Happenings

Audi's M3 Contender Gets a Facelift

BY Joel Tam

The Audi RS5 Coupé has gone under the knife to update its looks. No hike in power or anything else much though...

Still running its high revving 4.2-liter FSI engine, the natural breathing V8 generates 450 bhp, which is capable of launching the Audi RS5 Coupé from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds - just about as fast as its younger sibling, the RS3.

Main changes are to the looks. Aside from the beveled upper corners of the grille, the new wedge-shaped headlights are the main elements that lend it a fresher face. Though I'm not sure if it suits the menacing nature of the car?

New Audis have narrow LED strips for the daytime running lights, instead of the multiple bulbs that everyone else has by now. These utilize xenon plus technology, and that includes the taillights and the rear bumper.

Interior updates include the leather-wrapped RS5 multifunction sport steering wheel with the ring flattened at the bottom, redesigned controls, the ignition key, the knob of the gear selector lever, the steering column stalks and the buttons for Audi drive select and the optional MMI navigation plus.

The interior is dark and sinister with everything finished in dark shades. The standard inlays are carbon, with aluminum, Piano finish or stainless steel mesh will likely be available as options.