The 2011 Audi RS5: Exclusive High-value 'driving'

The VW-Audi and
now Porsche group
has been on quite a
motoring roll with
new vehicle releases.

One of the upcoming
cars is the Audi RS5.
The stunning RS5
coupe was first seen
at the Geneva Auto
Show in March and
although it has not
been confirmed by
Audi, it will be

coming to the U.S in late 2011.

The last Audi RS model in the U.S was the RS4 sedan and cabriolet. However,
the cars were discontinued some time ago.

The upcoming RS5 will be a totally redesigned car. The RS5 is genetically
connected to the automaker's 1980's Coupe Quattro known for its sporty
performance orientation.

Specific RS5 styling elements include a new grille, larger air intakes,
updated front and rear bumpers, abundant aluminum trim, large dual
oval tailpipes, a front splitter, a rear diffuser, and a rear wing that
extends at 75 mph and retracts at 50 mph.

Inside, the power operated sport seats are trimmed in Alcantara leather.
The pedals are made of drilled aluminum. Furthermore, the supple
leather, carbon fiber trim, and the piano black panels are pleasing to
the eye.

Most future RS models will be powered by twin-turbo 4 and 6-cyliner
engines. However, this RS5 reportedly will have a high-revving normally
aspirated direct-injection 4.2-liter V8. It will deliver 450 hp (30 more hp
that the RS4's V8 of the same displacement) and 317 lb. ft. of torque. Expect
the 0-60 time to be in the high 4.0 second range. The new more powerful
engine is claimed to be 20 percent more fuel efficient.

Additional engineering advances on the RS5 involve a dual mode intake
manifold with tumble blades to provide better combustion, variable
intake and exhaust timing, and a multimode exhaust system. Also,
in the name of efficiency, Audi reduced the engine's piston friction,
lightened the double overhead cam valvetrain, and used a variable
output oil pump. Furthermore, a regenerative braking system will
increase the alternator's output during deceleration and thus reduce
its output during regular driving.

The only transmission to be offered on the RS5 will be the seven-speed
dual-clutch S tronic automatic.

Regarding the RS5's all-wheel drive system, it has the latest evolution
of the Quattro unit. The main feature is a center differential that is
capable of sending up to 70 percent of the torque to the RS5's front
axle and up to 85 percent to the rear as the driving conditions require.

As compared to the stock A5, the RS5's chassis has new springs,
dampers, and antiroll bars. The suspension on this new Audi has been
firmed up, ride height has been lowered by about an inch, and the
standard tires are 265/35 YR-19, 275/30 YR-20s are optional.

The brakes involve thicker and larger-diameter discs, and the front
brakes have eight-piston calipers and large 14.4 inch vented and cross
drilled rotors attached to aluminum hubs.

The RS5 driver will be able to choose from settings including comfort,
dynamic, and automatic. Such influences the car's throttle response,
transmission shift action, and the steering. Some drivers might find
the choices to be a trial and error affair that detracts from a true driving
experience. And although this RS5 will be lighting quick, some of
its driving motions provide a somewhat strange synthetic feel. Thus,
the car delivers the 'goods' in a rather detached manner.

If speed from point A to B is your focus, the RS5 will deliver very
well. However, if feedback and interacting with the driving machine
is important to you, this Audi will keep you on a strict diet.

Expect the new Audi RS5 to be priced at about $75,000. And to
me this begs the question: Are we paying for technicalities that
take away from the driving experience? I personally want more
of a driving experience not less.

Have an auto question or comment? You can email it to me at
Kbusch3@verizon.net. Kyle Busch is the author of "Drive the Best
for the Price..." www.DriveTheBestBook.com.