Not surprisingly, a slew of pics of the Audi RS5 übercoupe have leaked. No embargo’s strong enough to hold back this brutish, 450 HP Euro barnstormer from the interwebs. Do similar easy-to-shed shackles keep it from coming stateside? Maybe.
These photos, taken from a leaked marketing brochure, come via Autogespot, recom-post.de, Fourtitude and every other Audi fan forum. The brochure claim the Audi RS5 will pump out the aforementioned 450 HP at 8250 RPM from a heavily massaged V8. That’s a bump of nearly 100 HP over the already powerful Audi S5.
And lest you confuse it with its weaker sibling, the Audi RS5 gets the full RS visual treatment with the larger stacked three-level inlets up front and characteristic twin pipes out back. Oh, and did we mention the RS5 is even more R8-like with an extend-and-retract spoiler out back?
The big question in our minds is still whether we’ll see the RS5 stateside. Back in May of last year, the height of the Carpocalypse, MotorTrend was claiming their Audi sources were confident it was coming. We’ll be crossing our fingers but we’ve heard nothing to indicate that. Still, we can all dream, can’t we? Better yet — why don’t you tell us in the comments if you’d buy one. I can guarantee Audi’s listening.
At the very least we’ll know more about this Bavarian brawny boy when it joins a host of other Audis at the Geneva Motor Show. For the moment you’ll have to make due with these shots and details.
@C4_4life: 20% of the VW group is owned by the taxpayers of the State of Lower Saxony & 17% by the taxpayers of the state of Qatar.
(side note- GM is 60% us gov, 17% UAW, and 12% Canadian government)
morcheeba
@jalopnikfan: They usually don’t until commitments are made at a motor show unveiling.
w1llk
Yes Please.
w1llk
@docb: I was actually in the market for a RS4- do they sell them here in the US? All I can see on the Audi website is the S-Line versions
They’re taking the hobbits to Izenguard!
@Ryanrule: You wouldn’t not? You must really love Audi if you want to buy one even with their supposed “long term quality” issues.
SoaringDisbelief
@connorlovesrozzo: And now the leaked pics and specs preceding the Geneva Motor Show prove that it isn’t a concept, it’s a real, live, moving automobile that you will be able to purchase in the near future.
SoaringDisbelief
of course i’ll buy one. right after i win the mega millions
gdm426
Any info on torque figure?
jalopnikfan
@SinisterSaracen: so if those seats are sex, does that mean i’ve been doing it wrong all this time? that explains everything!
gdm426
@Ryanrule: I’ve had mine 8 years and it’s been excellent.
Quattro-luvr
@maximum_sarge: You make a good point, one that I didn’t notice earlier. It’s without doubt that the car will stick out next to an S5 — but it’s definitely [refreshingly?] toned down against the wild TT RS.
CarSpotter
@maximum_sarge: +1 on all counts…. Whatever it ends up, will still need to lose 300lbs. Doesn’t mean I don’t want one though (unless no manual!)
Spinnetti
All I can say is this: Audi, don’t bring us this or any other dragon-feeling-inducing automobiles if we can’t get it with a 6-speed.
TwinTurbo Gokart
@C4_4life: With judicious use of throttle/brake/steering the RS4′s balance is actually pretty adjustable.
New S4′s Quattro Sport diff is pretty good, and I’m sure the RS5 will be be better still. I still don’t want one though.
If understeer were all I was concerned about I’d drive right on by the dealership with the four rings out front and buy something from Munich.
908-3
Prediction for USA: Like last time (RS4) we will get the car, but not the special harness-compatible Recaros pictured here.
Popular USA retrofits will be the Recaros, and the flat-bottom steering wheel from the R8.
MTM will eventually offer a supercharger kit, but it will push the price of the car past used R8 4.2 territory, and they will sell only a few of them.
PS – the article above does not note the RS6-style flares which this car does feature (modeled after the UrQuattro flares). They are somewhat difficult to distinguish in these photos at anything less than 800×600, but they are definitely there.
