 5 when it hits the market later this year. South African sales? We’ll ask Audi and let you know. But expect to part with at least R800 000. 

SOURCE: IN4RIDE