The new Audi RS 5 Sportback is making its world debut at the 2018 New York International Auto Show in New York City. The Audi RS 5 Sportback will initially be available in dealerships in Canada and the US starting in the second half of 2018. It is currently not available for purchase in Germany or the EU.

“The Audi RS 5 Sportback is more than just an international trade fair novelty – it offers something new to our customers. Our innovative interpretation of a five-door high-performance coupé has neither predecessor models, nor a direct competitor,” said Michael-Julius Renz, Managing Director of Audi Sport GmbH. “The new Audi RS 5 Sportback will carry the RS genes out onto the road.”

The longer wheelbase, short overhangs and long, wraparound engine hood with power dome all emphasize the cars performance attitude. he model. When viewed from behind, the modeled sides look aggressive with quattro blisters emphasizing the bulges over the wheel housings which have been extended by 15 millimeters. From the front, the RS 5 Sportback features a wide, flat single-frame grille, solid air intakes with a honeycomb structure typical of RS models. The front spoiler has matte aluminum quattro lettering. Other than the headlights, the car features additional design elements in gloss black, making the RS 5 Sportback appear even wider. An RS-specific diffuser insert, RS exhaust system with oval tailpipes and fixed spoiler lip add to the cars distinct look. The RS 5 Sportback comes standard with 19-inch wheels. 20-inch wheels are available as an optional extra. The RS 5 Sportback can be customized with the Gloss Black, Carbon, and Matte Aluminum optic packages.

Under the hood is a 444 hp 2.9 litre TFSI V6 twin turbo engine which delivers power and fuel efficiency. Maximum torque of 442 lb-ft is delivered from 1,900 to 5,000 rpm and will take the RS 5 Sportback from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in just 3.9 seconds. Its top speed it 174 mph (280 km/h). As with all of Audi’s new V6 and V8 engines, the turbochargers are mounted at a 90-degree angle to the cylinder banks, which means that the exhaust side of the cylinder heads is inside, and the intake side is outside. This layout enables a compact design and short fuel paths with minimal flow loss. The B-cycle combustion process with central direct injection contributes to the overall efficiency.

The power from the twin turbo V6 is mated to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive with center differential via an 8 speed tiptronic transmission with optimized shift times that is specially tuned to performance driving. It distributes power asymmetrically 40:60 between the axles. This guarantees dynamic handling with optimal traction and safety. When there is a loss of traction on one of the axles, most of the power is immediately sent to the other axle. Up to 85% can be sent to the front, and up to 70% can be sent to the rear. The optional sport differential selectively shifts the torque between the rear wheels.

With the standard RS sports suspension, the RS 5 Sportback is seven millimeters (0.3 in) lower than the Audi S5 Sportback. Audi Sport offers RS sport suspension plus with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC), ceramic brakes and RS-specific dynamic steering. Drivers can create their own personal driving experience – to make it more customized, more dynamic or more comfortable – using the Audi drive select dynamic handling system, which is fitted as standard.

The interior is finished in black, and provides space for five people. Its square-shaped profile and loading width measuring exactly one meter (3.3 ft) enables optimum use of the 480 liter (17 cu ft) trunk capacity. Folding down the rear seats increases the capacity to 1,300 liters (46 cu ft). The rear seat backrest is divided in a 40:20:40 ratio as standard. The RS 5 Sportback weighs 1,840 kilograms (4,056.5 lbs).

The sporty nature of the five-door high-performance coupé is emphasized by details such as the RS sport seats with optional honeycomb pattern in fine Nappa leather, and the flat-bottomed RS multifunction sports leather steering wheel. RS emblems are on the seats, steering wheel, sill panel strips and on the selector lever. Special RS information displays in the Audi virtual cockpit provide information on tire pressure, torque and G forces. In manual mode, the shift light display prompts the driver to shift up once the engine speed threshold is reached. Particular highlights of the RS design package include the contrasting red stitching on the steering wheel and selector lever, the Alcantara knee pads, and the red-trimmed seat belts and floor mats featuring the RS logo. For the Audi RS 5, Audi Sport offers Sonoma Green Metallic as an exclusive paint option.