ABT Turns Up the Heat on the New Audi RS 5 With 710 HP

For enthusiasts who felt the factory Audi RS 5 needed more bite, renowned German tuner and race team ABT Sportsline has stepped in with a wild 710-HP version available for both the Sedan and Avant. The new-generation Audi RS 5 Avant serves as a direct rival to the BMW M3 Touring. Now, ABT has taken the platform a step further with its upcoming RS5-R upgrade package, packing even more power than the limited-edition Audi RS6 GT. By tweaking the software for the twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 engine and the electric motor, ABT extracted a combined 710 horsepower and 667 pound-feet (905 Nm) of torque. This marks an 80-HP and 59 lb-ft (80 Nm) bump over stock, allowing the modified machine to easily outperform an RS6 despite having two fewer cylinders. And this is only the beginning.

Next year, ABT will roll out an additional performance upgrade featuring an Akrapovic titanium exhaust that pushes output to a staggering 789 HP. Beyond the powertrain, ABT developed an aggressive aerodynamic kit for the RS5-R featuring a sharp front splitter, front wheel arch louvers, extended side skirts, new wing mirrors, a large roof spoiler, and a striking rear diffuser. Buyers can specify these aerodynamic components in either standard carbon fiber or forged carbon fiber. To drastically alter the car’s stance, ABT designed new 22-inch forged wheels with a gloss black finish and bold triangular spokes, wrapped in massive 315/25 tires. A set of lowering springs and sportier anti-roll bars complete the handling hardware. ABT plans to build just 130 examples of the RS5-R package, each featuring a special numbered interior plaque.

Inside the cabin, the upgrades include newly trimmed seats, a plusher dashboard, red contrast stitching, and carbon fiber paddle shifters. These extensive modifications come with a heavy price tag. The RS5-R package starts at €62,000 ($69,400) for the Sedan and Avant, and €65,000 ($72,800) for the Avant when equipped with a standard carbon fiber finish. Choosing forged carbon fiber adds an extra €3,000 ($3,300). Furthermore, ABT charges an installation fee of €7,160 ($8,000) for the Sedan and €7,600 ($8,500) for the Avant. These prices are on top of the base vehicle cost, which starts at €106,200 for the Sedan and €107,850 for the Avant. U.S. pricing and availability are not specified yet.