Low-resolution photos of the next-generation Audi RS5, showing undisguised liftback and wagon versions of the mid-size luxury/performance car, have been leaked on the internet, suggesting the official reveal of Ingolstad’t latest BMW M3-fighter can’t be that far away.
The images you see here were posted on Instagram by cochespias1 (since removed) and shiftech. It’s not clear how these two accounts came across these pics, but they show us the new car doesn’t stray too far from the established RS formula.
There are, of course, dramatically pumped front and rear wheel-arches, with the trailing edge of the front fenders featuring a bulging vertical vent. Sculpted side sills link the chunky arches, which house split six-spoke alloy wheels shod with low-profile tyres.
At the front, the blacked-out single-frame grille seamlessly flows into the gloss black surrounds for the side air intakes. Meanwhile, the rear is dominated by a pair of massive oval exhaust outlets jutting out of the gloss black diffuser that incorporates an F1-style third brake light.
We’re pretty certain these leaked photos are genuine because they match up with earlier spy photos, as well as the two teaser videos released on social media by Audi over the past 24 hours.
Details shown in the teasers include the front seat design, the lighting signature of the OLED tail-lights, and cross-drilled disc brakes with red calipers (bottom).
The teasers also show the steering wheel and its red boost button, which likely provides a bit of extra zip from the car’s briefly confirmed plug-in hybrid drivetrain.
Indications are it will feature a revised version of the 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 used in the superceded RS4 and RS5.
Outputs have yet to be revealed, but it’s safe bet the new plug-in hybrid drivetrain will exceed the 331kW and 600Nm outputs offered by the old RS4 Competition.
For reference, the current BMW M3 has a 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight-six making between 353kW/550Nm and 405kW/650Nm depending on the variant.
On the other hand, the Mercedes-AMG C63 S E-Performance has a 2.0-litre four-cylinder plug-in hybrid powertrain that cranks out 500kW and 1020Nm.
AMG’s boss has confirmed the C63’s controversial plug-in hybrid system will be axed, and the model replaced by a new C53 model with a 3.0-litre turbo-petrol straight-six.