Audi made the RS5 the world’s first serial model with electromechanical traction distribution
These are the first production models from the Audi RS sports division to feature a plug-in hybrid powertrain. Audi The range includes two versions: the RS5 liftback and the RS5 Avant station wagon. Both are 9 centimeters wider than the standard A5 due to flared wheel arches. Audi The hybrid system consists of three main components: a 2.9 V6 front, an electric motor in the transmission housing and an all-new rear gearbox. Audi The internal combustion engine is the same V6 2.9 TFSI with two turbines as its predecessor, but seriously modified. Audi The output of the gasoline engine has increased by 44 kilowatts and is now 375 kW, or 510 horsepower. Audi For the first time on the RS5, the intercoolers have become liquid intercoolers: they cool the charge air more effectively under intense loads. Audi The degree of boost is provided by two turbochargers with variable geometry, and the intake tract is made as short as possible. Audi At partial loads, the engine operates according to the Miller cycle – the intake valves close earlier, increasing combustion efficiency. Audi The electric motor with a power of 130 kW (177 horsepower) has an external rotor design: the stator is inside, the rotor is outside. Audi This scheme allows you to increase the leverage of force application and develop torque up to 460 Nm without a multiplier Audi The total output of the installation is 639 horsepower and 825 Nm. Acceleration to hundreds takes 3.6 seconds. Audi The traction battery with a capacity of 25.9 kilowatt-hours (22 kWh usable capacity) is located under the trunk floor. Audi The electric range reaches 84 kilometers in the EAER cycle, in the urban cycle – up to 87 kilometers. Audi Charging with three-phase current with a power of 11 kW takes 2.5 hours to 100 percent Audi In RS sport and RS torque rear modes, the electronics keep the battery charge at 90 percent so that the system is always ready for maximum performance. Audi The electric motor not only pulls the car, but also starts the engine, replacing a conventional starter, and also spins the rear gearbox to distribute traction. Audi The eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission has an external cooling circuit and adaptive switching logic depending on the selected mode. Audi The main technical innovation is the preloaded central differential. It is always partially locked, even when the gas pedal is released. Audi This ensures that the front and rear axles remain connected when the throttle is released, reducing understeer when entering a corner. Audi The torque between the axles is distributed in a proportion from 70:30 to 15:85 depending on the driving situation. Audi But the main innovation is hidden at the rear: the electromechanical Dynamic Torque Control system distributes traction between the rear wheels. Audi This is the world’s first production car with such a drive. Instead of the usual locking, there is a planetary gear and an 8 kW electric motor-actuator. Audi The system transfers torque between the wheels in 15 milliseconds, and the torque difference can reach 2000 Nm. Audi The dynamics control unit HCP1 calculates the optimal traction distribution on the rear axle every 5 milliseconds (at a frequency of 200 Hz). Audi Depending on the mode, the system can work to stabilize or, conversely, help turn the car around. Audi In RS torque rear mode, most of the torque is directed to the outer rear wheel, allowing measured gliding on closed roads. Audi The front suspension is a five-link with new silent blocks and modified kinematics for a sharper response. Audi The rear suspension has been redesigned: its geometry and elastic elements are optimized to work with the new gearbox. Audi The shock absorbers are two-valve, with separate compression and rebound adjustments. This allows you to expand the range of performance from comfort to track. Audi Suspension settings were tested not only on the roads, but also on a hydraulic pulsator, simulating extreme loads. Audi The brake system is integrated, with brake-by-wire. Deceleration begins with recuperation, and only if necessary, friction mechanisms are activated. Steel brakes: 420 mm front discs, 400 mm rear discs. Carbon-ceramic mechanisms are optionally available. Carbon-ceramic: front 440 mm, rear 410 mm. The weight of such brakes is 30 kilograms less than steel ones. Audi The steering is with a 13:1 variable ratio rack and RS calibration. Audi The steering wheel now features integrated RS buttons for direct access to driving modes and the Boost function. Audi The instrument cluster displays a countdown timer showing how many seconds of afterburner are left. When driving on electric power, the degree of recuperation is adjusted by steering wheel paddles in three stages. The Audi driving experience function allows you to record telemetry: trajectory, pedal strokes, accelerations, skid angles and lap times. Audi The Boost function, at the press of a button, provides ten seconds of maximum acceleration for quick overtaking. The car can itself create profiles of unfamiliar tracks based on the recorded lap. Audi In EV mode, the car runs on electricity only. In hybrid mode, you can set the desired battery level using a slider in the menu. Audi Sport plus front seats with advanced lateral support, electric drives and a massage function. Audi The interior is available in five trim levels, including a leather-free option with Cascade fabric made from recycled materials. Audi The 14.5-inch central MMI screen displays the hybrid’s energy flows and the temperature of the main components – tires, transmission, battery. The 11.9-inch instrument panel has an RS mode with a large tachometer and gear shift lamp. A separate 10.9-inch screen is provided for the passenger: it helps with navigation or is entertained with content. Audi Inside, the Audi Sport package features brass accents and snake green contrast stitching. Audi The Audi Sport package includes exclusive bumpers, 21-inch wheels, bronze-colored carbon ceramics and a top speed raised to 285 km/h. Audi Production of the new RS5 takes place at the plant in Neckarsulm, Germany. Accepting orders in Europe will begin in the first quarter of 2026. Audi The starting price in Germany is 106,200 euros for the liftback and 107,850 euros for the RS5 Avant station wagon. 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The sports division of Audi Sport GmbH has made a revolution: the new RS5 liftback and station wagon feature a plug-in hybrid system for the first time. The petrol-electric combination of V6 2.9 and electric motor produces 639 hp, leaving behind the main competitor BMW M3 Competition. The Germans revealed all the details about the “charged” five-door cars – from incredible dynamics to the world’s first planetary gears in the transmission, and more details about sports cars in a photo report from Motor magazine.