Audi's RS 5 Coupe: A force to be reckoned with
Audi's all-new 2013 RS 5 Coupe is sophisticated, fast, gorgeous and bad to the bone. The RS 5 adds a heightened performance level to Audi's A5 stable which consists of several models including: the A5 Coupe, A5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet and now, the RS 5 Coupe. The 2013 Audi RS 5 Coupe is truly a force to be reckoned with, considering that it is propelled by a high-revving, naturally aspirated 4.2-liter, DOHC, 32-valve, naturally aspirated V8 engine with electronic fuel injection that delivers 450 horsepower at 8,250 rpm while developing 317 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm. The engine is coupled to a seven-speed S tronic automatic transmission with sport and manual shift modes and launch control program. It's the most fuel efficient car in its class and does not incur a gas guzzler tax despite the high-revving engine and it's capability of moving from 0-60 mph in a mere 4.5 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 174 mph. The engine is positioned up front in a longitudinal orientation and transfers power to the ground via Audi's permanent quattro all-wheel-drive system. There's also a newly-developed crown-gear center differential that contributes to the car's enhanced performance. The all-new RS 5 was developed by Quattro GmbH, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Audi AG. It is a classically and elegantly styled coupe that comes with track-tested performance and the latest state-of-the-art technologies that Audi has to offer. Fuel economy is well within reason considering the car's performance output -- 16 mpg city and 23 mpg highway. The RS 5 may be operated in a fully automatic mode, or the driver can shift using either the gearshift lever or steering wheel mounted paddles. The driver is able to select from auto, comfort, dynamic and individual Audi Drive Select system settings, which adjusts the vehicle's transmission shift characteristics; throttle response, dynamic steering and sports differential. The RS 5 stands ready for either a pleasant, but spirited weekend drive or for a stint on the track at the drop of a hat. The RS 5 rides on sport-tuned suspension componentry that's 0.8-inches lower than its A5 stablemates, and rolls on either 19-inch, 10-spoke alloy wheels as standard fare or optionally available 20-inch, five-blade spoke alloys, shod with performance rubber. Bringing the RS 5 Coupe to a halt are four-wheel, internally vented discs with ABS and ESC and an integrated Sport mode that may be switched off entirely. Audi is able to fit the RS 5 with 15-inch front ceramic carbon-fiber discs for enhanced braking performance. Visually, the RS 5 Coupe displays stylish new clear-cut accent lines, adaptive xenon plus headlamps with a sweeping strip of LED daytime running lights, oversized air inlets for improved cooling of the engine, front brakes and radiators. The newly designed front bumper tapers downward into a splitter, which is available in an aluminum-optic paint treatment. The fenders are flared, featuring crisp horizontal upper edges, and side sills display angular caps. The single-frame grille trim strips, side windows and outside mirrors sport a matte aluminum look. In the rear, twin oval exhaust pipes are integrated into the bumper, delivering an authoritative performance note. A sport-tuned exhaust with black oval tips is optionally available. A large diffuser protrudes upward at a pronounced angle, and there's an integrated rear decklid spoiler that rises automatically at 75 mph and lowers at 50 mph. It may also be manually activated at the touch of a button. Moving to the inside, power-adjustable sport seats provide supportive side bolstering and integrated head restraints. Nappa leather is standard fare, with optional leather/Alcantara®, seating surfaces and rock gray seat piping adding to the interior's sporty flavor. An RS logo, 3-spoke, flat-bottomed steering wheel further contributes to the car's sense of performance purpose. Carbon fiber trim accents make a performance statement as well. The pedals and footrest are trimmed in aluminum, with aluminum trim adorning the doors as well. The driver information system includes a lap timer and there's a launch control system for fast, efficient off-the-line get-aways. Comfort and convenience features abound including: Audi's parking system with rearview camera and audible alarm, Audi's adaptive cruise control, Side Assist and Dynamic steering. There's Audi connect and Audi MMI Navigation plus featuring high resolution Google Earth imagery. Audi connect provides an industry first factory integration of Wi-Fi® service and connections for up to eight Wi-Fi devices, allowing continued connectivity even when on the move. Courtesy of The Reporter
