Audi India launches RS5 high performance coupe

Audi India has launched the RS5 high performance coupe, a direct competitor to the likes of the Mercedes Benz C63 AMG and the BMW M3 models. The 2013 Audi RS5 coupe is priced at 96.81 lakh rupees, ex-showroom Delhi. Imported into India as a completely built unit (CBU), the RS5 represents the first of the twin, high performance car launches from Audi India. 

The car will be sold across all Audi showrooms in the country. A little over a week from now, on the 12th of July, Audi India will launch the S6 high performance sports-luxury sedan at the Buddh International Circuit, off Delhi. The Audi RS5 coupe is based on the A5 saloon, albeit with different styling bits and a powerful 4.2 liter V8 engine. 

Borrowed from the Audi R8, the 4.2 liter-V8 direct injection petrol engine outputs 450 Bhp of peak power at 8,250 rpm and 430 Nm of peak torque available in a rev-band between 4,000-6,000 rpm. The engine is mated to a 7 speed dual clutch DSG gearbox that drives all four wheels of the RS5 through the trademark Quattro all wheel drive system. Paddle shifters are standard fare.

Claimed performance is impressive to say the least, what with a 0-100 Kph sprint coming up in 4.5 seconds while top speed is rated at an electronically limited 250 Kph, which can be raised to 280 Kph upon request. Notably, the engine and transmission package aren't new items on the 2013 Audi RS5. What's actually new is the electro-mechanical steering and the styling of the car. 

The car gets a revised front end, with the styling now mirroring the new family face of Audi, replete with wedge-shaped xenon headlamps, LED day time running lights and beveled surfaces for the Bulgarian Beard front grille. At the rear, the tail lamps and bumper get a redesign.

On the inside, the 2013 RS5 gets a new 3 spoke-leather wrapped, multi-function steering wheel. The center console and the fascia for the instrumentation console get a glossy black finish while the ignition key and steering column stalks have been revised. 

On the suspension and braking front, Audi offers optional extras in the form of a dynamic ride control (damping package) for the sport suspension and carbon-ceramic brakes with six piston calipers. The car also gets adaptive cruise control, dynamic steering and a sport differential as the other optional items.