Here are the best shots yet of the new Audi RS5, snapped by our spy photographer whilst doing some hot weather testing on US soil. The signature mesh grille gives this model away as an RS variant, however interestingly enough the rear still sports the S5's quad exhaust pipe layout instead of the dual large oval pipes normally accustomed to the RS range. Sources indicate the same twin-turbo V10 engine from the RS6 could be used, however the quad exhaust layout is unlikely to be able to deal with the 580 bhp coming from this power unit. This leaves us speculating whether a detuned version of the RS6's V10 engine will be used pumping closer to 500bhp or perhaps a brand new unit could be debuted. Rumours circulating the net state Audi are developing a brand new 470hp 4.0 liter turbocharged TFSI V8 engine. We expect to have answers to these questions when the model is unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show next year before it goes on general sale as a 2010 model.
Audi RS5 Spy Photos on the Ring Previously spotted in the American desert, another Audi RS5 prototype has made its way to Germany's Nurburgring Nordschleife. Once again, sending mixed signals, the RS5 is sporting the quad exhaust pipes from its less powerful S5 sibling, as two large oval pipes are normally characteristic of the ultra-sporty RS series. Therefore, we are left with two possibilities to consider. Either a meaner looking RS style front bumper upgrade is in the works for the S5, perhaps for greater stylistic differentiation from the rest of the A5 range, or it is indeed the RS5 using an S5 test mule body. With an expected debut in Detroit in January with a possible 450hp 4.0-liter turbocharged TFSI V8 engine, we hope to see new prototypes soon looking more production ready with bigger wheels and flared RS style fenders.
