Audi South Africa has introduced the all-new RS 5, the brand’s first high performance plug in hybrid, which pairs a twin turbocharged V6 with an electric motor for a combined 470 kW and 825 Nm.
What is it?
The all-new Audi RS 5 is offered in Sedan and Avant body styles and takes its place among the halo models of the Four Rings. The Sedan presents a sleek, athletic profile, while the Avant pairs the same design language with the practicality of an estate body. Audi describes its engineering philosophy as electrification that should do more than enhance efficiency, and should intensify performance.
Powertrain:
For the first time in an Audi RS production model, a 2.9 litre twin turbocharged V6 is paired with an electric motor. The combined output is 470 kW and 825 Nm, and the RS 5 reaches 100 km/h from standstill in 3.6 seconds. Power goes through an eight speed tiptronic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive.
The lithium-ion battery has a usable capacity of 22 kWh and an electric range of between 78 and 84 kilometres. AC charging is possible at up to 11 kW, and the battery can also be charged through recuperation. There are two operating modes, EV and Hybrid, and in Hybrid mode a preferred state of charge can be selected with a digital slider.
A boost function deploys maximum acceleration for ten seconds, with a countdown shown in the driver information display. Top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h, rising to 285 km/h with the optional Audi Sport package.
The drivetrain also introduces quattro with Dynamic Torque Control, which Audi says includes the world’s first electromechanical torque vectoring system at the rear axle of a production vehicle. It works with RS sport suspension that has twin valve shock absorbers.
Exterior:
Compared with the base A5, the RS 5 is four centimetres wider on either side, front and rear. The front end has a Singleframe grille and purposeful air intakes. At the rear, the RS exhaust has centrally positioned matte oval tailpipes, and a red reflector is placed vertically in the centre of the diffuser.
Standard equipment includes Gloss Black RS detailing, black mirror housings, 20-inch Audi Sport five Y spoke alloy wheels in Platinum Grey and darkened Matrix LED headlights. Optional extras include 21-inch wheels, the Audi Sport package and carbon styling packages.
Interior:
Inside, the standard RS sport seats have perforated leather with honeycomb detailing and Nappa leather elements. The front seats are electrically adjustable with heating, ventilation and massage, and there is three zone automatic climate control.
Technology includes Audi virtual cockpit plus, the MMI experience plus infotainment system, a head up display, an MMI front passenger display and a Bang & Olufsen 3D Premium sound system. The Audi driving experience function records data such as lap and sector times, and an optional dashcam is integrated into the rearview mirror. A panoramic glass roof with switchable transparency is available at no cost.
Price:
The Audi RS 5 Sedan (R2 430 000) and the Audi RS 5 Avant (R2 470 000) both use the 470 kW quattro powertrain, and the recommended retail prices include VAT and CO2 emissions tax. Both are sold with a 5 year/100 000 km Audi Freeway Plan, and Audi Assured Guaranteed Future Value is offered through Audi Financial Services.
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I have bad reflexes. I was once run over by a car being pushed by two guys
Woody Allen
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