2010 Audi RS5 Spied Looking Sexy

When Audi released the RS4 in February 2005 nobody expected it to be a true competitor to BMW’s benchmark M3 coupe, but with the benefit of quattro all-wheel-drive, a boost in power, and better weight distribution, the performance sedan managed to upset its rivals. Audi has decided, however, to not produce a RS4 sedan this time around, and instead concentrate on the RS5 coupe, which is expected to debut in February next year in time for the 2009 Geneva Auto Show.

These latest spy photos show the RS5 being put through its paces on the Nurburgring, the legendary circuit that has become popular of late among carmakers for its demanding surface and use as a testing and proving grounds. The new wheels and reworked front air dam indicate the car is nearing final specification, including a prototype of the final engine that will power the car.

Previous spy shots revealed Audi has been testing the new car in Death Valley, USA. It is expected to get a new front-end treatment compared to the rest of the A5 lineup. Like the RS4, expect the final production RS5 to be fitted with large fenders and an aggressive rear-end as well.

With the release of the new generation BMW M3 Coupe and sedan and the Mercedes C63 AMG, Audi will once again be playing catch-up but it does have a few tricks up its sleeve to ensure it will be the class-leader once again. One potential powertrain option is the same 4.2L V8 as the RS4, however power will be boosted to 450hp (335kW) and it will likely get the option of Audi’s newly upgraded S-tronic dual-clutch gearbox along with a manual transmission. Other sources claim it may use a derivative of the V10 from the RS6, however this is likely to be too expensive for a car that will have to compete in price with its aforementioned German rivals.

The previous model was unable to use the dual-clutch gearbox because it was limited to just 236lb-ft (320Nm), however the latest version of the gearbox can handle torque figures of up to 406lb-ft (550Nm) and engine speeds of 9,000rpm, which could allow the RS5 engine to rev even higher than the lofty 8,300rpm in the old RS4.

Expect the RS5 to make its official debut next January at the Detroit Auto Show.

HSCenterconsole - 10/6/2008 5:14:12 PM

+3 Boost

Looks pretty sick with those BBS-style rims. Hopefully it will lose some weight in the nose to improve on its lackluster weight distribution.

Htay7500 - 10/6/2008 5:42:33 PM

+3 Boost

I'm hoping the nose is using maybe a carbon fiber lip to make it a lot lighter.

aarononymous - 10/6/2008 8:45:43 PM

+1 Boost

The latest RS$ is nose-heavy, just has a great suspension to make up for it. The current platform has much better weight distribution so this can only be a plus.

HSCenterconsole - 10/6/2008 5:14:20 PM

+4 Boost

Looks pretty sick with those BBS-style rims. Hopefully it will lose some weight in the nose to improve on the S5's lackluster weight distribution.

Maverick2020 - 10/6/2008 6:31:58 PM

+3 Boost

I love it, but hate the BBS-style rims.

Audi traditionally has really ugly wheels, but lately seems to have some nice ones; for example the 20's on he 2008 S8.

aarononymous - 10/6/2008 8:55:28 PM

0 Boost

those look like the wheels on the A6 s-line, highly unlikely the production wheels

S4cabriofoxone - 10/7/2008 12:56:29 AM

+1 Boost

I also love the S8's rims. The S6 has similar 19" wheels and so does the new S4, and the S5 for that matter. The new S design is a very cool blade-like split five-spoke.

merce63amg - 10/6/2008 6:40:32 PM

+3 Boost

There is no camo on the bottom pics. Looks ok,typical Audi look. Should be fast..but doubt it will be a better drive then the M3.Check out the monster sunroof.

racerf109 - 10/6/2008 6:45:41 PM

+1 Boost

How did that grey hippo get on the ring?

bclemans - 10/6/2008 8:22:17 PM

0 Boost

From UK's Car Magazine
4.2 liter V8 twin turbo with 450 horses

http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/Secret-new-cars/Search-Results/Spyshots/Audi-scoop-special-RS5-spy-photos/

It is predicted to be more expensive than the BMW M3 so I suspect Audi is quite confident that it can outperformed it. It has a wider track, more aggressive tires, better gismos (backup camera).

aarononymous - 10/6/2008 8:57:13 PM

+1 Boost

sure looks like twin intercoolers in the front close-up pic

steve27t - 10/6/2008 11:00:31 PM

+1 Boost

AmazinMORON.

stelvio - 10/7/2008 2:26:20 AM

+1 Boost

doesn't seem to have flared fenders does it?

ubercool - 10/7/2008 10:16:39 AM

+2 Boost

Doessn't look that specail i'm afraid.

S4cabriofoxone - 10/7/2008 11:08:31 PM

+1 Boost

It's in camo. (slaps hand to face)

elevatus - 10/9/2008 8:45:31 PM

+1 Boost

I totally agree, this is THE RS5!? It looks way too bland, it needs some pizzaz or something. Those rims look like crap too on it. Looks like a 2 door limo....and I'm a huge Audi fan. I can only imagine what the poeple who aren't Audi fans are saying.

S4cabriofoxone - 10/7/2008 11:09:15 PM

+1 Boost

It's an S5 body. Check the quad exhausts... and the fact that it says "S5" on the back. The only things they've changed are the grill and the front bumper. Keep waiting for the final product.