Previously thought to only be released in Europe, Audi just confirmed that they will, in fact be bringing the RS5 supercoupe here Stateside. This also means they’ll definitely be downgrading the S5’s engine to a supercharged V6. That’s a shame.

The upcoming 2012 RS5 features Audi’s fantastic 4.2-liter V8 engine producing a massive 450 hp – a big jump from the S5’s 354 hp – and it’s naturally aspirated. All that power, of course, will be put down to the road by all four wheels via Audi’s quattro AWD system.

Pricing and details are yet to be announced.

We just got word of a rumor reporting that the coveted Audi RS5 super-coupe might end up coming to the States, despite Audi’s saying it’s for the European market only. Last month we learned that the RS5 will get a naturally aspirated version of the wonderful 4.2-liter V8 engine found in the R8. In the RS5, it will produce 450 hp with 317 lb-ft of torque, allowing it to propel itself from zero to 60 mph in only 4.6 seconds. The standard transmission is Audi’s seven-speed dual-clutch S tronic box, with sadly no word of a manual transmission anywhere.

If we convert the 77,700 Euro base price into US Dollars though, it ends up running more than $105,000 – a price I’m not sure enough people are willing to pay.

What’s interesting is that Audi dropped the 4.2-liter V8 mill from the S5 this year, and now they’re just tuning it for a bit more power and throwing it into a slightly modified version of the S5 and charging over $20,000 more for it. Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of additions that make the RS5 a worthwhile upgrade (like the new center differential, for example,) but by breaking that $100K mark, I think too many buyers will consider a different model instead.

I understand Audi’s hesitation bringing the RS5 over here, but I have to admit I’m glad they’re (potentially) deciding to do just that.

source: Automobile

Readers of German magazine “Auto Zeitung” recently gave Audi a few design awards. First up, Audi was voted “Brand with the most beautiful cars,” beating out over 50 other carmakers. In addition, the R8 Spyder was awarded “most beautiful convertible,” also finishing third for “most beautiful car model,” while Audi got additional props for the A5 Sportback finishing right behind it in fourth.

I don’t particularly agree with the R8 Spyder being very pretty, but you know those Germans…

photo by Mert Esmer

Audi just released 45 photos for the upcoming RS5 coupe, and I have them all for you here in this photo gallery, along with the initial images of the RS5 leaked brochure. Also check out the Audi RS5 page for more info and news on the car.

More images of the RS5 than you ever wanted:

View Photo Album

2011 Audi RS5

Just as we got our hands on the leaked sales brochure for the upcoming RS5, Audi trickles in some details about the car to keep our mouths watering until the Geneva show in March. So what does the RS5 have to offer?

Just as we expected, the super-coupe will feature Audi’s fantastic 4.2-liter V8, though it will be naturally-aspirated and not turbo or supercharged. Output is a healthy 450 hp with 317 lb-ft of torque. 0 to 60 mph comes in 4.6 seconds with Audi’s typical electronic governor kicking in at 155 mph. If you ask nicely though, Audi will bump up the top speed to 174 mph. Power is transmitted to all four wheels by the seven-speed dual-clutch S tronic gearbox, and nothing was mentioned of a manual transmission.

The RS5, which will be available in spring for MY 2011, has some unique details on the interior as well. Standard sport seats are power-adjustable and are clad in a leather and Alcantara combination. If you’re looking for something sportier, lighter and manually-adjustable bucket seats are available. On the other end of the spectrum, climate-controlled and heavily upholstered comfort seats are an option. Carbon fiber accents adorn the interior, along with aluminum and aluminum-look accents here and there. Other trim options are available, including “decorative inlays with a dark, stainless-steel mesh look, a black piano finish or brushed aluminum.” The driver information display also includes a lap timer and oil temp setting for taking your car to the track.

The 2011 Audi RS5 will get about 22 mpg average, which is impressive for a car of this caliber. On sale this Spring, the RS5 starts at a hefty 77,700 euros, or $105,590 USD.

The RS5 is not currently planned to come to America, but I’m hoping Audi decides to change their mind about that – this would be a great ride to have here in the States.

One of the sexiest cars on the road, the Audi S5, just got even sexier. AUSmotive.com somehow got their hands on a sales brochure for the 2011 Audi RS5 before it was unveiled at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show in March. No detailed information about the upcoming high-performance coupe were given, but we think it will get a super- or turbo-charged version of the magnificent 4.2-liter V8 engine found in the R8 and other high-performance Audis. Expect a lot of horsepower here – this thing is going to rip up the road.

