Marc
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Registered: 11th Aug 02
Location: York
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The RS5? Already?
Audi is busy prepping three new versions of its new A5 coupe – headlined by this blistering 450bhp RS5 that arrives early next year to take on its new BMW M3 and Mercedes C63 rivals. Like all R models, the topdog A5 has been fully developed by Quattro, Audi’s in-house go-fast engineering team.
As our impressions show, the RS5 will get the full Quattro treatment. The glorious high-revving 4.2-litre V8 that powers the RS4 gets plumbed into the RS5’s nose, complete with two small and highly responsive turbochargers that will take peak power up to the 450bhp. That’s not a great deal more than the S5’s 354bhp, but the RS5 searing pace will come from its phenomenal blower-enhanced torque – expect at least 500lb ft of twist action to plateau across the rev range.
So another low-flying German missile?
You betcha. With its quattro all-paw grip, the RS5 should scrabble to 60mph in four seconds dead and hit an easy 155mph before the electronics call it a day. Like the S5, the hot RS5 will exploit the new A5 chassis layout, which has shifted the front axle 120mm further forward for a better 55:45 front-rear balance. But don't think that the RS5 will be a mere point-and-shoot speed weapon – Quattro waved it magic wand over the RS4, and the RS5 is expected to be just as pin-sharp to drive.
To this end, the RS5’s rear-biased quattro system will give the big coupe a more neutral handling balance. To keep the RS4 on the straight and narrow and keep a tight rein on body control, it will be fitted with carbon ceramic brakes lifted from the R8, 19inch alloys, as well as modified magnetic ride dampers borrowed from the TT. All this technology and pace will come at a price – expect the RS5 to wade in with a £53,000 price tag, in line with BMW’s £50,625 M3.
What about the other models you mentioned?
Well, after cabriolet versions of the A5 – from 2.7-litre TDI right through to the RS5, Audi will introduce the A5 Sportback in 2010. Audi’s development team, under chairman Rupert Stadler, claims to have created a truly unique coupe-cum-shooting brake layout, complete with a practical tailgate that’s neatly integrated into the flowing bodyline.
Sleeker and sportier than, for instance, the abandoned Roadjet project, the four-door Sportback is the joint creation of chief designer Walter de’Silva, head of advanced design Flavio Manzoni, and designers Wolfgang Egger and Stefan Sielaff. It is, according to our sources, one of the most striking Audi designs since the original TT.
And stuffed full of new technology, no doubt?
Of course. This is Audi remember. The Sportback will be the first Audi to feature QTV - quattro torque vectoring. By upgrading its quattro system with additional electromagnetic clutches, QTV will work in conjunction with braking sensors to monitor steering angle, yaw rates, road speed and torque levels. It will then apportion torque not only between front and rear axle but also between left and right wheels.
Operating both under load and during throttle lift-off – arguably when the car is at its most unstable – QTV results in a more neutral cornering stance by dialing out excess over or understeer, as well as even more effective levels of traction and agility. Other packaging highlights include a multi-functional luggage cover, which also serves as wind and sun shade and a power-operated tailgate.
What about engines?
There will be a choice of three turbo charged direct-injection petrol fourpots delivering 150, 177 and 211bhp. Move up a step and there’s a 265bhp 3.2litre V6, against direct injection. And the top petrol for the moment is a 354bhp version of the naturally aspirated V8 found in the S5. Expect an RS5 Sportback to follow.
Diesel fans will be cater for with a wide choice, starting off with the familiar 170bhp 2.0-litre TDI, followed by a new 204bhp 2.0litre unit. The current 190bhp 2.7litre V6 will be dropped, and the line-up topped off by the familiar 240bhp 3.0litre variant again. A clean Bluetec diesel is also on the development board, as is a mild petrol-electric hybrid. Audi reckons that with the full A5 Sportback line-up in place, annual sales will reach 35,000.
Audi RS5 Scoop - Secret New Cars - Carmagazine.co.uk
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Scotty C
Member
Registered: 6th Nov 05
Location: Kidderminster Drives: 1.6 16v Sport
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 Audi keep getting better and better.
Truely amazing cars.
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flame1987
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Registered: 20th Nov 06
Location: North Wales
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looks amazing 
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abdus
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Registered: 23rd Feb 06
User status: Offline
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NICE
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Marc
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Registered: 11th Aug 02
Location: York
User status: Offline
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Not too sure on the 150bhp option though!
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Colin
Member
Registered: 4th Apr 02
User status: Offline
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Lovely, wish I had the cash....even for a base model 
Theres an RS4 saloon next door to my mum & dads sometimes, what a car
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ed
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Registered: 10th Sep 03
User status: Offline
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Didn't even realise there was an A5, let alone an RS5
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M6RKK
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Registered: 21st Jan 06
Location: Glasgow
User status: Offline
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quote:
Originally posted by ed
Didn't even realise there was an A5, let alone an RS5
same...
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Steve
Premium Member
Registered: 30th Mar 02
Location: Worcestershire Drives: Defender
User status: Offline
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nicked, thanks 
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baza31
Member
Registered: 19th Apr 03
Location: yorkshire
User status: Offline
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£53,000 bloody hell thats a lot of money
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CorsAsh
Member
Registered: 19th Apr 02
Location: Munich
User status: Offline
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quote:
Originally posted by ed
Didn't even realise there was an A5, let alone an RS5
Only just been unveiled, that's why.
I want one. 
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Robin
Premium Member
Registered: 7th Jan 04
Location: Northants Drives: Clio 182 Cup
User status: Offline
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Oh. My. God.
That looks AMAZING
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dan_c4rsa
Member
Registered: 12th Dec 06
Location: North Yorks Drives: MK3 Seat Cupra
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love the back but there's something BMW about the front........
still sexual
[Edited on 13-05-2007 by dan_c4rsa]
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Robin
Premium Member
Registered: 7th Jan 04
Location: Northants Drives: Clio 182 Cup
User status: Offline
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quote:
Originally posted by ed
Didn't even realise there was an A5, let alone an RS5
Was unveiled at Geneva along with the Corsa VXR
http://www.corsasport.co.uk/board/viewthread.php?tid=344881
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Corsa_1800_SRi
Member
Registered: 3rd Feb 07
Location: West Yorkshire
User status: Offline
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Nice, audis are one of the best cars around imo
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Marc
Member
Registered: 11th Aug 02
Location: York
User status: Offline
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quote:
Originally posted by Steve
nicked, thanks
dirty little thief
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Marc
Member
Registered: 11th Aug 02
Location: York
User status: Offline
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quote:
Originally posted by CorsAsh
I want one.
Group buy?
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CorsAsh
Member
Registered: 19th Apr 02
Location: Munich
User status: Offline
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quote:
Originally posted by Marc
quote:
Originally posted by CorsAsh
I want one.
Group buy?
I'll see what I can do. 
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RS6
Member
Registered: 5th Nov 03
Location: with MJ
User status: Offline
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they do make good cars
hopefully the price will drop for the RS6 +
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Robbo
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Registered: 6th Aug 02
Location: London
User status: Offline
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Unlikely... Audi only ever make one RS ata time and they have already annohnced the new RS6 to replace the soon to be outgoing RS4
IIRC
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