The new Audi RS5 hasn’t even turned a year old yet, and it’s already getting some updates. Well, in the US, that is. Both Coupe and Sportback variants of this premium sports sedan just landed in that market, and along with it come some slight design tweaks and two limited-production launch edition variants.
Basically, this is the same model that debuted in Europe back in December 2019, only it gets a supposedly wider and flatter grille. That, however, is just a minute detail that’s not really of much importance.
The big news here are the two new variants we mentioned: the Ascari and Black Optic launch editions. For the former, only 25 Coupe and 100 Sportback units will be produced. For the latter, Audi will build 100 Coupes and 325 Sportbacks.
The Ascari will feature an Audi exclusive Ascari Blue metallic finish. Blue brake calipers and ceramic front brakes also add some more contrast to this exterior. It sits on 20-inch five-arm-flag design forged wheels. Other highlights with the Ascari include a carbon fiber-trimmed engine cover and exclusive painted matte alu optic side sill inlays.
The Black Optic, on the other hand, can be had in different colors: Mythos Black, Glacier White, Daytona Gray, Nardo Gray, or Tango Red. All colors come with black Audi rings and badges, a black roof (for Coupes only), and other gloss black exterior elements such as the mirror housings, front spoiler, and rear diffuser trim. This one sits on 20-inch gloss black “five-segment-spoke-evo” design wheels accentuated by red brake calipers.
Both launch edition models sport RS carbon matte inlays and RS design package interiors with gray contrast stitching, as well as a three-spoke flat-bottom steering Alcantara steering wheels with paddle shifters. The two are also equipped with Audi dynamic steering with Audi drive select setting features, RS sport suspension plus with dynamic ride control setups, and RS sport exhaust systems with black tailpipes.
The new RS5, as well as these special edition models, pack a 2.9-liter V6 bi-turbo engine that generates 444hp and 599Nm of torque. Coupe and Sportback versions of the Ascari launch edition boast a top speed of 280kph, while everything else in the range top out at 249kph.
Prices for the new RS5, including the launch edition models, range from $75,100 (about P3.6 million) to $95,600 (around P4.65 million). What do you make of it? Think this is something you’ll consider if you want to go a bit upmarket in this segment?
