Audi may not be participating in the Auto Expo 2018, but it's doing plenty to stay in the spotlight. The all-new Q5 arrived, earlier this month; and we have now learned that Audi will introduce the new RS5 Coupe at the end of February.
The second-generation RS5 Coupe is new from the ground up. It's based on a new platform that sees it grow in size, as compared to the outgoing car. Despite that, when equipped with the optional carbon-fibre roof, the new RS5 is about 60kg lighter than its predecessor.
This RS5 is the first model to follow Audi Sport's aggressive new design language; and to that effect, it features new bumpers, a more prominent 'Single frame' grille, 'quattro blisters' that highlight the beefier wheel arches, 19-inch wheels (20-inchers optional), Matrix LED headlights and added air intakes.
The big news is its change of heart: the new RS5 foregoes the previous car's 4.2-litre V8 for a new, 2.9-litre, turbocharged V6 – also deployed in the Porsche Panamera. While it may be smaller and have fewer cylinders, the V6 matches the V8's power output of 450hp; and at 600Nm of torque, outdoes its predecessor's output.
In comparison, the BMW M4 – the RS5's rival-in-chief – makes 431hp and 550Nm of torque. Also, the M4 is rear-wheel drive, whereas in the RS5, power goes to all four wheels through Audi's famed quattro all-wheel drive system. Only now, it's directed through an eight-speed automatic gearbox, which replaces the old seven-speeder.
With a drop in weight, a jump in torque and a smarter AWD system, Audi claims the new RS5 Coupe will do 0-100kph in just 3.9 seconds – over half a second quicker than the car it replaces and equalling the original R8 V10's time. Top speed is limited to 250kph but ticking the 'dynamic pack' option will let it run up to 280kph.
Inside, the RS5 features the usual RS fare – sport seats, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, Alcantara trimmings, an RS-specific display for the virtual cockpit system and stainless steel pedals. A Sport exhaust system is optional.
Expect the new RS5 to be priced at close to Rs 1.2 crore (ex-showroom).
Also see:
2017 Mercedes-AMG C 43 vs Audi S5 Sportback comparison
2018 Audi Q5 launched at Rs 53.25 lakh