Audi RS5 Sportback revealed at the 2018 New York Auto Show

ABU DHABI: Audi unveiled its latest offering, the RS5 Sportback on the eve of the 2018 New York Auto Show. It is a 444-hp version of the new A5 Coupe. The automobile is due on sale in the latter half of the current year.

The Audi RS5 Sportback comes powered with an aggressive bi-turbocharged 2.9-litre V6 engine coupled with an automatic eight-speed ZF sourced gearbox and a rear-biased Quattro all-wheel-drive system. The engine weighs 68 pounds less compared to the 4.2-litre V-8 engine used in the previous-generation RS5 and is capable to offer a better torque.

It is built on the longitudinal-­engine MLB Evo platform, which also underpins a number of VW Group models. The car can produce a maximum 443 lb-ft of torque and can serve up from an impressive range of 1900 rpm to 5000 rpm. The power output of the Sportback is similar to the RS5 coupe that rates at 444 horsepower at 6700 rpm and can reach up to a top speed of 280 kmph.

As for the design, some distinctive features are easy to notice, such as a wide body, oval-shaped RS exhaust pipes, and black rear spoiler lip. There are flared fenders besides featuring honeycomb air intakes, front spoiler, matte mirror caps and a rear diffuser. These features make the new model look quite apart from its siblings. The Sportback also has a very spacious hatch that can hold large cargo.

The RS5 Sportback interior features specific RS Sport seats, abundant RS logo, RS gauges in the digital cluster etc. Dynamic steering and carbon-ceramic brake rotors are also available.

Audi RS5 will be hitting North American markets first, in the latter half of 2018 as a 2019 model. Other continents including Europe will have to wait a little longer. The company has not made any announcement on the price yet, but a starting price of a little over $70K (AED2,57,117.00) can be safely assumed.