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

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:

2010 Audi RS5

As we near the release of the 2010 RS5 supercoupe, we find some more spy shots of the car courtesy of Next Autos.

The RS5 will likely debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show sporting a modified version of Audi’s 4.2-liter V8 with around 450 horsepower. Considering how great of a car the S5 is, I’m very excited to see the RS5 in action. Since Audi decided to downgrade the S5 to a supercharged V6, it’s good we get to keep a V8 in the mix.

Huge air intakes, a rear lip spoiler, and wide fenders hint at the extra power under the hood from the V8 engine which produce a sound the photographers said was “to die for.” I don’t doubt that for a minute.

Check out the pictures at NextAutos

Previous spy photos: 1 and 2

Audi RS5 Spied at Nurburgring

Those sneaky spy photographers got a few more shots of the Audi RS5, this time circling the Nurburgring test track in Germany. The main thing to note from these shots is the retracting rear wing, much like the one found in the beloved R8 supercar. We assume it will deploy at a certain speed, just like R8 to keep the car planted on the pavement at high velocities. See below for the full gallery.

As we reported in the first article about the RS5 spy shots, the car will most likely be powered by a modified version of the 4.2-liter V8 found in the R8 and RS4. Expect around 450hp being passed through to the wheels by a six-speed manual or R-tronic gearbox.

Gallery below:

2011 Audi RS5

Some sneaky spy photographers got some great snaps of a prototype Audi RS5 going around the Nurburgring recently. The RS5’s powerplant hasn’t been confirmed yet, but some speculate it will be receiving a detuned version of the RS6’s 580 horsepower, 5.2-liter twin-turbo V10. Due to Audi’s trend towards smaller (but frequently forced induction) engines, I’d suspect it’s more likely we’ll see a super- or turbo-charged version of the R8’s 4.2-liter V8. At any rate, expect the RS5’s power to exceed 500 horsepower.

As you can see from the photos, the 2011 RS5 has revised styling, but is slightly masked from the matte black wrap. The fenders are flared a bit, it has a wider track, the rear bumper is a bit beefier and has a new oval dual-exhaust, and the front fascia is flared with more angry-looking air intakes. It’s sitting on the same 20-inch wheels found on the RS6, and inside them are big drilled rotors. The aftermarket Recaro seats you see inside the car are only for the prototype, but may hint at using lighter-weight seats for the production version.

Now, we’re not even sure yet if the RS5 will be making over to our shores, but we’re hoping the 2011 (or 2010) RS5 will be unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show in September.

See more pictures below:

via