2014 Audi RS 5 Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Following the introduction of the performance-oriented RS 5 Coupe in 2013, Audi adds a new Cabriolet to the RS 5 lineup for 2014. Based on the Audi A5 coupes and cabriolets and developed by Quattro GmbH, Audi's in-house sport tuner, the RS 5 Coupe and Cabriolet deliver impressive power and handling, along with good fuel efficiency, well-equipped cabins and distinctive exterior features. The new RS 5 Cabriolet joins the German automaker's expanding stable of track-tuned RS-designated vehicles, which date back to 1994 and the original RS 2 Avant. Like the RS 5 Coupe, the Convertible comes equipped with a naturally aspirated 450-hp V8, Audi's quattro all-wheel drive (AWD) system, a 7-speed automatic transmission and such standard features as a self-locking center differential and torque vectoring, which allows the differential to send varying amounts of torque to individual wheels to ensure optimal stability during aggressive driving maneuvers.
The new RS 5 Convertible also features a power-operated electro-hydraulic soft top, which drivers can raise and lower at speeds up to 31 mph. In addition, Audi offers a new Black Optic exterior package for the 2014 RS 5. The package includes a black optic grille and high-gloss surrounds on the grille and windows, as well as 20-inch wheels with a titanium finish. In other updates, the RS 5's MMI navigation system receives a new Side Assist system for 2014, which monitors blind-spot areas and alerts drivers of approaching vehicles.
The RS 5 Coupe and Cabriolet build on the classic exterior lines of the A5 by adding a number of unique features outside. Up front, Audi's signature deep-mouthed Singleframe grille receives a distinctive black honeycomb design, while the lower air intakes on either side of the grille also get the honeycomb treatment, along with horizontal slats, which help distinguish the RS 5 from the A5 and S5 coupes and cabriolets. The RS 5 also gets track-inspired flared fenders and thin, eyebrow-like HID automatic headlights with LED daytime running lights. The headlights includes a washing system, while the windshield wiper nozzles are heated. Power-adjustable auto-dimming heated side mirrors with memory and integrated LED turn signals also come standard, along with a rear spoiler, rear foglights, LED taillights and RS-specific dual oval exhaust pipes. A wide-body design, aluminum exterior trim and unique door sills are also part of the RS exterior package.
While the RS 5 Coupe and Cabriolet display attractive and unique exterior features, the real story lies under the hood. Audi equips the RS 5 with a newly revised 4.2-liter FSI V8, which pumps out 450 hp and 316 lb-ft of peak torque at 4,000–6,000 rpm. The V8 links to a 7-speed S tronic automatic transmission with a manual-shift mode, accessed either with the shift knob or steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Testers say the transmission offers fast, smooth shifts, and working with the V8, it propels the RS 5 from 0-60 in 4.5 seconds (4.9 seconds for the Cabriolet). Audi limits top speed to 174 mph. Fuel economy numbers check in at a relatively decent 16 mpg city/23 highway, which is good enough to avoid the gas guzzler tax. Premium fuel is recommended. The sport-tuned exhaust produces a pleasant growl, especially when idling and accelerating.
While the European version of the RS 5 delivered a controlled yet somewhat harsh ride, the North American version features a retuned suspension that's slightly more forgiving, yet still responsive and nimble. The RS 5 rides on a performance-oriented suspension with a 5-link configuration and a stabilizer bar in the front, while the rear receives unique RS 5 sport suspension calibration. Audi's quattro AWD system comes standard and integrates with a rear sport differential, which distributes power to the rear wheels for optimal traction. Audi's Drive Select system, which comes standard, gives drivers the option of changing the vehicle's handling characteristics by choosing from Comfort, Dynamic, Auto or Individual settings. Large ventilated front and rear disc brakes provide plenty of stopping power, while optional ceramic brakes reduce the vehicle's overall weight and provide better heat dissipation. The RS 5 rides on 19-inch RS-design wheels with summer performance tires. Upgraded 20-inch wheels are available.
