cars news 10: 2018 Audi RS 5 Confirmed for U.S., Audi Sport Launches in America

The 2018 Audi RS 5 has been confirmed for the U.S. market at the North American launch of the Audi Sport brand at the 2017 New York auto show. Powering the 2018 RS 5 is a new 2.9-liter twin-turbo V-6 with 450 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque paired exclusively to an eight-speed automatic transmission. As with all of Audi’s performance cars, the RS 5 comes standard with all-wheel drive. Alongside the RS 3 and TT RS, the RS 5 will be one of the newest additions to Audi’s high-performance lineup, which currently consists of the R8 and RS 7.

Other go-fast goodies on the 2018 RS 5 include a lowered sport suspension with dynamic ride control, RS-specific steering calibration, a sport rear differential, carbon ceramic brakes, and the Audi Drive Select system, which enables the driver to select between a number of driving modes including an individual mode that lets one tailor the car’s powertrain, chassis, and steering accordingly. Inside, the RS 5’s cabin features a flat-bottom steering wheel, RS-specific sport seats, Nappa leather upholstery with optional diamond stitching, a head-up display, and RS-specific displays in the Virtual Cockpit system that provides additional information such as torque and G-forces. Audi’s MMI infotainment system with available touch pad controls is also available and comes with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay compatibility.

In addition to a range of high-performance cars, Audi also announced the launch of the R8 LMS GT4, a race car based closely on the production R8 supercar and shares 60 percent of its parts. The customer race car will make its official racing debut at the Nürburgring 24-hour race in May and will compete in the GT4 class. In addition to Europe, Audi will also campaign the car in North America, Asia, and Australia. Audi Sport will also provide part support for all teams running the R8 LMS GT4 across the globe.

Source: Audi