After what seems like an eternity, the launch of the 2010 Audi RS5 is almost upon us. A nearly-finished coupe version of the hot Audi was recently spotted testing its stopping power in the Alps ahead of a possible Frankfurt Motor Show debut.
Also differentiating the Audi RS5 from the S5 is its honeycomb grille and single-outlet dual exhaust.
(For comparison, the S5’s engine is rated at 350 hp @ 7000 rpm and 325 lb.-ft. of torque at 3500 rpm).
Externally, the Audi RS5 differs little from its already attractive S5 sibling, but the cosmetic tweaks help the car look slightly more aggressive. A one-piece front grille and large lower air intakes are similar to those applied to the TT RS, while the rear valiance sports a larger diffuser and twin oval exhaust tips. 19-inch aluminum wheels are standard, but performance junkies may want to opt for the 20-inch rolling stock, as well as the available torque-vectoring rear differential and carbon ceramic brake rotors.
These changes reportedly help the Audi RS5 rocket from 0-62 mph in a scant 4.6 seconds.
Rarely does a camouflaged prototype look so good, although in the case of this latest encounter with the upcoming performance flagship Audi RS5 its combination black matte and blue hue looks simply brilliant.
In seemingly near-production guise, signature elements of Audi’s RS stable can be seen such as the twin oval exhaust pipes, enormous brake package and aggressive front end treatment.