The Audi RS5 is the result of the German automaker's preoccupation with both speed and beauty. Built for performance, this muscle machine posses fascinating technologies that make it an extraordinary vehicle to drive. The RS5, which is only available as a two-door Coupé, was first presented at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. More recently it bears many of the Audi brand's recent upgrades featured on the entire A5 range - with a sporty RS5 twist.

Exuding pure muscle but dressed in elegance, the new Audi RS5 Coupé has a more aggressive front end, a new single-frame grille with bevelled upper corners featuring an anthracite grey honey comb structure and a matt aluminium looking frame. Standard xenon plus headlights are framed by narrow solid strips of LED daytime running lights while large 'race car-like' airflow openings embedded in the bumper give the car a sporty look. The side sills have chiselled caps and the trim strips and side mirror moulds have a matt aluminium look. The tail end is dominated by the two oval exhaust pipes of the dual exhaust system which are integrated into the re-designed bumper. The LED rear lights are also new and feature continuous light strips. The dynamic looks of the RS5 alter the dimensions slightly making this super Coupé 23 mm longer, 6 mm wider and 6 mm lower than the standard A5 Coupé. Eight exterior colours are available, from solid, metallic and pearl effect finishes to a specially pigmented crystal effect paint.

Buy a car like this and you can enjoy a new leather multifunction sport steering wheel with a thick, flattened rim at the bottom. There are re-designed steering column stalks and the ignition key and the gear lever knob has also been updated. Instruments have black gauges and white lettering with special scaling and the red needles of the speedometer and tachometer run quickly up to the limit before returning to zero when the ignition is turned on – giving a touch of sporty flair. The driver information system (with colour display) has a special RS welcome screen when the car is started and includes an RS menu with a lap timer and an oil thermometer. Aluminium inserts adorn the door sill trims, which are accentuated with RS5 badges and the pedals, the footrest and the buttons of the optional MMI navigation systems shine in an aluminium-look finish. A broad range of high-performance assistance and communication systems are available as optional specifications, among these are adaptive cruise control, Audi side assist, MMI navigation plus, the Bluetooth online car phone and a Bang & Olufsen sound system.

Under the exciting exterior of the RS5 beats the heart of a top athlete. The Audi RS5 is a factory-tuned hardcore sports car with a 4.2 litre FSI V8 engine. The power plant produces 331 kW of power and 430 Nm of torque - enough to send the RS5 sprinting from 0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and rocket onto a top speed of 280 km/h (electronically limited to 250 km/h). Audi has chosen to mate this engine to a seven-speed S-Tronic gearbox which they say is one of the best transmissions of its class. This snap-shifting box will distribute all that V8 muscle through an innovative centre differential in the quattro drivetrain and onwards to all four wheels for maximum traction.

Like all Audi cars for sale, the RS5 has excellent safety and brake assisting features.  No less than 6 airbags are present and the RS5 employs Dynamic Steering, Traction Control, Dynamic Ride Control, anti-Slip Regulation, an Electronic Stabilisation Programme, Electronic Differential Lock and ABS for added peace of mind. 

The RS5 is the star athlete of the A5 family. It offers the power and handling of a powerful sports car packaged in the body of an alluringly elegant coupé. Where pricing is concerned be prepared to part with R908 000 and upwards for optional extras and customisations. (Prices are subject to change according to various factors, so please consult your dealer for the latest price.)