The Audi RS5 Thread

Audi RS5 Sportback competition plus

In the course of some proverbial fine-tuning, Audi Sport GmbH is increasing the sportiness of the Audi RS4 Avant and Audi RS5. The new competition package is bursting with extras that both sharpen the cars' appearance and make for a more emotional driving experience. With its optional coilover suspension (RS sport suspension pro), the competition plus package boasts a maximum in dynamics and driving fun while not compromising its top suitability for everyday use. Sometimes less is more: Reduced insulation between the engine compartment and the interior means the RS4 Avant and RS5 will thrill customers with an exciting, next-level sound experience. The potent biturbo V6 has 331 kW (450 PS) of power and a torque of 600 newton meters from 1,900 to 5,000 rpm. The Audi RS4 Avant and RS5 with the competition packages will be available from dealers starting July 2022. Prices start at 7.875 euros for the competition package and 11,875 euros for the competition plus package.


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Audi RS5 Coupe competition plus


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Audi has unveiled new Competition and Competition Plus packs for the RS4 and RS5

Hardcore Competition Plus estate will get manually-adjustable coilover suspension and sticky P Zero Corsa tyres

Well, here’s a treat for all the Audi RS fans out there – the 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6-engined RS4 Avant and RS5 have both been treated to serious-sounding Competition and Competition Plus packages, with the aim of making both cars noisier and sharper to drive. Now that’s something we can get on board with.

It’s the full-fat Competition Plus that we’ll focus on here, not least because Audi UK has said that on our shores the performance packages will be ‘double-digit’ limited editions. Expect them to be rare and fully-loaded with all the options, then.

UK pricing will be announced later in the year, but in Germany the Plus will set you back €11,875 (around £10,000).

What do you get for the money? Well, the Competition pack includes a new RS sports exhaust system, some new bits of interior trim and a top speed increase to 180mph. It also brings a carbon fibre exterior pack that means the mirrors, rear diffuser, side sills and the blades in the front air intakes are all made out of the woven black stuff.

On top of that, the Competition Plus pack should include something called RS Sport Suspension Pro. Essentially this is a manually-adjustable coilover suspension setup that drops the RS4 or RS5 by 10mm from the factory, although both can be dropped by another 10mm if you get your spanners out. There’s a higher spring rate and three-way adjustable dampers too, which Audi says means ‘more precise and more agile handling’. Then there’s the diff, which has been enhanced to ‘switch the emphasis to the rear’ despite the Quattro four-wheel drive.

 
Audi sharpens up RS4 and RS5 performance models with new competition packages

With its rival over in Munich a competition package tends to mean more power, but in the case of the newly announced Audi RS4 and RS5, the drawcard is a more engaging driving experience, in more ways than one.

In fact here we’re talking about a whole range of packages that not only bring some enticing chassis modifications, but there’s an enhanced soundtrack too. For starters there’s a brand new RS sports exhaust system, but Audi even went as far as removing some sound deadening material between the engine compartment and cabin just to enliven the experience.

In terms of suspension, customers can opt for a new RS Sport Suspension Pro package which comes with manually adjustable coilovers. By default these cars will be 10mm lower than standard RS models, but owners can also manually lower the suspension by a further 10mm.

Thanks to stiffer stabilisers, a higher spring rate and three-way adjustable dampers, drivers can look forward to improved lap times, Audi says.

But it doesn’t end there.

 
Audi RS Competition Plus Packages Announced

If you’re wanting a bit more performance and engagement from your Audi, the Audi RS Competition packages for the RS4 and RS5 have been announced.

The Audi RS4 and RS5 aren’t exactly slow or boring to drive quickly, but with the Audi RS Competition packages, there’s more fun to be had.

The Audi RS Competition and Competition Plus packages improve the handling, bring more noise to the party and are slightly quicker to 100 kph. There are also some nice tasty visual upgrades to let people know your Audi is a bit more special.

As far as suspension upgrades go, there are now manually-adjustable RS sport suspension pro coilovers which lower the car by 10 mm, higher spring rates, three-way adjustable dampers and stiffer stabilizers.

Audi has also added the quattro sports differential, retuned the ABS and fitted a fixed steering ratio of 1:13:1. The uprated RS ceramic brakes are claimed to improved braking distance and customers can spec special Pirelli Corsa P Zero rubber. There are also tweaks to the exhaust, which are now finished in matte black and you should be able to hear that V6 rumble more prominently.

 
The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition Adds the Wrong Kind of Imperfection

Audi buyers complained that the base RS5 wasn’t “emotional” enough. The Competition package adds needless compromise.

2023 Audi RS5 Competition: Final Thoughts

Plenty of manufacturers build cars that outshine their spec sheet. BMW does it by cramming horses under the hood. Honda does it with a thousand tiny, meticulous upgrades, each unnoticeable on its own but contributing to a transcendent whole. Toyota does it by spending the bulk of its money on the chassis and letting the aftermarket deal with the bolt-on parts. Each approach creates a car that’s unique, something that stands out of the crowd. Something with character.

It seems Audi, in developing the standard RS5, built a car that’s just too good. Everything the Competition shares with the standard car — the engine, interior, and Quattro drivetrain — is exemplary. The problem is, everything that changes with the Comp pack leaves you wanting it changed back. The company succeeded in adding emotion to the RS5. Unfortunately, that emotion is frustration.

 
Audi RS5 review

WHAT'S THE VERDICT?

“Badge-lovers will adore this car, and whether or not it deserves the RS insignia will be a total moot point to them”

We’re unashamed car enthusiasts and the RS5 can’t help but dampen our spirits. The cars it rivals so closely on paper – the BMW M3s and Mercedes C63s of this world – manage to offer similar space and practicality with a whole heap more noise and fun. They thrill at all speeds.

But it would appear Audi’s deliberately swerved such boisterous demeanour to make a car that’s quieter, calmer and easier to live with. Something the five-door Sportback version makes particular sense of.

Badge-lovers will adore this car, and whether or not it deserves the RS insignia will be a total moot point to them. But not to us. Audi Sport’s inconsistency rolls on.

 
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