Audi is gradually reworking its decades-old naming convention. Traditionally, vehicles like the Audi A4
, Audi A6
, and Audi A8
were sedans, while the Audi A5
and Audi A7
were either coupes or sleek Sportback four-doors. The new plan is to reserve even numbers for electric vehicles, like the A6 E-Tron, and use odd numerals for cars with combustion engines, including plug-in hybrids.
Changing the branding scheme means that the upcoming RS 5 functions as a replacement for the RS 4. A new batch of spy shots offers a close look at the four-door Sportback variant during its development. An earlier video caught the Avant wagon version testing at the Nürburgring.
Related
New Audi RS 5 Sedan Seemingly Confirmed In New Spy Shots
You honestly didn’t thing Audi would replace its A4 lineup without a high-po RS model, did you?
Take A Good Look At The New RS 5
The new photos are further evidence that the new RS 5 takes the latest S5 as a starting point but makes it look even more aggressive. The front end features large, triangular intakes on the outer corners and a prominent grille with diamond-shaped mesh. Despite the swirling camouflage pattern, the nose on this car looks ready for production.
The upcoming RS 5 gains broader front fenders with air outlets just behind the massive five-spoke wheels. A small wing on the trunk lid replaces the similarly tiny spoiler from the S5’s tail.
At the back, the fascia around the exhaust looks more aggressive, and the oval-shaped pipes appear larger. Both of these changes make sense because the RS 5 is the performance flagship in the A5/S5 model range.
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What Makes The New RS 5 Special?
Audi isn’t saying anything official about the next-gen RS 5, but there are compelling rumors about what to expect. Earlier spy photos reveal there’s a cover for a charging port. Given the large exhaust pipes, this is compelling evidence that the vehicle has a plug-in-hybrid powertrain.
Expect to find a twin-turbocharged V-6 under the hood. The total output from the engine and electrification should be a healthy upgrade over the turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6, making 362 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque in the latest S5.
The new RS 5 needs to be competitive with its German adversaries. For comparison, the latest Mercedes-AMG C 63 has a combined output of 671 horsepower and 752 pound-feet of torque, and the BMW M3 Competition produces 503 horsepower and 479 pound-feet.
The debut date for the new RS 5 is still a mystery. We are anticipating a premiere in 2025.
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Related
Video: 2025 Audi RS5 Avant Spotted On The Nurburgring
The new Audi RS5 Avant is expected to have the same powertrain and the Audi S6, though a plug-in hybrid system is also on the table.
TopSpeed’s Take
The new Audi RS 5 appears to be shaping up well. Like previous models, the styling looks aggressive without being too showy. The powertrain is still the biggest mystery about it. Let’s hope for some impressive numbers.
