False start for Audi RS5

The Geneva Motor Show might only be a few weeks away, but someone with Audi connections couldn't wait and has revealed the brand's star attraction; the RS 5. Following several spy shots of test mules last year, the leaked brochure is the first glimpse of the new coupe.

The RS 5 follows the same style cues as the rest of the expanding RS range that includes the RS 6 and TT-RS. That means a subtle but aggressive look with a redesigned front end, pumped out guards and a retractable rear spoiler.

Officially Audi is keeping mum on the car's technical details until Geneva but speculation is rife that a turbocharged version of the company's 4.2-litre V8 sits under the bonnet. Power is mooted to be in the region of 335kW with torque somewhere around the 550Nm mark.

What Audi is saying though, is that Australians will get a chance to buy the car because it is definitely on the company's agenda. Audi Australia General Manager Corporate Communications, Anna Burgdorf, told the Carsales Network the new car would arrive locally in the latter stages of this year.

Although she wouldn't reveal any details of performance or pricing, she was confident that the car would impress would-be customers.

"It's a more sophisticated model, as opposed too a smaller sportscar like the TT-RS," Burgdorf said.

"It's not something you only take out on weekends, you can drive it everyday."

We'll keep you posted when full details on the car are revealed in Geneva so stay tuned.

Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at www.carsales.mobi