It Didn't Take Long For Someone To Make The New Audi RS 5 Even Crazier

Audi has a serious rival for the BMW M3 Touring in the new-generation RS5 Avant, pairing raw power with a sensational design. It serves as the perfect antidote to all the boring EVs flooding the market. Now, German tuner and race team ABT Sportsline is developing an upgraded version of the RS5, giving it more power than even the limited-edition Audi RS6 GT.

ABT's creation, the RS5-R, follows a similar formula to other upgrade packages the firm sells. The firm started by looking at how it could make this beast even more intoxicating. To do this, they tweaked the software for the twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 and the electric motor, resulting in a combined 710 horsepower and 667 pound-feet (905 Nm) of torque. The 80 hp and 59 lb-ft (80 Nm) gains should transform how this beast drives and let it easily outperform an RS6, even though that car has two extra cylinders. This is just the start of what ABT is developing for the RS5. Next year, it will release another performance upgrade with an Akrapovic titanium exhaust, helping the engine churn out 789 hp.

The upgrades extend beyond the engine. ABT has designed an eye-catching aerodynamic kit for the RS5-R with a sharp new front splitter, louvers on the front wheel arches, extended side skirts, and new wing mirrors. Stretching out from the roof is a large spoiler, and working with it to stick the rear wheels to the pavement is a striking rear diffuser. These parts are available in either standard carbon fiber or forged carbon fiber.

Oftentimes, the wheels of a modified car can make or break the overall design. In the case of the RS5-R, ABT has designed new 22-inch forged wheels with a gloss black finish and bold triangular spokes, clad in huge 315/25 tires. A set of lowering springs adds to the car's overall road presence, while sportier anti-roll bars have also been fitted.

ABT plans to sell just 130 examples of its RS5-R package, and each will include a special numbered plaque in the cabin. Speaking of the cabin, it will also include newly trimmed seats, an even plusher dashboard, and red contrast stitching. Carbon fiber paddle shifters complete the modifications.

For as impressive as all of the upgrades are, they're not cheap. In fact, prices for the RS5-R package start at €62,000 ($69,400) for the Sedan and Avant and €65,000 ($72,800) for the Avant when equipped with a standard carbon fiber finish, or an extra €3,000 ($3,300) for forged carbon fiber. ABT also charges a hefty €7,160 ($8,000) installation fee for the Sedan and €7,600 ($8,500) for the Avant. Oh, and all of these prices are in addition to the price of the actual car, which starts at €106,200 for the Sedan and €107,850 for the Avant (U.S. pricing and availability have yet to be announced).

ABT Sportsline