Autoblog

Spy Shots: Matte black Audi RS5 mule already looks the business

Dan Roth — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Audi

Extra flared fenders, furrowed-brow visage, and a sinister matte black paintjob, all accompanied by a V8 snarl. While it's a development prototype, the RS5 mule snapped during lucky-dog brake testing duty in the Alps strikes us as the perfect look for a topped-out Audi two-door built for high speed strafing. When a car is coated in matte black and backs it up with 400-plus horsepower of engine, it means business, and the RS5's stock in trade will be all-wheel drive enabled speed.

If Audi really wants its new coupe variant to be tough, we propose sending a mule or two out for torture at the hands of automotive journalists. Thanks for the tip, Julio!

[Source: Next Autos]

Continue reading Spy Shots: Matte black Audi RS5 mule already looks the business

Spy Shots: Matte black Audi RS5 mule already looks the business originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Aug 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: Audi to resurrect Ur-Quattro with lightweight twin-turbo A5?

Noah Joseph — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 14:40:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Audi, Rendered Speculation, Rumormill

As far as classic Audi models go, nothing is as iconic as the legendary "Ur-Quattro". The 1985 Audi Quattro was a beast of a car in its day, even if it only had 160 horsepower. When the new Audi S5 hit the roads, the Ingolstadt fanatics over at Fourtitude stacked the two of them up against each other, but if the latest products of the ever-churning rumormill are to be believed, Audi may be cooking one up a successor of their own.

A report from German car magazine Autobild suggests that the lightweight sport-coupe could carry the "A5 quattro sport" designation and pack a 425-horsepower V6, placing it in between the current S5 and the upcoming RS5. Sounds enticing, if a bit far-fetched. But if Audi wants to build another monster coupe, who are we to complain? Sources peg the revival to take to the streets by 2012.

[Source: Autobild via German Car Scene]

Rendered Speculation: Audi to resurrect Ur-Quattro with lightweight twin-turbo A5? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Audi RS5 to get 4.2-liter V8 from RS4

Sam Abuelsamid — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 11:07:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Audi

The crew at Audi's quattro GmbH division remains hard at work. Now that the TT-RS is out in the open, the next assignment is the RS5. Given that the recently-introduced S4 features Audi's new, supercharged 3.0-liter V6, it might have been expected that the RS5 would get a higher output version of that engine. Another option might have been the 5.2-liter V10 that does service in the S6 and S8. Instead, it appears that a revised version of the 4.2-liter V8 from the last-generation RS4 will find its way into the coupe. In RS5 trim, the V8 is expected to crank out 450 hp with a choice of 6-speed manual or 7-speed S-Tronic gearboxes. In true Audi form, all the wheels will get driven all the time.

If the RS5 does indeed come to the party with a 450 hp V8 it may truly be a sign that the German horsepower wars are winding down. With CO2 limits coming to the EU, it was bound to happen sooner or later.

[Source: Automobile]

Rumormill: Audi RS5 to get 4.2-liter V8 from RS4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 11 Apr 2009 11:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2010 Audi RS5 spied one more time at the 'Ring

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Spy Photos, Coupe, Audi

2010 Audi RS5 - Click above for a high-res gallery

The 2010 Audi RS5 has reappeared at the Nurburgring and these newest images give us the best glimpse yet of the production version of the 500 hp coupe. The standard RS fascia we've seen before is still present, but it's joined by a beefier rear bumper, RS-specific dual oval exhaust outlets and slightly flared fenders. The brakes have grown in proportion to the wheels, filling the inside of the 20-inch lightweight rollers with a minimal amount of clearance, while inside, a set of aftermarket Recaros have been fitted for prototype duty.

Details on the RS5's powertrain are still unknown, but after a spy video surfaced last year, the accompanying soundtrack hinted at a V10 powerplant. We suspect Audi will adapt the RS6's twin-turbocharged, 580 hp 5.2-liter V10 for duty in the RS5, although it's likely to be de-tuned for the coupe. If we were a betting blog, we'd wager the 2010 Audi RS5 is due to be revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2010 Audi RS5

Spy Shots: 2010 Audi RS5 spied one more time at the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Mar 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Audi TT RS, RS5 coming Stateside

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Audi, Rumormill

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2010 Audi TT RS

Audi's PR department has continued to toe the line that TT RS is not meant for Stateside consumption. However, MotorTrend's unnamed Audi insiders are saying the 335-hp coupe will make it to the U.S., albeit several months after its European introduction.

