Fast 5

The Germans have never failed to strike when the iron is hot. Here’s proof. At what was initially supposed to be only the A7 launch this week, Audi pulled a fast one and launched the RS5, too. Talk about a double whammy! The RS5 is a smoking hot version of the A5 coupe (which is yet to make its India debut). As if the Indian summer wasn’t hot enough (think Koenigsegg, Aston Martin...), Audi’s decision to bring in the RS5 will certainly make BMW’s hot M3 number stand up and take notice.

Powering the RS5 is a 4.2-litre V8 motor that is good for 450 bhp — that’s a full 30 more than Audi’s own R8 V8! The RS5 is equipped with a seven-speed S-tronic gearbox and with completely noble intentions, Audi’s trademark quattro (four-wheel drive) unit. While the RS5 is fast and agile in every sense, reportedly, it is not punishing or too extreme for everyday usage, again a typical Audi characteristic. That, however, is true only if you don’t consider a 0-100 kmph timing of 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 280 kmph extreme! Helping matters is a comprehensive electronic interface that will let the driver alter crucial chassis components for that tailor-made setup to set the track on fire and for that bit of grand touring on the way back home. The RS5’s quattro unit also sports a torque-vectoring feature which evens out braking to individual wheels and optimally transfers power to the wheels as required. Supplementing that is Audi’s most advanced electronic centre-differential lock unit yet, one that can transfer upto 85 per cent of power to the rear wheels for more thrills. The unit will eventually make an appearance on other quattro models too and pushing Audis to their limits will become that much more fun!

Audi has priced the RS5 at Rs 76 lakh, ex-showroom Delhi, and it aims to sell about 30 units of the car in the first year.