Will Audi build an RS5? This test mule suggests there's more to come after S5

To be blunt, we're not sure if this is the RS5. On the surface, this test car looks just like the S5 that was unveiled at Geneva at the start of March, right down to every last air scoop. But sources at Ingolstadt have confirmed to CAR Online that an RS5 is in the pipeline, and this vehicle could be a test bed for the range-topping model. Why else would this car be carrying such an array of test paraphernalia when the standard S5 is signed off?

The RS5 will be bestowed with a more toned-up body kit, to make it a worthy BMW M3 rival. Expect a similarly discrete-but-muscular treatment as the RS4; if Audi gets gets the new two-door right, it could be the closest we've come to a successor to the original 1980 Quattro.

We expect the free-revving, naturally aspirated 4.2-litre V8 from the current RS4 to be installed in the A5's new platform. Count on at least 414bhp and 317lb ft - enough for rampant acceleration of the 911-worrying variety.

The new layout moves the front axle 120mm further forward for better weight distribution, effectively nudging the motor back in the engine bay for a more even 55:45 front-rear balance. The A5's engineering boss, Stefan Härdl, told CAR Online that the new layout dramatically improves the handling. 'It really helps the steering - it's more precise and direct than even the RS4, we've removed all the elasticity.'

If proved true, this is great news - since the next A4, A6 and A8 will all use the same layout.

Audi’s Magnetic Ride dampers are a certainty, although you’ll have to shell out at least £1200 for them. A manual gearchange and rear-biased quattro four-wheel drive will be standard; 60 percent of drive goes to the rear wheels for more alert handling.

Will the R8’s ceramic brakes make an appearance on the RS5? If Audi wants to challenge Mercedes and even Porsche, it will have to pull out all the stops. Just don’t expect much change from £53,000.

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ExigeOwner - 3/27/2007 10:05:22 AM

+2 Boost

I thought the RS5 was already confirmed?

BMW4me4ever - 3/27/2007 10:17:59 AM

+6 Boost

i wonder who at audi came up with the idea of setting the engine behind the front axle to improve weight distribution...** sarcasm ** BMW influences everyone

ExigeOwner - 3/27/2007 10:57:43 AM

-2 Boost

Infiniti had this in 2003 on the G35 Coupe

Heyhuub - 3/27/2007 2:38:10 PM

+1 Boost

Audi allready had mid engined cars in the 30's

s4driver - 3/28/2007 2:15:01 AM

+1 Boost

Dude, who cares who came up with what. Auto manufacturers were "borrowing" ideas from each other long before BMW or Audi even existed. This is just the same old BMW vs Audi hatred.

The present reality is this.... The RS4 is a serious car that outperforms the current M3 in every way, admittedly for $10K more. Even the S4 beats the M3 around the track. Deny it all you want, but the proof is on video, lots of us have seen it.

Meanwhile, Audi is tapping Lambo's V10's and is putting a 520-550bhp V10 tiwn turbo in their upcoming RS6. This isn't the Audi of the 1980's when they were producing crap. Audi has come a long ways, and even Consumer Reports is raving about them. Most notably the S4. If you don't believe me, go to the nearest magazine section and see for yourself. BMW has real competition. Ask the Germans. It's a statistical fact that there are more Audi's on the road in Germany than BMW's. It might be hard for some to swallow, but it's true. I was a little surprised myself when I first saw the data.

That said. I do like the looks of the new M3. The carbon fiber flat roof sounds really cool, and the fact that they went with a V8 is going to allow it to run with the RS4. Don't expect to pay less though. If anything, more. BMW needs to hurry up and get that car to market, but I think we will be lucky if we have the chance to own one before mid 2008. They haven't even announced the European delivery yet, have they? I'm dying to see what the new V8 M3 can do. The M3 model upgrade is long overdue.

Rupert - 3/27/2007 10:29:53 AM

-1 Boost

55:45 is good weight distribution

JRobUSC - 3/27/2007 10:36:48 AM

+3 Boost

"front heavy" and "good weight distribution" are mutually exclusive terms, they go together like steak and ice cream. But it's better than before at least.

GermanNut - 3/27/2007 11:52:02 AM

+1 Boost

If any car can take down the M3 it will be the RS5. It will be a true coupe unlike the RS4, the power as we already know will be enough to challenge the new M3 in the straights and with the improved weight distribution, maybe, just maybe this new Audi will handle even better than the RS4 and give the RS5 driver feedback that equals the same engagement as the M3 provides.

s4driver - 3/28/2007 2:34:32 AM

+1 Boost

The RS4 can already take down the current M3. As for the upcoming V8 M3, we'll have to wait and see. If I were calling the shots at Audi, I would seriously consider putting a twin turbo V8 in the RS5. Regardless though, I don't see this car in a showroom before 2009, if it happens at all.

Rupert - 3/27/2007 3:30:27 PM

+2 Boost

Probably a slight power or torque boost.

s4driver - 3/28/2007 2:36:23 AM

0 Boost

Twin turbo V8.

Don't just make it, make it better.

Terminal10 - 3/27/2007 2:23:04 PM

+3 Boost

One thing is for sure the new M3 will have its toughest competition ever in this segment with the RS5,RS4,IS-F and the AMG Mercedes.

By the way GermanNut welcome back where have you been?

s4driver - 3/28/2007 2:43:21 AM

0 Boost

I agree with everything except the Mercedes. Their cars are nose heavy, and don't handle nearly as well. Mercedes does not make performance cars that can compete with BMW or Audi. Not to mention the abyssmal maintenance record, and the fact that they're overpriced. It's a bourgeois vehicle and more of a status symbol, as opposed to a car that actually performs well on the track. I'll take on an E55 AMG, or CLK 55 AMG in my S4 any day. The E55 can hold it's own in a straight line, but so can a jacked up El Camino with a 454. My S4 will dust 'em all on the track.

ilmor - 3/27/2007 5:01:05 PM

+2 Boost

RS5 sounds great, but if an RS4 costs $66K before the guzzler tax, what will the RS5 cost?? I may just go for an M3, S5 or RS4 at some point, because $70K plus will just be out of my ballpark!

s4driver - 3/28/2007 1:47:50 AM

0 Boost

They're all going to be above $70K out the door. The RS4 is already in that territory. BMW has admitted that the new M3 will cost subastantially more than the older E46 model. In other words, it will surely be above $70K out the door as well. Since RS5 > RS4, I wouldn't expect any less from the RS5 either.

A few comments....

1) As with any car, I'll believe it when I see it. That goes for the new M3 and the RS5.

2) If you're thinking about an RS5, why not just fork over the extra cash and get an RS6. It's closer to being a reality than the RS5, and the Lambo twin turbo V10 is reason enough to consider it. It's expected to put out 520-550bhp. My dealer said that they will be taking pre-orders in time for a summer 2008 delivery. He guesstimated that the MSRP will be in the upper 90's. He was right about the RS4, so I have no reason to doubt him.

3) If Audi does make an RS5, I see no reason why they shouldn't put a twin turbo on their existing V8. Now THAT would be something. Don't just make it, make it better. If they put the same 'ol V8 in the RS5, I'll pass. I'll probably be driving a new RS6 by then anyway.

s4driver - 3/28/2007 2:18:30 AM

+2 Boost

Maybe even an M3 if the V8 model blows me away. I'm certainly going to give it a hard look.

Rsport - 3/28/2007 3:01:23 AM

+2 Boost

The Audi subsidiary Quattro GmBH historically introduces the RS variant in the last production year of the model generation. 2007 is the first production year for the B8 (A5/S5/A4).