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 Radioâ„¢ 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
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Electrical System
Battery 12 Volts – 80 amp
Alternator 14 Volts – 190 amp
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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
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Steering
Type Electromechanical power steering system
Ratio 15.9:1
Turning diameter (curb-to-curb) (ft) 37.4
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Suspension
Front Five-link front suspension with RS 5 sport calibration
Rear Trapezoidal-link rear suspension with RS 5 sport calibration
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Brakes
Front (in) 14.4 (ventilated wave-design disc) / 14.9 (Audi ceramic disc)
Rear (in) 12.8 (ventilated wave-design disc)
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Body
Material Fully galvanized steel unibody with aluminum front fenders and multistep anti-corrosion protection
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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
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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
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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
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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
Tom Burkart is the founder and managing editor of Car-Revs-Daily.com, an innovative and rapidly-expanding automotive news magazine.
He holds a Journalism JBA degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Tom currently resides in Charleston, South Carolina with his two amazing dogs, Drake and Tank.
Mr. Burkart is available for all questions and concerns by email Tom(at)car-revs-daily.com.