Audi RS5 specs leaked

An embarrassing internal leak has forced Audi to release the full details of its new, stove-hot RS5 coupe a full week before its planned launch at the Geneva Motor Show.

Instead of the carefully timed reveal the German prestige manufacturer intended for the car, the world will already know most of the details of the RS5 -- including the 331kW V8. Based on the hot-selling A5 coupe, the RS5 will also feature a seven-speed double-clutch gearbox ('S Tronic' in Audi parlance) and an all-new centre differential for its all-wheel drive system.

A high-revving, direct-injection V8, the RS5's engine will basically share its mechanical features with the R8 super coupe. It will deliver its maximum power at 8250rpm, yet will still muster 430Nm between 4000 and 6000rpm.

All of this will be enough, Audi claims, to propel the coupe to 100km/h in 4.6 seconds on its way to an electronically limited 250km/h top speed. Yet there will be more than pure pace to the RS5's arsenal of tricks, and the quattro-driven super coupe will post 10.8 litres per 100km for the combined cycle of city and country work.

At 1725kg, the RS5 is not featherweight, but it uses launch control and a ground-breaking crown-wheel, self-locking centre differential to help the engine fire the critically acclaimed body shape to its zero to 100 figure.

While 60 percent of the torque normally goes to the rear end, the quattro AWD system is capable of sending it 85 percent, or switching 70 percent of the torque to the front wheels.

It also uses torque vectoring, which debuted on Porsche's 911 Turbo, to enhance its drive out of corners. The system works by detecting one wheel not getting the drive it should, at which point it slows that wheel to help with cornering.

Standard 19-inch wheels are shod with 265/35 ZR19 tyres, while the body has been lowered 25mm over the A5 coupe's.

The RS5 also has monster, 365mm front brake discs, combined with the eight-piston brake calipers out of the Lamborghini Gallardo, though there'll be a carbon-ceramic brake option with even larger discs.

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