Audi continues to test its new RS5 ahead of a debut slated for later in 2009 and our new 2010 Audi RS5 spy photos capture the sporty coupe in its latest guise. And just check out that mesh grille! Where the S5 has traditional ‘cheesegrater’ venting on the front grille, the RS5 scooped here prefers a purposeful hexagonal wiry grille.
Ignore the black stealth fighter bodywork – much of the real sheet metal resides under the matt black plastic panels to hide some of the fruitier details from prying eyes.
Audi RS5: the scoop lowdown
The latest news is that the RS5 won’t be at the 2009 Frankfurt motor show, but is likely to slip back to a debut between major shows. We still expect to see it this autumn, however, with UK sales slated for spring 2010. It will be available as a coupe and convertible.
Expect the very latest of Audi’s technological advances from the current range: the aluminium, naturally aspirated 4.2-litre V8 engine from the outgoing RS4 will be resurrected, allied to carbon ceramic brakes from the R8 and the Audi TT’s magnetic dampers. It’s like the greatest engineering hits of Audi.
That high-revving engine – think 8000rpm redline – will top a decent 450bhp with at least 330lb ft of twist. CAR has previously reported that the RS5 will hit 62mph in four-point-something seconds.
Killer question: will the new Audi RS5 understeer?
Good point. Quattro four-wheel drive is a given and the RS5 will benefit from the new A4/A5’s engineering layout which has pushed the engine further back relative to the front axle. Quattro Gmbh, which is developing the RS5, has plenty of expertise in electronic rear differentials which made their appearance on the S4.
Price-wise, expect the new Audi super-coupe to fall above the BMW M3; we hear that UK prices are likely to exceed £60,000.