According to the report, Audi USA has decided to delay the introduction of the hottest TT so the new 265-hp TT S can gain traction in the U.S. - or more accurately, before the RS variant steals the show. But that's not all we have to look forward to.

The RS5 is still in the pipeline and MT pegs output of the 2+2 at around 500 hp, with a rear-bias Quattro system and a torque-vectoring rear differential joining upgraded brakes and a suitably aggressive body kit. We've already seen spy shots of the RS5 making runs around the 'Ring with its Bauhaus sibling, although there's still considerable debate about what lies under the hood, particularly after a video surfaced of the RS5 taking hot-laps around the Nordschleife.

While we're still suitably cautious about the TT RS' future in the States, Audi is considering bringing over the A4 Allroad - a model that was originally developed for our friends abroad - so there may be hope left for some more RS love in the U.S.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: 2010 Audi TT RS

Gallery: Audi RS5 - spy shots

[Source: MotorTrend]

Rumormill: Audi TT RS, RS5 coming Stateside originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Mar 2009 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Audi RS5 at the Nurburgring is "b�se" - that's German for "evil"

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 19:31:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Videos, Audi

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Audi RS5 undergoing testing

Audi's RS engines have never failed to deliver aurally. They don't even require you to wring them out -- just turn them on, and your ears and body cavities tingle with the sound and resonance. The Audi RS5 will continue that tradition admirably, if this video of it running The 'Ring is any indication. Based on that note, unless they've tweaked the exhaust from the 4.2-liter V8, it sounds to us like there's a certain V10 lurking in that engine bay. And if that's the case, this car has just made the number one slot on our Every Day Audi wish list. Follow the jump for the symphony. Thanks for the tip, Mike!

Gallery: Audi RS5 - spy shots

Continue reading VIDEO: Audi RS5 at the Nurburgring is "b�se" - that's German for "evil"

VIDEO: Audi RS5 at the Nurburgring is "b�se" - that's German for "evil" originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Jan 2009 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Audi TT-RS and RS5 caught testing

John Neff — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 12:01:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Audi

Click above for high-res gallery of Audi TT-RS spy shots

A pair of Audi RS performance cars have been caught testing and show what the German brand has planned for these ultimate examples of the TT and A5. The TT-RS was snapped in production ready form and shows off some serious design tweaks including two gaping intakes flanking the already gaping corporate Audi grille, chunky fender flares at all four corners and a pair of large oval exhaust tips embedded in the rear bumper. Powering the TT-RS is expected to be a twin-turbo 2.5L five-cylinder engine producing between 350 and 390 horsepower, which will easily make it the fastest production TT ever.

Click above for high-res gallery of Audi RS5 spy shots

The next car is the RS5, and less is known about this model since it was snapped wearing the guise of an S5. Caught on the Nurburgring in Germany, this RS5 mule is wearing an RS-inspired front end, but confuses the camera lens with its lacked of flared fenders and quad exhaust tips where one would expect an RS model's typical dual ovals. Still, there wouldn't be much of a reason for Audi to test the current S5 on the 'Ring, so what we're looking at must be an RS5 mule. What will power the RS5 is still speculation and could be either the 4.2L V8 from the RS4, a twin-turbo V8 or the Gallardo-based V10 from the RS6.

Gallery: Audi TT-RS - spy shots

Gallery: Audi RS5 - spy shots

[Source: KGP Photography]

Spy Shots: Audi TT-RS and RS5 caught testing originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Oct 2008 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi RS6 not coming to U.S., RS5 will debut in Detroit

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Audi

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Audi RS6 sedan

Good news and bad news go hand-in-hand, but in this case, it's not entirely unexpected.

According to Audi RS6 project manager Jens Koch, the twin-turbocharged V10 sedan won't be coming to the U.S. in its current iteration. Originally, Audi thought that the four-door body style would be more appealing to Stateside consumers rather than the Avant, but apparently there's too much energy and expense involved in making the V10 powerplant pass the more stringent sniffer standards here in the U.S.

On the upside, the third-generation RS6 is being developed for the global market, so the next iteration should arrive on our shores in 2012. Koch hinted that the RS6's weight problem and 5.0-liter V10 wouldn't carryover to the 2012 model, and that the next RS6 will be more "revolutionary" and "far more RennSport than anything previously developed."

Meanwhile, Audi will take the wraps off the RS5 this January in Detroit, with the next RS4 debuting shortly thereafter.

