Dear readers, Audi actually revealed its brand new RS model, and where else than in Geneva?! The company’s 2018 Audi RS5 coupe is everything you would hope for, all we’ve reported so far, and the best thing about it is the fact that it’s even more than all that!
Geneva just confirmed a bunch of speculations that were tied to the RS5 and one of those was the news that the Audi RS5 will replace the 4.2 L naturally aspirated V8 for a twin-turbo V6, that at 2.9-liter has somewhat slightly less displacement than the S4/S5. Maybe you already know this, but just in case you don’t this unit is shared with the new Porsche Panamera 4S, but the output has been increased from 434 HP to 445 HP, and that is all matched nicely with 443 lb-ft of torque which is around 125 lb-ft more than in the old RS5. One of the attempts were to lose some weight that has pulled it down performance wise, but just like M4, sheer downsizing just didn’t cut it, meaning that the 60 kg weight loss just shows that they give in a lot of effort.
Thanks to the small reduction in weight the 2018 RS5’s sprint time is affected, and its 0-62 MPH is 3.9 seconds which is somewhat slower than the TT RS. The top speed will, as always, be determined by just how deep are your pocket, and you will be able to choose the 155 or 174 MPH option. Power will be distributed through the Quattro system with 40:60 ratio and the eight-speed automatic gearbox (no more twin-clutch). As an option, Audi will offer you a mechanical rear differential which will additionally improve performances and handling.
One slightly disappointing department of the 2018 Audi RS5 is its exterior which just doesn’t have that knock-you-off-your-feet factor that its previous gens had. This is also bad for the German company because, as they are probably aware, the RS5 does not have a shortage of sleek looking rivals with names like – Cadillac ATS-V, the Lexus RC F, Alfa Romeo Giulia QV, BMW M4 and the mighty C63 S. Nevertheless, Audi really wanted to show the RS5 at its best, and they brought a jam-packed RS5 to the Geneva, meaning it has every option you could imagine.
It starts with nice-looking dark blue color, carbon front splitter, carbon mirrors, carbon ceramic brakes, carbon side skirts and an optional Sport exhaust system with black trim. The cabin is somewhat disappointing by being basically the S5 interior with better seats and some additional badging. In our humble opinion, Audi will have to step up their game, because this isn’t going to cut it for too long. We think that they should do what BMW had done and focus their effort on making a kind of special track-oriented edition. But until then, keep in mind that this twin-turbo 2018 Audi RS5 will start its European sales this May, so hurry up to the local dealers.
