New York Auto Show: Audi RS5 Sportback revealed

Audi has put an extra pair of doors onto its RS5 Sportback for the first time.

The Sportback-sedan is debuting at the New York International Auto Show, with Audi’s 331kW/600Nm 2.9-litre TFSI V6.

It has a claimed 0-97km/h (0-60mph) run of 3.9 seconds to almost match the coupe which will hit 100km/h in that time, and the four-door will hit a top speed of 280km/h.

Mounted at a 90-degree angle to the cylinder banks, the turbos can produce up to 21.8psi (1.5bar), with “with minimal flow loss.”

Though it weighs more than the two-door at 1840kg to the coupe’s 1730kg, the RS5 Sportback isn't claimed to be significantly slower than the coupe.

Audi Sport managing director Michael-Julius Renz says Audi is serious about the introduction of this car into its line-up – that it’s not just here for show.

“The Audi RS5 Sportback is more than just an international trade fair novelty – it offers something new to our customers,”

“Our innovative interpretation of a five-door high-performance coupé has neither predecessor models, nor a direct competitor.

“The new Audi RS5 Sportback will carry the RS genes out onto the road.”

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With the extra set of doors, the RS5 gains a longer wheelbase with short overhangs, and more muscular shoulders with wheel housings extended by 15mm.

A set of 19-inch wheels are standard, though 20”s can be optioned, as well as Audi’s Dynamic Ride Control adaptive dampers.

And there’s good news for Aussie Quattro fans, the Audi RS5 Sportback in coming to Australia, with an expected arrival of late-2018.