Audi RS5 Coupe 2012 review

Late last year the Australian motoring media were let loose in a range of upcoming new Audi models, including a special Limited Edition of the RS 5 coupe. The standard variation of the Audi RS 5 has been our review car all week and like its ‘Limited’ brother is a high-performance German machine that is guaranteed to bring a big smile to the face of any keen driver.

VALUE

At $161,400 plus on-roads the new Audi RS5 coupe is not cheap. Two new Audi packages are available to RS 5 buyers, with Valcona leather coming with a choice of diamond quilting ($14,990) and contrasting red leather inserts (from $9400) to add even more exclusivity.

Just 25 cars get the ‘special’ treatment that includes 20-inch alloy wheels, sports exhaust with dual modes and black tailpipes, panoramic sunroof and Bang & Olufsen surround sound system, all for the same price – $161,400 – as the standard RS 5 Coupe.

TECHNOLOGY

A worked version of Audi’s 4.2-litre V8 engine produces a stirring 331 kW of power and the RS 5 takes advantage of Audi’s seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission and quattro all-wheel drive with self-locking centre differential and torque sharing on all four wheels. In addition there’s a sport differential for variable distribution of power between the rear wheels.

All of this geared technology is enough to get the Audi RS 5 to 100 kilometres an hour from rest in just 4.5 seconds, no mean feat for a vehicle weighing on the high side of two tonnes if a couple of big Aussie blokes are on board.

Top speed is normally electronically limited to 250 kilometres an hour. We are told that 280 km/h is available on request to Audi if the engineers there are confident in your driving ability. Top-speed is irrelevant off the race track in Australia but the smooth and instant power delivery adds driver confidence when overtaking on country roads or merging onto motorways. Perhaps even for the pleasure some of us enjoy in accelerating away from traffic lights to get clear of the pack.

Audi has officially measured the latest RS 5 at an average of just 10.5 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres. Reduced fuel consumption is, in part, due to a new electromechanical power steering. Instant response, positive feedback and sharp cornering are also welcome improvements.

DESIGN

The tall single-piece radiator looks as though it takes in more cool air than the Vienna Boys Choir in an Alpine concert; the 19 or 20-inch wheels would not look out of place on a Ben Hur chariot; twin elliptical exhaust ports look about the size of a ship’s funnels and create a stirring a fanfare from the booming V8.

Brakes feature internally ventilated discs. Callipers are painted high-gloss black, the front units having eight pistons each and sporting RS logos. Modifications have been made to the layout of instruments and controls with the three-spoke, multifunction steering wheel dressed in perforated leather featuring new, more intuitive, buttons and rollers.

The centre console has been reworked with the optional multimedia interface hard keys for menu functions reduced from eight to six. The ignition key and the steering column stalks have also been updated. Contrasting against the predominantly black cabin décor, pedals, footrest, air vents, shift paddles on the steering wheel, the MMI buttons and other controls are finished in an aluminium look.

The two-door coupe character of the car can be a chore for passengers getting in and out of the two rear seats – it’s a four-seater only – and not recommended for the less agile. The wide doors don’t help in limited parking space. However, when ensconced in the back there is room for few complaints from occupants, the body-hugging sports seats providing plenty of thigh and side support even during the most spirited driving.

SAFETY

Brakes are hooked up to the usual active safety systems such as ABS with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist.

DRIVING

Audi Drive Select is standard and allows the driver to select between three modes – Comfort, Auto and Dynamic – changing the characteristics of steering, the S tronic transmission, throttle valves and exhaust sound valves.

The electronic stability program with Sport mode can be deactivated, while an optional sport suspension-plus with dynamic ride control makes use of variable suspension damping, while high-performance brakes, with front carbon fibre ceramic discs are also available as an option

During our time with the ultra-hot Audi RS 5 fuel consumption ranged from 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres in highway cruising to 18-plus litres per 100 kilometres in stop/start city traffic. While high in their own right these figures aren’t bad for a car with this sort of performance and indicate the efficiency of the big V8 powerplant.

Stability is also improved by a spoiler in the rear hatch which deploys electronically at 120 km/h or at the push of a button by the driver. A flat-bottomed steering wheel, now standard, adds a further sporting feel to the RS 5.

VERDICT

Audi RS 5 is a stunner of a coupe both in looks and actions, displaying all that Audi stands for in style and automotive technology.

Audi RS5

Price: from $161,400
Warranty: 3 years/unlimited km
Crash rating: n/a
Engine: 4.2-litre 8-cyl petrol, 331kw/430Nm
Transmission: 7-speed auto; AWD
Thirst: 14.4L/100km, 246g/km CO2
Dimensions: 4649mm (L), 1860mm (W), 1366mm (H)
Weight: 1715-1790kg