Like the S5, this car will have far more visual impact in the flesh than photos ever seem to convey.
maximum_sarge
@Dustin Brown: Yeah I hear ya brother.
I’m huge fan of the original allroad…tried to find a good used example over the summer to replace my 2001 Outback. Tough ask, that.
Would have sprung for a new one….but, well such an animal doesn’t exist here in the states.
Wound up with one of the last new ’09 Outback 2.5XTs left in the NE.
Are you listening Audi?
I wanted to give you my money…. but your current lineup just isn’t 908-3 friendly.
The cross-over trend is killing proper wagons:( Glad I got an old style Outback while I still could….the new one is a fuckin’ joke.
908-3
@CarSpotter: Look again. It has the arch flares similar to the current RS6, styled after the inimitable UrQuattro.
I’ve been predicting them ever since the spy photos a year or so ago, as there was cheap plastic ’rounding’ the fenders to make it look like there were no flares.
In these photos you have to look at the larger image to really see the flares, but I assure you, if positioned next to a plebian S5, the RS flares will most definitely stand out.
maximum_sarge
Do want… although there is a little part of me that is disappointed by the lack of forced induction.
maximum_sarge
Gorgeous, inside and out. Those two-tone recaros are sex. As is the twin throttle-bodied, 450hp version of the V8.
But…DSG only?! WTF. Fail.
SinisterSaracen
@ab3: And?
connorlovesrozzo
@Detroit Velvet Smooth aka Panzerwagon: No manual transmission. The fun thing with the RS4 is that is was a sleeper, where the rs5 is a shiny good looking car. It will be bought by posers…
RS2North
FINALLY. I have been waiting so long for this. This is my dream car. I will of course buy one. This car is everything I love about Audi today (with the exception of the wagons, which are awesome but not for me). Yes yes yes.
SoaringDisbelief
Anyone else notice that the mirrors are only chromed (polished-aluminumed) in some of the pictures? What up with that?
Shtig
@RS2North: has more power 2 less doors looks better… i do not understand your conclusion
Detroit Velvet Smooth aka Panzerwagon
@EvolutionGT: If the S4 is any indication, Audi probably means 450hp at the tires, not at the flywheel.
jalopnikfan
@EvolutionGT: that power is made out of a 4.2 that pretty impressive not to mention the changes of the aftermarket not offering forced induction is slim then you can get into the 500s
Detroit Velvet Smooth aka Panzerwagon
@mricyfire: not only is it 30 plus more HP but done 2 liters smaller then the camero engine
Detroit Velvet Smooth aka Panzerwagon
@DoctorNine: read above comment of course it will come in both options! they are just showing off the future of transmissions.
Detroit Velvet Smooth aka Panzerwagon
@CinnaSticks: of course its not just DSG but in there photos they will always show off the option.
Detroit Velvet Smooth aka Panzerwagon
450hp @ 8250 rpm without all the fuss. Mazda’s high revving rotary engine days are numbered.
jalopnikfan
@Quattro-luvr: I wouldnt not buy an audi right now, only lease. Terrible long term quality.
Ryanrule
@long_live_the_E36: Latest rumor I heard not too long ago, ~3400 pounds.
CorporateFelon
current owner of RS4.
likely new RS5 owner.
please bring this Audi.
docb
I’m going to bring these pics with me next time I donate sperm.
AboveTheLaw
@streetRIDE: Are you talking about the 2003 model or 2009?
Quattro-luvr
@Ryanrule: Wow, you don’t know what you’re talking about.
Quattro-luvr
Dear sweet baby Jesus. I want one!
Look at those seats, and 450 HP natural out of a 4.2 liter. Wow! And 8250 rmp!
