MOTOR RIVALS

The new Audi S5 Coupé combines dramatic design with the performance of a sports car. Its newly developed, turbocharged V6 engine produces 260 kW (354 hp) and consumes just 7.3 liters of fuel per 100 km (32.2 US mpg). With an unladen weight of 1,615 kilograms (3,560.5 lb.), the car weighs 60 kilograms (132.3 lb.) less than the previous model. The precision-honed exterior design and the numerous S-specific details in the interior underscore the dynamic character of the Audi two-door sports coupé.

Audi equips the new S5 Coupé standard with LED headlights. The lower edge of the wide and flat Single frame extends much farther upward than in the previous model. The striking bumper is expressively shaped. At the front end, the new Audi S5 Coupé expresses its independence with additional sporty details, such as the S-specific radiator grille in matt twilight gray with double slats in matt aluminum silver. When viewed from the side, the new Audi S5 Coupé exhibits a characteristic, wave-shaped shoulder line. The rear end sports slim LED rear lights with dynamic turn signals. A distinctive spoiler in the body color on the luggage compartment lid improves the aerodynamics.

Powertrain

The completely redesigned, turbocharged 3.0 TFSI engine for the Audi S5 Coupé offers powerful performance. From its 2,995 cc of displacement, the V6 TFSI produces 260 kW (354 hp), which is 15 kW (21 hp) more than the previous engine. A constant 500 Nm (368.8 lb-ft) (plus 60 Nm/44.3 lb-ft) of torque is available from a low 1,370 all the way to 4,500 rpm. In the NEDC, the new 3.0 TFSI in the S5 Coupé consumes just 7.3 liters per 100 kilometers (32.2 US mpg). Fuel consumption has dropped by five percent compared with the predecessor engine. The turbocharger is located within the 90-degree V of the cylinder banks. It normally sits on the outside next to the crankcase. From 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) takes 4.7 seconds.

The drivetrain of the Audi S5 Coupé has also been completely updated. This also applies to the smooth, rapid and spontaneously shifting, eight-speed tiptronic. The layout of its gear sets and shifting elements results in low drag torques and thereby to a high efficiency level. The driver can select the D, S or E mode and can use shift paddles on the steering wheel for manual gear changes. As soon as the driver lifts off the accelerator at speeds between 55 and 160 km/h (34.2 and 99.4 mph), the transmission begins freewheeling mode if this will save fuel (exception: Mode S).

The Quattro permanent all-wheel drive system with its asymmetrically dynamic layout makes a major contribution toward sporty and stable handling of the new Audi S5 Coupé. During normal driving, its all-mechanical center differential directs 60 percent of the torque to the rear axle and 40 percent to the front. Wheel-selective torque control - an intelligent software function - complements the work of the Quattro drive system. In dynamic cornering, it applies minimal brake interventions at the wheels on the inside of the curve before they begin to spin. The optional sport differential provides for even more dynamic response when steering and accelerating. It distributes torque between the rear wheels via two superposition gears.

Chassis

As an alternative to the standard S sport suspension with highly sensitive monotube shock absorbers, Audi also offers a version with S-specific damper control for the new S5 Coupé. The variable S sport suspension works with newly developed CDC dampers (CDC = continuous damping control) with electromagnetically actuated valves in their pistons.

The brakes are dimensioned to be large. At the front wheels, the internally-vented discs are 350 mm (13.8 in) in diameter. They are gripped by black (or optionally red) painted six-piston fixed calipers with rhombus S logos. Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC) operates even more precisely and sensitively than in the previous model. The driver can choose to deactivate it partially or entirely over two stages.

The new S5 Coupé comes standard with 18-inch wheels in a five-spoke start design. The 245/40-series tires weigh less than 12 kilograms (26.5 lb.). A number of 19-inch wheels are available as options.

Technology

One highlight is the optional Audi virtual cockpit. It displays all key information in razor-sharp graphics on its 12.3-inch monitor. In the new MMI operating system, the flat menu structure is based on that of today's smartphones, including intelligent free-text search. MMI navigation plus with MMI touch and an 8.3-inch monitor top the infotainment range. MMI touch has a touchpad for zooming and scrolling and for entering characters. The system includes the Audi connect hardware component, which connects the new Audi S5 Coupé to the Internet via LTE. Passengers can freely surf and email with their mobile devices thanks to the integrated Wi-Fi hotspot with optional data packages. The driver can use the diverse online services from the Audi connect portfolio.

The optional Audi phone box with wireless charging connects smartphones to the on-board antenna via near-field coupling and simultaneously charges them inductively according to the Qi standard. The Audi smartphone interface brings Apple Car Play and Android Auto into the car. For discerning hi-fi fans, the Bang & Olufsen Sound System with new 3D sound is available.

Safety

The new Audi S5 Coupé is at the front of its segment with a wide range of driver assistance systems. The systems come from the full-size class; their intelligent interplay represents another step on the road to piloted driving. Audi offers the same systems for the S5 Coupé as for the A5 Coupé.

