HAVING already been thrown in (and out) of the fire that is the CAR Performance Shootout (January issue), Audi’s RS5 is no stranger to our test team. But while we’ve had plenty hands-on experience of the RS monster’s capabilities, the car had not been put through our full road test programme at sea level… until now. Sure, we were given plenty clues as to the car’s performance potential during three days of testing and track work on the Reef, but we were also well-aware of the energy-sapping effect that the thinner, high-altitude air will have had on the Audi’s naturally aspirated engine.
At the coast, the RS5’s 4 163 cm3 V8 engine was able to breathe a little easier during our routine road test disciplines than was the case at Pilanesberg, and here we were able to exploit its full 331 kW and 430 N.m of torque to achieve acceleration figures closer to those claimed by Audi.
One of the features of the standard seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is its launch control function and this 81 allows for a near perfect (if undramatic) rocket take-off from the line and a seamless first to second gearshift. After 4,71 seconds the RS5 shot by the 100 km/h mark on its way to recording a 23,26-seconds kilometre sprint time. Overtaking acceleration times are equally impressive, with the rev-counter needle climbing freely towards its 8 300 red line in each of the gears. In isolation, and away from the cacophony of V8 rumbles that surrounded our Shootout track day, the RS5’s exhaust note at full chat is one of serious intent.
We were disappointed with the rate at which the brakes faded during our Shootout but, almost to prove a point, the stoppers on our test unit showed no sign of fade during the gruelling 10-stop emergency braking evaluation, probably indicating that the test unit supplied for Zwartkops had already received punishment prior to meeting Ms Schmitz. An average stopping time of 2,8 seconds gains the RS5’s anchors an “excellent” rating in our books.
The RS5 comes standard with Audi’s Drive Select technology and this allows the driver to choose between two pre-programmed modes (Comfort or Dynamic), leave the system to its own devices in Auto mode or tweak the vehicle’s dynamics to suit an individual preference. Among the variables are the mood of the transmission (aggressive or relaxed), engine mapping, the weight of the steering and sensitivity of the sports differential and damping. As is the case with most of these systems, they are usually most effective when left in Auto, but we did fi nd ourselves reaching for the most comfortable ride setting, especially when the everyday road surface proved less forgiving than the likes of the Zwartkops racetrack.
Perhaps one of the biggest differences between the Audi and the BMW M3 Frozen Edition that it went up against in our Shootout was the character of each car’s dual-clutch transmission. The Ingolstadt-based company would do well to pop its head into sister company Porsche’s workshop to garner some knowledge on its super-slick PDK transmission technology, as this is one area where the RS5 could be improved. The S tronic ’box is admirably slick whether in auto or manual mode, but lacks the crisp immediacy of BMW’s M-DCT. Downshifts, in particular when in its raciest setting, can prove somewhat clunky and unsettling, both for the car and passengers.
But apart from that, once settled on your cog of choice this latest über Audi is all but unfl appable. The Quattro four-wheel drive’s standard 40:60 front/rear torque split, together with sticky 265/35 ZR19 rubber provide huge grip and confi dence-inspiring handling. A new Crown Gear is able to send up to 85 per cent of driving torque to the rear and 70 per cent to the front wheels, alleviating a tendency towards understeer.
The constant shifting of weight that Sabine Schmitz noted during her hot laps of Zwartkops is nowhere near as evident on public roads and the RS5 uses its low and wide stance to hunker down through long sweeping corners.
TEST SUMMARY
The latest Audi to don the hallowed RS badge certainly has a lot going for it. It’s styled on the sweeping lines of the alluring A5 coupé, is gifted with 331 kW of V8 power, sports the latest incarnation of Audi’s legendary Quattro all-wheel drive technology and successfully offers the kind of best-of-all-worlds versatility that executive buyers in this segment seek. The newest RS may not go on to stir up the market to the same extent that the RS4 did when it was fi rst launched, but underestimate the RS5 at your peril.
