2013 Audi RS 5

HIGH-REVVING V8 ENGINE
A torque rating of 317 lb-ft might seem underwhelming for such a performance-oriented car, but the RS5's V8 compensates for its unremarkable grunt with plentiful revs. Redlining at 8,500 rpm, the V8 achieves peak horsepower and auditory potency when spinning in the lofty end of the rev range.

BREMBO BRAKES WITH WAVE-LIKE ROTORS
Look past the stock 8-piston Brembo front calipers and you'll notice 14.4-inch front rotors with an odd wavy edge. Previously only found on motorcycles, this peculiar disc design sheds vital pounds of unsprung weight, improving performance. Oh, and they look pretty cool too.

Building on the already attractive interior found in the Audi A5/S5, the 2013 RS5 ups the sporting pretense with a flat-bottomed steering wheel, carbon fiber trim, comfortable but supportive sport seats, and redesigned, light-looking door handles. Racy details aside, the well-appointed interior is perfectly spacious for those in the front seats, while the two rear seats are cozy but tolerable. For weekend getaways or track-day outings, the 12.2 cubic-foot trunk happily holds plenty of gear.

The differences might not be glaringly obvious but the Audi RS5 coupe shares only a hood, roof and doors with its A5/S5 siblings. Elsewhere, a retractable rear spoiler has been added, fenders have been flared, air inlets enlarged, and the ride height dropped by nearly an inch, imparting the RS5 with a visual presence that eclipses the already gorgeous A5 and S5. Nineteen-inch alloy wheels fitted with 265/35 performance tires come standard, but the optional 20-inch wheels with 270/30 tires are an awfully stylish way to spend $1,000.

Use the vehicle's launch control system and you'll be treated to a glorious V8 growl as well as 0-60 acceleration in about 4.5-seconds. The 4.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 sends its 450-horsepower output to the Quattro all-wheel-drive system via a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The lack of a manual transmission option might disappoint some but there's no denying the excellence of the RS5's 7-speed dual-clutch. It shifts quickly, offers more throttle precision than a traditional automatic, and it frees your left leg from tedious clutch work during morning commutes.

4.2-liter V8
450 horsepower @ 8,250 rpm
317 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/23 mpg

The Audi RS 5 has an asking price of $69,795, making it roughly $8,000 more expensive than its key competitors, the Mercedes-Benz C63 and BMW M3 – both highly-capable performers in their own right. The RS5's higher price is somewhat offset when you factor in the gas guzzler tax which the Audi manages to avoid, but which adds an extra $1,300 to the BMW and $1,700 to the Mercedes. Add all the options and it's possible to build a nearly $90,000 2013 Audi RS5 coupe. As for residual values, the Audi A5 and S5 both hold their values well over time, a trend we expect will continue with the RS5.

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