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2018 Audi RS5 Sportback Rendering Hides Porsche's 2.9-Liter Twin-Turbo

Even though Mercedes practically invented the four-door coupe market, it's now lagging behind Audi and BMW because it doesn't have a compact version, like the 4 Series Gran Coupe or A5 Sportback.
2018 Audi RS5 Sportback Rendering Hides Porsche's 2.9-Liter Twin-Turbo 11 photos
Photo: Theophilus Chin
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And pretty soon, it's going to be in even more trouble because of the RS5 Sportback. We know it's coming because when Audi's US boss was asked about a possible RS4 sedan, he suggested something similar will arrive in its place.

No specific time frame was given, but we know the RS5 coupe needs to be finished first, and that won't happen until the latter part of next year.

So if we have to wait two more years, there might as well be a rendering to keep our neurons busy. Because there have been lots of RS4/RS5 renderings the past few months, we don't see Theophilus Chin's latest work as being something fresh, but it is.

What's the difference between a sedan and a four-door coupe? If you're going to ask that question, then you're probably not very familiar with the all-new A5 Sportback and its Paris Motor Show debut. Not only does it feature four frameless doors, but there's also a fifth in the shape of a large hatchback opening, just like on the A7 Sportback.

As for the RS5 part, we already have some spy images and a video from the Nurburgring. So you can have a little listen to that all-important new engine. You see, before the Dieselgate apocalypse happened Audi and Porshe signed a deal to co-develop engines. That's why the SQ7 and Panamera 4S Diesel have the same 4.0 TDI V8 and why the RS5 Sportback will share its 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 with the regular Panamera.

We expect this fancy five-door performance coupe to pack around 450 horsepower, sent to all four wheels via... an 8-speed auto?! Unlike the old RS5, which used standard steel springs, this new one should feature fully adaptive suspension too. It should do pretty much everything except tow a horse box.

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About the author: Mihnea Radu
Mihnea Radu profile photo

Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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