Audi plans to further its goal of taking on BMW's M division and Mercedes' AMG lineup with more Quattro-branded vehicles positioned above run-of-the-mill Audis, along with more clearly defined R-, S- and RS-derivatives. "S" badged variants will also be sportier than current S models, while the "R" lineup will be "significantly souped-up" and "RS" will be reserved for lightweight, track-friendly models.

Gallery: 2009 Audi RS6

[Source: InsideLine]

Audi RS6 not coming to U.S., RS5 will debut in Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Sep 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RS5 Stopgap? Audi gives sneak peek at S5 Evo

Noah Joseph — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Audi

It's not often that an automaker invites the press to drive a developmental test mule, but that's just about what happened recently at the Ricardo test circuit in Valencia, Spain, where Audi brought out four examples of what's being called an S5 Evo for select members of the automotive press to sample.

While Audi is expected to unveil the new RS5 in March at the Geneva Motor Show, speculation has been running rampant as to what will be packed underneath the hood, with a turbocharged version and a V10 being touted as strong possibilities. The S5 Evo, however, was being driven by a tuned version of the S5's 4.2-liter V8 with 420 hp - instead of the standard 354 - that drove all fours through Audi's new S-Tronic twin-clutch gearbox. Whether his model will ever see the light of day remains to be seen, but could depend partially on public feedback. So what do you think, does an S5 Evo have a place in the Audi line-up between the existing S5 and the upcoming RS5? Leave your thoughts in the comments.

[Source: InfoMotori via Auto Unleashed]

RS5 Stopgap? Audi gives sneak peek at S5 Evo originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Aug 2008 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Audi RS5 spied undisguised in Death Valley

Noah Joseph — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Audi

With the high-strung Audi RS5 looming large on the horizon, an entirely undisguised test mule has been spotted undergoing hot-weather testing in the infamous Death Valley in the southeastern United States. Picking up where the S5 left off, the test mule is wearing a new, more aggressive front end, which is expected to be matched around back by the time the model is unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show next March.

While these spy shots give us a more accurate picture of what to expect from the M3-rivalling Audi super-coupe visually, there remains much debate and speculation over what will be providing the motivation. The same 4.2-liter V8 from the RS4 remains one solid possibility, with the potential for a power increase to 450 hp. Other reports suggest that, like Audi differentiated the RS6 from the S6, the RS5's V8 could gain a set of turbochargers. Meanwhile, a third possibility involves shoehorning in the V10 from the RS6, with or without the turbos. Which option makes most sense depends on how Audi views the positioning of the RS5: a two-door RS4, or two-door RS6, or a beefed up S5. They all make sense to us and we'll have to wait and see what turns up. Either way, we have a feeling we won't be disappointed.

[Source: TCC]

Spy Shots: Audi RS5 spied undisguised in Death Valley originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Aug 2008 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Audi TTRS, RS5 on their way

John Neff — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 12:42:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Audi

We usually trust the guys at Fourtitude.com when talking about Audi because, well, that's their thing. So when they say that an upcoming über TTRS is in the product plans for Audi's U.S. lineup, we're inclined to believe. The all-Audi website is betting that the super coupe will be powered by a beefed-up, turbocharged five-cylinder engine, which is not surprising considering that sister brand Volkswagen makes great use of a 2.5L five-cylinder in its lineup. For Audi, however, this engine would be producing upwards of 350 horsepower despite a rumor that it is even smaller in displacement at 2.3 liters. Of course, it will feature Audi's FSI direct injection system and Valvelift variable valve timing systems, which will improve both economy and power. Expect torque to be prodigious.

Meanwhile, speculation on the RS version of the Audi A5 is less certain, with a number of engines mentioned by other media outlets as being the car's mill of choice. A twin-turbo V10 (unlikely), a naturally-aspirated V10 FSI (possible), forced-induction 4.2L FSI V8 (maybe), and the RS4's 4.2L V8 (could be) are all candidates and all promise 400+ horsepower.

After the unmitigated success of the R8, we have total faith Audi can produce a pair of RS coupes that keep our blood boiling. We're particularly excited by the prospect of a TT coupe with 350+ horsepower, as we've yet to drive a version of the bauhaus coupe that we felt was fast enough.

[Source: Fourtitude.com]

Rumormill: Audi TTRS, RS5 on their way originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Feb 2008 12:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi says more RS models quickly on their way

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 16:25:00 EST

Filed under: Audi

Quattro GmbH, Audi's high-performance subsidiary, is responsible for all manner of RS, S, S-line and "Exclusive" hotness for the automaker and has seen a substantial increase in sales over the last seven years. Back in 2000, it sold about 2,500 units. In 2007, it has produced just over 360,000 models imbued with Audi's distinct brand of performance street cred. Those numbers are expected to further rise with even more models being S- and RS-ified, including the R8, which is currently being produced at a rate of 27 vehicles per day.

