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NEWS
Audi RS model onslaught begins
Three new RS models and six others will join the Audi range within the next six monthsAudi Australia will bolster its RS model portfolio with a trio of new models between now and March next year.
The line-up will commence with the RS 5 Cabriolet this month (October) followed by the all-new RS Q3 SUV and RS 7 Sportback in "late February or early March" (2014).
The RS additions come on top of no fewer than six new or significantly revised Audi models that are slated to arrive in Australian showrooms between now and the middle of next year. These include the S3 Sportback in December (2013), new A3 Sedan in January (2014), A8 and S8 in April (2014) and Audi's Frankfurt show darling, the A3 Cabriolet.
Arriving in three weeks time, the RS 5 Cabriolet boasts an impressive set of performance credentials near identical to its Coupe sibling. Audi has declined to advise pricing on the sporting four-seat soft-top, though we expect a mild premium over the hard-top's $161,900 list price.
The RS 5 Cabriolet is powered by a naturally-aspirated 4.2-litre V8 developing 331kW at a stratospheric 8250rpm and nifty 430Nm at 4000rpm. Mated to a seven-speed S tronic (dual-clutch) transmission the RS 5 Cabriolet will hit 100km/h in 4.9 seconds on its way to a top speed of 250km/h. This can be elevated to 280km/h upon factory order.
Like all RS-enhanced models, the RS 5 Cabriolet puts its power to the ground via quattro permanent all-wheel drive which Audi says can distribute as much as 85 per cent of its torque to the rear wheels or as much as 70 per cent to the front wheels.
It is differentiated visually from its donor (the A5 Cabriolet) by aluminium wing mirrors, windscreen frame and window frames, diffused LED lights front and rear, a wider stance, RS-specific bumpers and intakes, matte carbon fibre boot-lip spoiler and trademark RS oval exhaust outlets.
Following the RS 5 Cabriolet early in the new year, the all-new RS Q3 is the first SUV to wear Audi's famed RS moniker. It will arrive in Australian showrooms from $81,990 (plus ORCs).
Joining the line-up at the same time, the RS 7 Sportback will be similarly equipped and priced to the recently released RS 6 Avant. That means it should have a list price of between $225,000 and $240,000 (plus ORCs).
Speaking of the new RS 7 Sportback, Audi Australia's general manager of communications, Anna Burgdorf, told motoring.com.au that the highly anticipated model is considered by the four-ringed brand to be the ultimate five-door coupe.
"Audi is continuing to expand its RS model line-up with the introduction of the new RS 7 Sportback," said Burgdorf.
"It is characterised by athletic design, innovative technology and impressive sportiness. It's the ultimate five-door coupe and carries a similarly high level of specification to its sibling, the RS 6 Avant.
"[In] its heart beats our 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbo engine which delivers 412 kW of power and 700 Nm of torque available between 1750 and 5500 rpm. This power is delivered straight to the road thanks to quattro all-wheel drive, and zero to 100 km/h takes just 3.9 seconds."
The RS 7 Sportback is defined by RS-specific bumpers, flared wheel arches, enlarged air intakes and Audi's trademark single-frame grille finished in high gloss black.
Like the RS 6 Avant, it is powered by a biturbo V8 engine displacing 3933cc and is equipped with cylinder on demand (COD) technology. The RS 7 Sportback is mated to an eight-speed tiptronic style transmission with launch control, quattro permanent all-wheel drive, model-specific adaptive air suspension and a combined fuel economy figure of 9.8L/100km.
What's coming from Audi:
October 2013 - RS 5 Cabriolet
October 2013 - RS 6 Avant (first customer deliveries)
December 2013 - S3 Sportback
January 2014 - A3 Sedan
February/March 2014 - RS Q3 SUV
February/March 2014 - RS 7 Sportback
March 2014 - S3 Sedan
H1 2014 - A3 Cabriolet
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Written byMatt Brogan
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