What is it?
The V8-engined RS 5 coupé we all love, but now boasting the visual updates recently unveiled for the rest of the Audi A5 range. The restyled nose is the most obvious change and the RS 5 sports Xenon Plus headlights with LED daytime running lights. A new design of 19-inch alloy is standard, with the same chunky 20-inch design as before on the options list. There's still a high-revving 4.2-litre V8 under the bonnet, putting out 444bhp and up to 317lb.ft of torque to the four wheels via a seven-speed, dual-clutch S tronic gearbox and the quattro crown-gear centre differential. Top speed is up to 174mph (there's an option to raise it to that) and 0-62mph takes 4.6 seconds.
Why's it here?
Why string out the range updates? We drove the new-look A5 line-up recently and Frankfurt is the car's official public debut, so it made sense to bring the RS 5 model up to speed too. Along with the refreshed styling the M3-chaser gets a new electromechanical power steering system and a lighter brake system. Inside, the updates are minimal, extending to a new multi-function flat-bottomed steering wheel, along with a redesigned gear shift knob and stalks.
Show stopper or floor filler?
Put a bright red Audi RS 5 anywhere other than the crammed exhibition halls in Frankfurt and it'd grab everyone's attention, but in the context of this show it's floor filler.
Frankfurt Motor Show
Shane O' Donoghue - 19 Sep 2011