Auto Motor und Sport sat down with Werner Frowein, the director of Quattro GmbH, where he let loose that the former strategy for RS model production will be laid to waste in the coming years. Traditionally, RS cars are produced in the last two years of the vehicle's lifecycle, but a new shift in production will allow new models to benefit from the RS-treatment after the first two years of their run. The TT-RS and RS5 are two of the models on the horizon, while an RS version of the R8 has been rumored since its introduction earlier this year. More RS is hardly a bad thing, unless premium gas prices continue their northward trajectory.

[Source: Auto Motor und Sport via World Car Fans]

Audi says more RS models quickly on their way originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Nov 2007 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor Mill: Audi canceling RS4?

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 14:10:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Audi

Say it ain't so. One of our favorite cars in recent memory might be going out of production. Autocar UK is saying that Audi has pulled the plug on the sweet RS4 supersedan. According to them, the convertible and wagon versions are still being produced, but they don't know for how long. With the new RS6 and RS5 on the horizon, it's possible Audi has decided to cut RS4 production to gear up for those new models, but the RS4 has been pretty successful for automaker by all accounts and it seems surprising it would be cancelled altogether. Besides being one of the best driving vehicles on the planet, the V8 RS4 is also one of the best sounding vehicles made. Right up there with the Vantage and F430. The RS4 offers performance figures that are nearly the equal of those two sports cars as well, all while providing a back seat and proper trunk. The 414-hp RS4 sedan went on sale in the UK in October of 2005, and showed up in the States around summer 2006. That's a pretty short run for such a great car. With its rumored turbo V10, the RS6 will undoubtedly be awesome as well, but the RS4 will be sorely missed if this news is true.

[Source: Autocar]

Rumor Mill: Audi canceling RS4? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Jun 2007 14:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi ready to milk A5 line with multiple versions

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 16:27:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Audi

Audi has said that it wants to double the number of vehicles it offers by 2015. With 22 vehicles currently in the mix, adding coupes, convertibles, avants and sportbacks will help significantly expand the range in addition to new models like the Q5 SUV, A7 coupe-like-sedan, and A1 compact.

Yes, you did hear the term "sportbacks" earlier. Rupert Stadler, Audi's CEO, admitted his company is developing a Sportback version of the upcoming A5, along with coupe and convertible models. AutoBild is reporting that Audi will start showing these A5 variants next year. We should be seeing an A5 Convertible in November 2008, and the A5 Sportback in April of '09. After that we'll be getting the Q5, R5 and finally the RS5. Hopefully all of them will make it to the States, though likely some won't make the trek. Click through the Read link for more renderings of these A5 variants from AutoBild.

[Source: Autobild via egmcartech.com]

Audi ready to milk A5 line with multiple versions originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Apr 2007 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Production BMW M3 revealed

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 12:35:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, BMW

Click image for photo gallery

The car won't go on sale until the middle of next year in the States, but we have a seemingly insatiable appetite for any information about BMW's 4th generation M3. Spy photos, technical tidbits, rumors, and whatnot have all been featured on this site, but now we have the real deal. Finally. The folks at AutoWeek just broke their article on this newest M3 and the overall opinion seems to match our expectations and alleviate our concerns at the same time. And the car is coming none too soon. With the new Mercedes-Benz CLK63 Black Series and the Audi RS5 set to debut in the near future as well, BMW needs its best and brightest on the front line.

As tends to be true of virtually every model on the market, the new M3 has grown up a bit in the evolution from E46 to E92. More GT than boy racer, it should still provide plenty of thrills for drivers. In place of the smooth-revving 3.2-liter straight-six goes a 30-pound-lighter, 4.0-liter V8 that is essentially a sawed-off M5 V10. It features an aluminum block, magnesium cam covers and aluminum-silicon alloy in the crankcase and produces 420 hp at 8300 rpm, and 295 lb-ft at 3900 rpm. Redline is at 8400, and AW promises a sound that is at least as sweet as the outgoing six, but with an added heft at the low end thanks to the extra two cylinders. All of that power is routed through a proper 6-speed stick too. Are those angels we hear singing?

[Source: AutoWeek]

Gallery: 2008 BMW M3

Continue reading Production BMW M3 revealed

Production BMW M3 revealed originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Apr 2007 12:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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