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Oct 9, 2010

All-season Audi coupe

Regardless of the weather, the RS5's powerful performance and accurate handling put you in control

By david ting


The RS5 takes 4.6 seconds to hit 100kmh from standstill, the same as the Audi R8 V8. -- PHOTO: YANG

The racy new RS5 costs a whopping $86,000 more than the S5 on which it is based. But after driving it, I reckon that the 30 per cent premium represents pretty good value for money.

Just as importantly, the RS5 appears to be an even more complete sports coupe than the seminal BMW M3, which is in the same price range as the Audi newcomer.

It certainly looks the part. The S5 is already a handsome number and Audi designers did not need to do much to turn it into the awesome RS5.

Sitting 20mm closer to the tarmac and sporting newly flared fenders, an 'angrier' front-end and striking satin-silver accents, the RS5 shouts German highperformance from bumper to bumper.

Available 20-inch alloy wheels, fitted to the test car, complete the transformation. Playing Transformer is the boot lid's integrated spoiler - it rises automatically at 120kmh for greater downforce but you can also raise it 'manually' at 12kmh via a dashboard switch if you so wish.

High speeds come naturally to the RS5, which runs on a heavily revised version of the S5's 4.2-litre V8. The revisions are enough to boost the rev limit to a soaring 8,500rpm (where the engine really sings) and increase the power to 450bhp, even more than that put out by the R8 V8.

In fact, the RS5 takes the same time to hit 100kmh from standstill as the Audi supercar.

The RS5 sounds superb on its way to the century mark and beyond. The energy builds progressively from low revs, the note hardens noticeably at 4,000rpm and the engine hurtles past 7,000rpm in an explosion of acceleration.

Switch the Drive Select system to Dynamic and the exhaust soundtrack becomes noisier, naughtier and, of course, nicer. This driving mode also puts the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission into a sportier setting, which might be too hyperactive for some.

Gears are dropped in a greater hurry with a mere flex of the throttle pedal and upshifts are delayed. Progress is much smoother, and not much slower, with the gearbox left to its own automatic devices.

Paddle shifters provide another play option for the keen driver, but sadly, the RS5 does not get a customised pair clad in some exotic material.

Cockpit exotica is limited to carbon fibre and a pair of sport seats. The inlays are standard but the fantastic racing buckets are extra-cost items. They hold the body very well, with electric bolsters gripping your thighs and torso anywhere between just right and too tight.

These special seats make access to the rear rather inconvenient, but the two occupants back there will be comfortable once they settle in.

The RS5's genuine grand tourer attributes of quiet cruising (apart from some tyre rumble), miles-munching performance and practical interior space are happily matched with powerful handling.

Quattro permanent four-wheel drive, well-balanced suspension, a trick rear differential and low-profile, high-performance tyres give great levels of cornering composure for a 1.7-tonne machine.

The steering is accurate and committed, while the stopping is always hard and fast, helped by the optional carbon-ceramic front brakes.

As a sports coupe for all seasons (dry or wet in Singapore's case) and all reasons, the new RS5 is hard to beat, even at $86,000 more than the S5.

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The writer is the deputy editor of Torque, a motoring monthly published by SPH Magazines.

AUDI RS5

Price with COE: $365,000

Engine: 4,163cc 32-valve V8

Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch

Power: 450bhp at 8,250rpm

Torque: 430Nm at 4,000-6,000rpm

0-100kmh: 4.6 seconds

Top speed: 250kmh (governed)

Fuel consumption: 10.8 litres/100km (city-highway)

Agent: Premium Automobiles