2018 Audi RS5 Coupe – The High-Performance Coupe. 2018 Audi RS5 Coupe – Drive, Interior and Exterior. Subscribe.
The all-new 2018 RS 5 features a newly developed 2.9-liter V6 TFSI® biturbo engine, which compared to its naturally-aspirated V8 predecessor, delivers more power, and weighs 68 pounds less. The 2.9-liter V6 biturbo engine generates 444 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, 126 lb-ft of peak torque more than the previous generation, and it is available between a broad range of 1,900 and 5,000 rpm. As a result, the RS 5 can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in a class-leading 3.7 seconds, eight tenths of a second faster than the previous generation RS 5, and achieve a top track speed of 155 mph, or increased to 174 mph with the optional Dynamic plus package.
Similar to the S5 coupe V6 engine design, each of the two turbochargers on the 2.9-liter engine of RS 5 are positioned directly inside the “V” and generate a max buildup of 21.5 PSI. This compact configuration ensures improved engine responsiveness and performance. As for intake, the Audi valvelift system (AVS) changes the duration of the valve opening depending on the throttle and engine speed. To help increase engine efficiency and power, the V6 engine uses a centrally mounted fuel injector and a combustion method with shorter compression and longer expansion phases. This allows for a higher compression ratio of 10.0:1, further improving the engine’s efficiency and allowing for greater power and torque delivery.
The power of the biturbo engine flows through an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission with self-locking center differential that focuses on high levels of performance and acceleration. A traction control system manages distribution for maximum acceleration with minimal slip.
The standard quattro® all-wheel drive offers high-precision handling through active torque distribution to both axles. In regular driving situations, the system delivers 60 percent of the torque to the rear axle and 40 percent to the front. However, when needed, power can be redirected to the opposite axle, with up to 85 percent of torque to the front and up to 70 percent to the rear axle.
The standard quattro® sport rear differential with RS-specific tuning offers a dynamic driving experience by actively splitting torque between the wheels of the rear axle, with the ability to direct nearly all available rear torque to one wheel.
The RS 5’s newly developed front and rear suspension allows for both a sporty driving experience and more comfortable ride for long distances. The redesigned front five-link suspension with lightweight construction offers greater steering precision and better handling through optimized steering-rack placement direct at wheel centers. With the standard RS sport suspension, the RS 5 coupe sits 7 mm lower than the S5 Coupe. RS sport suspension plus with Dynamic Ride Control, which uses steel springs and adjustable dampers that are connected to one another via diagonal oil lines and a central valve, is also available. When cornering at speed, the valves regulate the oil flow in the shock absorber of the deflected outside front wheel almost immediately. This increases the support and reduces pitch and roll movements to improve the vehicle’s overall driving dynamics.
Drivers can customize their driving experience through the standard Audi drive select system which offers four distinct drive modes: comfort, auto, dynamic and individual. Each mode allows the driver to adjust the quattro sport differential, dynamic steering, and dynamic ride control (if equipped), in addition to being able to change gear shift points, steering and throttle response. Handling is also improved by RS-specific programming for the Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC) unit with wheel-selective torque control and an available sport mode. Also as part of the Audi drive select system, both with the standard RS exhaust system and with the available RS Sport exhaust, the driver can control the opening and closing of the exhaust flaps in order to hear more of the exhaust sound.
Available RS-tuned dynamic steering offers a variable steering ratio that adjusts based on vehicle speed and the Audi drive select setting. At higher driving speeds, dynamic steering helps to improve straight-line stability, and at lower driving speeds, a more direct steering ratio is used to help increase steering response for easy maneuvering. Additionally, unique to RS models, when in dynamic mode, dynamic steering locks the steering ratio at 13.5:1 for a consistent response.