The aggressive new Lexus RC F coupe has been designed for optimum high speed stability to support the most powerful V8 performance car ever developed by Lexus. It is the second generation V8 F model from Lexus, intended to evoke the best of tuning and technology from the flagship V10 LFA supercar (of which just 500 were manufactured). 'F' - for 'Fuji Speedway" where much of Lexus' high speed development occurs - has become its pinnacle sports brand, adding greater depth to the entire model range on three elements of "Fun": response, continuous acceleration feeling, and sound that engages with and excites the driver. Resolutely powerful design interpretations - both cosmetic and dynamic - distinguish RC F from the RC on which it is based.

To complement its higher horsepower delivery RC F has a far more comprehensive aerodynamic package, including an active rear wing, a purpose-designed brake and suspension system, wider wheels and tires and unique styling which is functional as well as startling. The Lexus signature spindle grille flows to a unique aerodynamic treatment across the hood and features a graduated mesh pattern. Cooling ducts within the RC F grille are sandwiched by oil coolers. At the rear of the front wing, a large L-shaped cooling outlet creates a major design expression of dynamism while performing an essential cooling and aerodynamic function. RC F's hood is raised to accommodate and emphasize the V8 engine and a meshed scoop in its center provides additional aerodynamics, and cooling. A continuous flow from the hood and front wing through to the belt line emphasizes the crouching nature of the design and contributes to air flow. A carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) kit, developed for the LFA and IS F CCS-R race car, adds an aggressive dimension while saving weight.

Powertrain

The new RC F coupe has Lexus' most powerful V8 engine, with 12% more power than the IS F engine on which it is based. All-new cylinder heads and lighter moving parts have increased the maximum power of the 5.0-litre 32-valve engine by 54PS (40kW) to 477PS (351kW), with maximum revolutions increased from 6800 to 7300rpm. The majority of the engine parts are new. Special features of the RC F engine include titanium valves, forged connecting rods, an optimized exhaust layout to more effectively harness exhaust pulses and an air-cooled oil cooler for optimum durability. Uniquely for a Lexus performance engine, the new 2UR-GSE engine adopts the Atkinson cycle to deliver enhanced fuel economy. In cruising condition, fuel economy of the RC F is comparable to a 4.2-litre engine at maximum.

The RC F coupe has an improved 8-speed Sports Direct Shift (SPDS) transmission. It has five driver-selectable modes - ECO, NORMAL, SPORT S, SPORT S+, and M mode. Up changes are made in just 0.1 of a second at minimum case in M Mode, with the transmission's throttle blipping control matching the engine speed to the gear. The transmission SPORT S mode will automatically downshift during hard braking for a corner, hold a lower gear through the corner for greater control.

Lexus RC F has a Torsen Limited Slip Differential (LSD) as standard equipment. Lexus RC F can also be optionally equipped with a Torque Vectoring Differential (TVD). It is the world's first torque-transfer type torque-vectoring system for a front-engine/rear-drive vehicle. The electronically controlled Lexus TVD optimally distributes torque to each rear wheel regardless of whether the accelerator is pressed or not.

Chassis

Seventy percent of RC F's suspension hardware is different from RC's. The new RC F has all-coil suspension, with double wishbones at the front and a multi-link suspension at the rear. At the rear, the suspension geometry has been optimized exclusively for the RC F. Top-level body rigidity was a priority in RC F, in order to provide a stable platform for the suspension and to optimize agility. RC F adds unique fit-for-purpose suspension, brakes steering, wheels and a unique Torque Vectoring Differential (TVD), which is an industry-first application in a front-engine/rear-drive vehicle.

RC F's electronic power-assisted rack and pinion steering has been designed to achieve excellent dynamic performance and steering feel. Lexus RC F has an all-new brake package with new ventilated front brake rotors are slotted rather than drilled, with six-piston opposed calipers. The rear brakes have four-piston opposed calipers.

RC F has 19-inch forged aluminum wheels with 255/35 R19 front and 275/35 R19 rear tires, compared with 225/40 front and 255/35 rear tires on IS F for increased grip. High camber angles and toe-angle rigidity further improves cornering power and reduces the required steering angle.

Technology

Lexus has developed a new Remote Touch Interface (RTI) for its sports coupe models as part of the cockpit 'operation zone' in the center console. New touch-operation offers the enhanced convenience touch-phone users will love, such as flick/pinch operations. The driver can use the RTI to select the audio, navigation or system information displayed on the center screen without looking down while driving.

The RC F incorporates an Active Sound Control (ASC) which delivers enhanced exhaust, intake and mechanical sounds within the cabin. RC F can be equipped with a compact 17-speaker 835W Mark Levinson system featuring the new Clari-Fi technology. A 10-speaker Pioneer system, developed by Lexus, also has protocols intended to reduce the limitations of MP3 reproduction.

Safety

Lexus RC F has eight SRS airbags, including a dual-stage driver's airbag, dual-stage and dual-chamber front passenger airbag, driver's and front passenger's knee airbags, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain-shield airbags. The side-curtain airbag size has been enlarged for increased side-collision compatibility. RC F is equipped with the following electronic active safety features: Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Auto High Beam, Hill-start Assist Control, Back guide camera and Auto Location Tire Pressure Warning System (AL-TPWS).