Sadly it seems no manual transmission is available, but I’m hoping Audi will make that an option shortly after launch. Notice the RS 5 badges on the front, back, and brake calipers, as well as on the door sills, seats, shifter knob, and standard-shaped steering wheel (not flat-bottomed as on the R8.) According to the pictures, a unique red/black interior color scheme is available, which looks very cool. Carbon fiber and brushed aluminum interior trim is ultra-modern and sexy. Three seating options and four wheels appear to be available as options. Please Audi, let this come to the States!

Update: Details on the 2011 Audi RS5

Check out the images of the RS5 below, and thanks again to AUSmotive.com for the info:

ABT AS5 Sportback

German tuner Abt Sportsline just got their hands on the A5 Sportback, before most of us can even see it. The Audi A5 Sportback is described “As comfortable as a limousine, elegant as a coupé and almost as practical as an Avant.” After being given the Abt treatment, the new AS5 Sportback can further be described “as dynamic as a true sports car.”

The fact that the name AS5 looks suspiciously like ASS is only an unintended benefit.

Abt tuned up two available engines on the Sportback:

2.0 TFSI
Audi A5 Sportback: 180 hp
Abt AS5 Sportback: 275 hp

3.0 TDI
Audi A5 Sportback: 240 hp
Abt AS5 Sportback: 282 hp

3.0 TDI “POWER S”
Audi A5 Sportback: 240 hp
Abt AS5 Sportback: 310 hp

The “POWER S” tuned 3.0 TDI engine with 310 horsepower is able to propel the AS5 Sportback from zero to 62 mph in 5.8 seconds. Bigger brakes provide quicker deceleration and special ABT wheels, available from 18- to 20-inches, add to the style. A new muffler and suspension system add to the sportiness of the car.

An ABT-styled body kit helps with aerodynamics and style by adding a front skirt, front grill, rear wing inserts, and a rear skirt set.

Although we haven’t covered anything from German design company Hofele yet, they make some pretty interesting kits for Audis. They aren’t really a tuning company since they only change design elements, but their kits are often worth taking a look.

Unfortunately, they sort of missed the mark on their latest A5 and A5 Cabrio “R8-Look” kit. I’m not sure if A5 owners who buy this kit are attempting to “trick” people into thinking it’s an R8, but I certainly hope not. It definitely won’t trick anybody into thinking you’re driving the supercar. But if you like the looks of it regardless, go take a look:

MTM Supercharged Audi S4

German tuners MTM have given the Audi S4 and S5 Cabrio enough power to compete with their up-trimmed siblings. Through the use of their M-Cantronic ECU system, MTM has given the two cars – both powered by the 3.0 TFSI V6 engine – 430 horsepower, which is only 10 hp less than the stock Audi RS4’s V8 engine.

Along with the M-Cantronic system, MTM uses new exhaust components to help with power delivery. The MTM S4 is also equipped with bigger brakes and 8-piston calipers, a lowered suspension, and 19-inch Bimoto wheels.

430 horsepower get the MTM S4 from zero to 62 mph in 4.6 seconds with the 6-speed manual transmission, and can reach a top speed of 177 mph with the optional V-Cantronic system which removes the top speed limiter from the stock ECU.

The kit is not cheap, either. For both the M-Cantronic and V-Cantronic system producing 430 hp, the system costs $4,600 USD, another $6,183 for the exhaust system, and $6,046 for the wheels. The suspension tuning is $1,048, and the big brakes are $6,654, coming to a total of $24,531 for the MTM S4, plus the price of the car, if you don’t add any other options.

Lightweight Aluminum Audi A5 Prototype

Testing out their aluminum Audi Space Frame (ASF) technology used on the R8, TT, and A8, Audi applied the lightweight construction method to a prototype A5 coupe. The lightweight A5 is 242 pounds lighter than its steel-bodied brother, which gives it a power-to-weight ratio of 159-hp per ton, only 11 hp per ton shy of the more powerful 3.2-liter V6 A5. The normal A5 weighs in at 3130 lbs, while the lightweight version comes in at 2888 lbs, thanks to the use of the aluminum architecture and some carbon fiber parts

Audi doesn’t plan to produce the A5 with this technology right away, but expect to see it in the next generation A5, as well as other Audi vehicles in the next few years. Audi also noted that they will need to implement lightweight design principles in their electric vehicles in the future, since electric drivetrains tend to be very heavy.