The Audi RS5 is a truly astounding car. With so much atmospheric power from this racing V8 and the Audi’s class-best dynamics in the wet: the RS5 even seems like a supercoupe that could be driven hard in bad weather.

Not something most summer-tired supercars would attempt. Dan Neil noted some traction issues when reviewing the twin-turbo RS7 last month in his Wall Street Journal column – which might be related to RS7’s big-boost layout versus the RS5’s naturally-aspirated engine.

For the time being, the Lexus RC F and BMW M4 appear to keep their rear-drive layouts. But AWD is closely hiding behind the scenes for both models, potentially a year after their initial releases.

The RS5 has real character and roar on throttle, with a high-rev peak power delivery that makes drivers work a bit harder than boosted models like the S7 and RS7.

I love the new Audi color palette, as well as how planted and fast the RS5 looks in its dynamic shots.

Track Images

Audi RS5 Cab

 

RS5 Options for 2014.

Audi MMI Navigation plus package

• Audi MMI Navigation plus
• Voice control system
• HD Radio™ Technology
• Audi side assist
• Parking system plus with rear view camera
• DVD player
• Color driver information system
• $4,000

Driver Assist package

• Audi adaptive cruise control
• Dynamic steering
• $2,750

Comfort Seat package

• Perforated Milano leather seating surfaces
• Twelve-way power front comfort seats, including four-way power lumbar adjustment
• Ventilated front seats
• $800

Black Optic package

• Gloss Black trim around exterior windows
• Body-colored exterior side mirror housings
• 20″ 5-arm-rotor design titanium finish wheels with 275/30 summer performance tires 1
• $2,500

Power rear window sunshade

• $350

Leather/Alcantara S sport seats

• $0

Audi ceramic front brakes

• $6,000

Matte Aluminum Optic package

• $750

Sports exhaust system with Black outlets

• $1,000

2014 Audi RS5 – Engineering | Performance Specs

Engine type Eight-cylinder

Displacement (cc)/Bore and stroke (mm) 4,163/84.5 x 92.8

Horsepower (@ rpm) 450 @ 8,250

Torque (lb-ft @ rpm) 317 @ 4,000 – 6,000

Engine block Aluminum alloy

Cylinder head Aluminum alloy

Valvetrain 32-valve DOHC with variable valve timing

Induction/Fuel injection FSI®

Acceleration (0-60 mph) 4.5 sec.

Top track speed 174 mph ⁶

• Electrical System

Battery 12 Volts – 80 amp

Alternator 14 Volts – 190 amp

• Transmission | Drivetrain

Transmission Seven-speed Audi S tronic® dual-clutch transmission with Audi quattro® all wheel drive and sport differential

Gear ratios: 1st 3.692

Gear ratios: 2nd 2.238

Gear ratios: 3rd 1.559

Gear ratios: 4th 1.175

Gear ratios: 5th 0.915

Gear ratios: 6th 0.745

Gear ratios: 7th 0.617

Gear ratios: Reverse 2.944

• Steering

Type Electromechanical power steering system

Ratio 15.9:1

Turning diameter (curb-to-curb) (ft) 37.4

• Suspension

Front Five-link front suspension with RS 5 sport calibration

Rear Trapezoidal-link rear suspension with RS 5 sport calibration

• Brakes

Front (in) 14.4 (ventilated wave-design disc) / 14.9 (Audi ceramic disc)

Rear (in) 12.8 (ventilated wave-design disc)

• Body

Material Fully galvanized steel unibody with aluminum front fenders and multistep anti-corrosion protection

• Warranty | Maintenance

Warranty 4-Year/50,000 mile Audi New Vehicle Limited Warranty

Maintenance 12-Month/5,000 mile (whichever occurs first) NO CHARGE first scheduled maintenance

• Exterior measurements

Wheelbase (in) 108.3

Length (in) 183.0

Height (in) 53.8

Overall width with mirrors (in) 79.5

Overall width without mirrors (in) 73.2

Track front (in) 62.4

Track rear (in) 62.3

Curb weight (lb) 4,009

Drag coefficient (Cw) .32

• Interior measurements

Head room with sunroof (in, front) 37.5

Head room with sunroof (in, rear) 36.0

Head room (in, front) 37.6

Head room (in, rear) 36.0

Leg room (in, front) 41.3

Leg room (in, rear) 31.7

Shoulder room (in, front) 54.3

Shoulder room (in, rear) 52.8

Cargo volume (cu ft, cu ft, rear seatbacks up/folded) 12.4

Seating capacity 4

• EPA estimates | Capacities

City 16 mpg ⁷

Highway 23 mpg ⁷

Combined 18 mpg ⁷

Engine oil (qt) 11.3

Fuel (gal) 16.1

Recommended fuel Premium

Emissions rating LEV II