Audi Sport has introduced a new Sportback model for the first time in the Audi RS 5’s history with the head of Audi Sport claiming that, “The new Audi RS 5 Sportback is a true international car – we expect it to conquer all markets.”
Power comes from a 2.9 TFSI V6 twin turbo engine that’s good for 444 hp, 600 Nm and a 0 to 100 km/h time of just 3.9 seconds. Top speed is clocked at 280 km/h, although we wouldn’t doubt that a simple tune would help the RS 5 see the 300 km/h mark effortlessly.
Handling and distributing all that power is the task of an 8-speed tiptronic transmission and Audi’s infamous quattro permanent all wheel drive. The standard RS sports suspension makes the RS 5 sit lower than the S5 Sportback while optional extras include the RS Sport Suspension Plus with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC), ceramic brakes and RS-specific dynamic steering.
Space should not be an issue whether you’re parking the RS 5 or seated in it, with its long wheelbase and short overhangs. That said, the wheel arches have been extended sideways by 1.5 cm – giving the RS 5 a wider, more aggressive stance. The standard RS exhaust system should announce your arrival before on-lookers get drawn to those slick 19-inch wheels. 
Unbelievably, the honeycomb pattern you see on the standard RS sport seats are optional. That said, even with the strongest case of amnesia, you wouldn’t forget what a special car you’re in with RS emblems scattered all over the place – steering wheel, door sills and lever selector.
In manual mode, there’s also a shift light that’ll alert you to get on the next gear in case you get distracted with how fast you’re going.
IMAGE GALLERY
