- Refined and free-revving V8 engine
- quattro system provides immense traction and makes for excellent dynamics
- S-Tronic transmission delivers rapid gearshifts
- Suspension lacks compliance
- Steering lacks feel
- Not as involving as Mercedes C204 C 63 AMG Coupe or BMW E92 M3 Coupe
Review: Audi 8T3.I RS5 Coupe (2010-12)
Overview
Released in September 2010, the Audi 8T3 RS5 was a four-seat performance coupe. Manufactured in Ingolstadt, Germany, the Audi RS5 was powered by a 4.2-litre V8 petrol engine which drove all four-wheels via a seven-speed double clutch transmission (Audi’s ‘S-Tronic’) which had steering wheel gearshift paddles for sequential shifts.
4.2 FSI V8: CFSA engine
The 8T3 RS5 Coupe was powered by Audi’s CFSA engine which was shared with the Audi B8 RS4 . Effectively replacing the BNS engine which powered the Audi B7 RS4 , the CFSA engine had a two-piece, closed-deck cylinder block, a die-forged crankshaft, split connecting rods, forged aluminium pistons, chain-driven double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder actuated by roller rocker arms, direct fuel injection (Audi’s ‘Fuel Stratified Injection’ or FSI) and a compression ratio of 11.0:1.
| Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RS5 | 4.2-litre CFSA petrol V8 | 7sp DCT | 331 kW at 8250 rpm | 430 Nm at 4000-6000 rpm |
Dimensions and suspension
The Audi 8T3 RS5 was based on Volkswagen’s B8 platform which also underpinned the closely-related Audi 8T3 A5 Coupe and S5 Coupe . Compared to the S5 Coupe , the RS5 was 14 mm longer (at 4649 mm), 6 mm wider (1860 m), 3 mm lower (1366 mm) and had the same length wheelbase (2751 mm). The RS5 Coupe had five-link front suspension with upper and lower wishbones and trapezoidal link rear suspension.
quattro
The Audi RS5’s quattro four-wheel drive system utilised an Audi-developed ‘Crown Gear’ centre differential. In normal conditions, the system provided a 40:60 front:rear torque split. If traction was lost, however, up to 85 per cent of the engine’s torque could be directed to the rear axle, and up to 70 per cent to the front axle. The system also included:
- open front and rear differentials with electronic differential locks which could brake spinning wheels to enable cross-axle torque transfers; and,
- a ‘torque vectoring’ rear axle which operated by selectively distributing torque to the rear wheels to generate yaw and thereby correct over- or under-steer.
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Audi RS5 Coupe included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.
Brakes
The Audi RS5 Coupe had 365 mm by 34 mm ventilated front brake discs with eight-piston monoblock aluminium calipers and 324 mm by 22 mm rear discs with single-piston calipers.
Features
Standard features for the Audi RS5 Coupe included 19-inch alloy wheels with 265/35 section tyres, a Multi Media Interface (Audi’s ‘MMI’) with a seven-inch display, ten speaker 180 watt stereo, a six-disc CD player, MP3-compatibility and auxiliary inputs (MP3/USB), satellite navigation and park assist display, three-zone climate control air conditioning, Nappa leather seats, power adjustable front seats, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity, directional bi-xenon headlights with washers, LED daytime running lights, front and rear parking sensors, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, split and folding rear seats, rear seat load-through facility including ski bag, remote central locking with proximity key, power windows and heated mirrors, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, ambient lighting, a trip computer, tyre pressure monitoring, an alarm and immobiliser.
2011 RS5 Limited Edition
In September 2011, the Audi RS5 Limited Edition was released. Compared to the standard RS5, the Limited Edition featured a Bang & Olufsen premium audio system, panoramic sunroof, driver’s seat memory settings and power folding electrochromatic door mirrors. Visually, the RS5 Limited Edition could be identified by its 20-inch titanium-effect alloy wheels, a gloss-black grille surround and matte-black finishes for the window sills and exhaust tips; the Limited Edition was also fitted with a bi-modal sports exhaust system. The RS5 Limited Edition was available with a choice of three paint finishes: Ibis White, Phantom Black and Suzuka Grey.
Related links
- Press Kit: Audi 8T3.I RS5 Coupe (September 2010)
- Specifications: Audi 8T3.I RS5 Coupe (September 2010)
- Technical data: Audi 8T3.I RS5 Coupe (September 2010)
Review: Audi 8T3.II RS5 Coupe (2012-16)
Overview
Released in August 2012, the Audi 8T3 Series II (8T3.II) RS5 introduced a revised double-clutch transmission for faster gearshifts and a new electromechanical power steering system for reduced fuel consumption.
Visually, the Audi 8T3.II RS5 could be identified by its sharper bonnet edges, new headlights narrow LED strips for the daytime running lights, larger front quarter panel flares, new LED tail-lights, revised rear bumper and oval-shaped exhausts. Inside, there was also a new flat-bottomed three-spoke steering wheel and functionality for the MMI navigation system was improved.
| Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RS5 | 4.2-litre CFSA petrol V8 | 7sp DCT | 331 kW at 8250 rpm | 430 Nm at 4000-6000 rpm |
Features
Compared to its 8T3.I predecessor, the six-disc CD player was replaced by a single CD/DVD player and features were extended to include Bluetooth audio streaming, voice recognition, a proximity key, push-button start and driver memory settings (for the seat and mirror positions).
Related links
- Press Kit: Audi 8T3.II RS5 Coupe (August 2012)
- Specifications: Audi 8T3.II RS5 Coupe (August 2012)
- Wikipedia.org: Audi RS5