Quattro-luvr
Yes, Audi, I’ll happily trade in my ’09 S5 on one of these.
zvonler001
Go manual or go home. If their DSG is the only option…pass
CinnaSticks
I can’t get behind the DSG, especially with that much HP on tap. Not that I don’t think it’s sexy, but I refuse to buy an auto for my performance vehicles. The last few years, Audi has been going the wrong direction on this, and making LESS manuals for North America. At least the new VW Golf R and the S4 can still be had with manuals.
DoctorNine
Sexy as hell! Hopefully they’ll have some better wheel styles. And then I’ll take mine in blue!
ne1butu
@connorlovesrozzo: ummm.. your currently an idiot… there has been talk and spy photos of the this car ever since the A5 made its debut
ab3
I can’t wait to see this take on an M3
ab3
@wrx-tyrannosaurusWrx: My bud has a Meteor Grey A5 and it is absolutely gorgeous. Nice color choice, sir.
toadstoolporridge
How much??…450hp…thats 30 more than a camaro
The lines between power are just getting blurry, I just don’t know what is good anymore.
mricyfire
I adore this. I’ll take mine in that gray color.
Do want, Audi. Yes, please.
wrx-tyrannosaurusWrx
Even if I could afford such a car, I think I’d prefer one with some steering feel…and that didn’t weight around 4,000 lbs.
But: those Recaro-esque seats. Hot damn. Why don’t more production cars come with proper seats like that?
long_live_the_E36
@GV_Goat: No manny-tranny?! -_-
ShantJ
@Motor_Yakuza: Not quite. The CTS-V is an M6 competitor, whereas the RS5 is an M3 competitior.
ShantJ
Beautiful styling… can’t go wrong with an Audi there…. but cmon…. 450hp…. that’s it!?
I’d rather wait for the 2012 M3…. this thing will probably cost something close to an M5
EvolutionGT
@Motor_Yakuza: I suppose your right, but I think it looks pretty good to begin with, that and it give a family resemblance of sorts.
Straight6er
@GV_Goat: after 20-30k miles they start to fall apart and break.
sooo?
Ryanrule
@Straight6er: I know, but you’d say that they don’t cut costs when it comes to designing front bumpers for premium cars like Audi and mega luxury cars like Bugatti.
Motor_Yakuza
I believe this constitutes car porn. I’ll be in my bunk…
RamblinReck89
@Motor_Yakuza: Audi didn’t receive any taxpayer’s money like GM did. So they may be late but they have to do it on their own.
C4_4life
@Motor_Yakuza: It’s not like their owned by the same auto group or anything.
Straight6er
@908-3: RS4 understeers, this won’t. Torque vectoring sorting things out for ya, bitch.
C4_4life
@Motor_Yakuza: Oh wow, I completely forgot about that I guess. And that BLS even looks kind of SAAB-like between the C and D pillars.
sskkiilleeff
i’d explain my reaction to this car, but i don’t want to get my gawker comment account permanently banned.
needless to say, i’m a bit excited.
i’ll take one in phantom black with every option available other than the automatic transmission, please.
rimplestultskin, macberry fanboy
@sskkiilleeff: Cadillac is sold in Europe, if you go to Cadillac’s website it has Europe in the select region area and remember the Europe only BLS? Well it has a SAAB under the body the design is 100% Cadillac.
Motor_Yakuza
Just seems to me like a lame version of the RS4
RS2North
@Motor_Yakuza: What I meant was that I don’t think that GM is selling it in Europe (though I’m not 100% sure on this). So I don’t know if they would provide press cars for a region where the car would not be sold. Of course they could always just fly to America and test it here.
If I’m wrong on this, I look forward to reading the head to head reviews of these two cars.
sskkiilleeff
@sskkiilleeff: What do you mean? It’s a CTS-V, not a Ferrari Enzo.
Motor_Yakuza
@Motor_Yakuza: I’d like to see CAR or Evo’s take on this, but I’m not sure if they’ll have access to the Caddy in Europe.
sskkiilleeff
@GV_Goat: I spy
With my little eye
A transmission that is lame
skitter
@sskkiilleeff: A mag or something will compare the two cars in the near future, but I don’t think that the Caddy it’s an easy pray for the Audi, in fact in this case the pray might eat the predator.
