Edmunds Associate Staff Writer Will Kaufman travels to Arizona to drive the new 2018 Audi RS 5, the hottest version of Audi's grand touring coupe. Audi's RS cars have a near legendary status among enthusiasts, so we take to the road to find out if this newest version can live up to its legacy. The new RS 5 is certainly made of mind-bending numbers and capabilities, but is it more than the sum of its parts?

Q: How much horsepower does the 2018 Audi RS 5 have?

A: The new RS 5's twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 makes 444 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque, resulting in a 0-60 mph time of just 3.7 seconds. That's quicker than either the BMW M4 or the Mercedes-Benz AMG C 63.

Q: How much does the 2018 Audi RS 5 cost?

A: The base price with destination fees for the new RS 5 is $70,875, but fully loaded it will cost more than $90,000.

Q: How do the RS 5 and the Audi S5 coupe compare?

A: The numbers alone tell only part of the story: The RS 5 has 90 more horsepower and is more than a full second faster to 60 mph. To make those gains, massive alterations have been made to the engine and cooling systems. The RS 5 also has the option of a wholly different adjustable suspension setup and carbon-ceramic front brakes, not to mention a host of aesthetic upgrades.

Q: When does the 2018 Audi RS 5 go on sale?

A: The RS 5 is already on sale at U.S. dealerships.

Read our review here: https://www.edmunds.com/car-news/first-impressions/2018-audi-rs-5-first-drive.html

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