Geneva 2010: Audi RS5 Adds Horsepower and Sex Appeal

Easily one of our to picks at this year’s Geneva Auto Show is Audi’s RS5 sports coupe. Based on the already stunning A5/S5, it is powered by the same 4.2-liter V8 found in the RS4 or R8, but output has been upped to a total of 450-hp at 8250 rpm, while maximum torque of 317 ft-lbs is available from 4000 to 6000 rpm. Combined with Audi’s S-tronic dual-clutch 7-speed transmission, quattro all-wheel drive and a 3,803 lb curb weight the RS5 can accelerate to 62 mph in 4.6 seconds – which isn’t quite as exciting as we might expect for a 450-hp car.

Featured for the first time on the RS5 is Audi’s new crown-gear differential, which allows for up to 70 percent of the power to be distributed to the front wheels, or as much as 85 percent to the rear wheels. Under normal operation, the RS5 has a 40:60 rear-bias. In addition, the RS5 features an electronic limited slip differential, that slows the inside wheel in a turn when wheel spin is detected. Plus, an optional sport differential will be made available, distributing power between the rear wheels.

The RS5 sits 0.79 inches lower than the A5 and comes standard with 19-inch wheels (20s are optional). Other highlights include 14.37-inch, 8-piston front brakes, as well as optional carbon-fiber brake discs. There’s also Audi’s drive-select program to control different levels of throttle response, steering, transmission gear changes, the sport differential and even the exhaust system. As for the big rear spoiler, it pops up at speeds above 74 mph and automatically retracts at 50 mph.

Take a gander through our gallery below and leave us your envious thoughts.