Motor_Yakuza
I just wish Audi could design a car without a huge front overhang. Audis are beautifully styled, but they make a few compromises that BMW and Mercedes don’t have to make because they favor RWD and can place the engine rearward compared to Audis. Still, I’d love to see the RS5 stateside to provide some competition for the M3 and C63.
khwilkins
I’d buy one, if I had 10x more monies.
korvetkeith king of teh horsepowers!
@CarSpotter: Mmmm, that looks delicious on the Nurburgring. And I agree about the front. Definitely could use some work.
sskkiilleeff
@jb68902: I’ve noticed that this kind of forbidden fruit creates some mystique that Jalopnik never fails to capitalize on. We’ll see if the ameri-Fiats will maintain their heroic status here.
Nitrous Oxide
@sskkiilleeff: True, though it’s a shocker coming out of Audi…
The rear is, in my mind, the best of the car. The profile looks like an S5, while the front doesn’t exactly strike me as beautiful…
Will be looking forward to more details as to just what the car can do. Just hope it’ll sounds something like the mule (top).
CarSpotter
@908-3: Yes! More fast wagons. I would stand for a new allroad or two as well!
Dustin Brown
@Motor_Yakuza: Yeah, it probably would’ve been better if they could have beaten the CTS-V right at its launch (maybe Jalopnik driving against Lutz?), but beating them it in the near future is fine also.
sskkiilleeff
I have a question. Why doesn’t Audi bring any RSs across the pond? Isn’t America the home of oversized V8s, V10s, and other gas guzzling creations?
jb68902
@CarSpotter: I would venture to say that lack of flared arches is an anti-katastrophe. Its refreshing. As is that beautiful rear end.
sskkiilleeff
i would buy one in a heartbeat….if i had the money, until then ill keep driving my hoonmobile know as an 89 f-150 4×4 5 speed and keep sailing my 67 Oday
89frankenford001
@Motor_Yakuza: Very familiar.
Motor_Yakuza
Front bumper looks familiar.
Motor_Yakuza
Hmmmm its addenda look a bit too TT-RS-alike for me….plus I’m not a huge fan of the A5 to begin with.
Call me crazy but I’d rather spend my hard earned on nice used RS4…. Manual tranny, cleaner styling (no stupid LED fairy lights) and a nice V8 soundtrack:-)
Now, if Audi truly is listening:
Bring over some RS Avants damn it!! I ache for one!!
908-3
Oh! Can we feel the passion.
I wouldn’t buy one, but it sounds like you would. I can’t blame you, it has a nice interior. The only Audis that are my style are the Lambos. No R8 for me, thanks.
Nitrous Oxide
Sorry Audi, but your late.
Motor_Yakuza
@GV_Goat: Wait a minute… no manual transmission? Hmmm… I’ll have to think about it.
GV_Goat
Yep. I’ll buy one. It’ll be used with about 20-30K miles on it but, yeah, I’ll buy one.
GV_Goat
Will this have the DRC system we all struggled with in our RS6′s??
streetRIDE
THAT is worth the wait!
emdii
Uhm, Jalopnik, the RS5 is currently a concept car…
connorlovesrozzo
it’s a full brüce revival!
Mastodon
No flared wheel arches? Katastrophe Audi, katastrophe!
Surprisingly high rev limiter for a V8 as well…
CarSpotter
I like most of the car and love the 5 in general, but the front is never quite menacing enough for my tastes. It’s better than an E65 coupe will probably look, but the M3 is a lot more mean-looking from the front. I think that giant grille is the main problem. Maybe splitting it by continuing the line between the tops of the side air intakes would provide a better look.
ssrock64
Quick fix!
Now I can be a butt about the incorrect use of expendable (surely extendible).
Christo
Wrong piiiiiics!
Christo