New Generation Audi RS 5

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Audi's flagship coupé, the RS 5, arrives at UK shores bearing more firepower and more smiles per mile.

Outside, the coupé gains a more menacing and imposing body. The grille has been revised and bonnet contours are sharper. For a more muscular look, the front and rear bumpers have a new look. Audi, the inventor of the daytime running lights (DRL), have given the RS 5 a new 'solid band' wraparound DRL as well as LED rear lights. New 10-spoke 19-inch alloy wheels complete the look.

Audi, the purveyor of excellent automotive interiors, has also freshened up the insides of the coupé. Improvements have been made to the details all about the interior and there is also a new flat-bottomed RS steering wheel. Noticeable enhancements are the Bluetooth mobile preparation, cruise-control, DVD-based satellite navigation and the Audi Music Interface Ipod connection as standard equipment.

Optional toys include an upgrade from the cruise control system to the adaptive system, which has radar sensors to control distance of traffic in front of the car. The sensors can also initiate braking if an impending collision is detected.

The 4.2 V8 powerplant now kicks out 443hp at 8,250rpm and 430Nm of torque between 4,000 and 6,000rpm. The century sprint arrives in 4.5 seconds and the RS 5 will go to an electronically-limited 250km/h, which can be raised to 280km/h at a price.

A new electromechanical power steering increases efficiency, as does the familiar 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch gearbox. Due to these, the RS 5 consumes less fuel and exhales less CO2 than the outgoing model.

The quattro permanent all-wheel-drive, the jewel of alll RS models, is further enhanced by the crown-gear centre differential that can vary torque distribution to front and back axles. Depending on situations, up to 70% can be diverted to the front and 80% to the rear while in default, the ratio is 40:60. A sport differential that can distribute power differently to the rear wheels is also optional.

Front discs measure in at 365mm and carbon-ceramics are optional. Also optional is the Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) system, which uses diagonally opposed shock absorbers to stabilise the front outside wheel whilst heavy cornering.

Lastly a dynamic steering option allows the actual steering ratio to be varied to four settings. Both the DRC and dynamic steering system can be combined as the new Sport Package.