The Audi RS 5 seats 4 passengers in a 2+2 arrangement. Legroom in the rear seat can be tight for taller passengers, who will also find limited headroom in the Coupe due to the sloping roofline. However, the front seats offer plenty of legroom and headroom and are supportive enough for longer trips. Both the Coupe and the Cabriolet come in a single well-equipped trim, with such standard features as Nappa leather upholstery with contrast piping, heated 12-way power-adjustable front sport seats with power lumbar support and driver's-side memory, 3-zone automatic climate control, a panoramic tilting sunroof and keyless start. The 3-spoke flat-bottom sport steering wheel features paddle shifters and a tilt/telescopic column, while RS-specific carbon interior inlays and a black cloth headliner help create an upscale feel in the cabin. Climate-controlled seats and neck-level heating vents are among the interior options.
Tech features include Audi's 10-speaker, 180-watt concert audio system with HD radio, SiriusXM satellite radio, a CD player, Bluetooth and an iPod port. It's managed through the automaker's MMI system, which includes a 6.5-inch color screen. A parking system with front and rear sensors also comes standard on the RS 5, along with Audi's Connect system, which provides in-vehicle Wifi and localized weather and information. Options include Audi's MMI navigation system with a 7-inch color display and the new Side Assist system, which monitors blind spots. Owners can also add a 14-speaker, 505-watt Bang & Olufsen audio system (12 speakers in the Cabriolet).
Cargo space in the trunk measures 12.4 cubic feet in the RS 5 Coupe and 10.4 cubic feet in the Cabriolet. A standard storage system includes side pockets, floor tie-downs and bag hangers. In the Cabriolet, the rear seatbacks split and fold individually, and a pass-through from the trunk enables owners to carry longer items.
Eight airbags come standard on the RS 5, along with such safety features as electronic stability control, traction control and antilock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist. Audi also offers a new optional adaptive cruise control system, which uses long-distance radar to maintain an acceptable distance from the vehicle ahead. The 2014 RS 5 has not been safety-tested, but the similar A4 sedan was named a Top Safety Pick in 2013.
The 2014 RS 5 competes against such vehicles as the BMW M3, Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG and the Cadillac CTS-V. While the RS 5 doesn't quite keep up with its competitors in off-the-line matchups, it excels in other areas, such as its overall efficiency and the fit and finish of its cabin. Owners who seek a sport-oriented screamer might want to look elsewhere, but those who prefer a well-balanced and overall competent performance-oriented vehicle should definitely put the RS 5 near the top of their list.
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2014 Audi RS 5 Pricing
Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Rear air conditioning: with independent controls · Single rear air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · In-Dash CD: DVD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bang & Olufsen · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 13 · 180 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 14.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.8 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Door sill trim: aluminum · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: with lighting · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: manual driver seat · Memorized settings: 2 driver · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.87 · Limited slip differential: rear
Engine
Alternator: 190 amps
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: polished aluminum · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: grey · Mirror color: silver-painted · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: adjustable · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Window trim: silver
Headrests
Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 6.5 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: cornering · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: sliding sunshade
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · Parking sensors: rear · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: premium leather
Spare Tire
Kit: tire sealant
Steering
Steering ratio: 15.9
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: summer performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 10
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Rear air conditioning: with independent controls · Single rear air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Side airbags: front with head protection chambers
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · USB auxiliary audio input · In-Dash CD: DVD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bang & Olufsen · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 11 · 505 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 14.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.8 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: with lighting · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: manual driver seat · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 4.38 · Limited slip differential: rear
Engine
Alternator: 190 amps
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: polished aluminum · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: grey · Mirror color: silver-painted · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Window trim: silver
Headrests
Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 6.5 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: hard top
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: door unlock · Parking sensors: front · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: premium leather
Spare Tire
Kit: tire sealant
Steering
Steering ratio: 15.9
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: summer performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 10
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: with safety reverse