Audi has officially unveiled the new RS 5, featuring a plug-in hybrid powertrain that has sparked debate over its weight, mirroring discussions surrounding the similarly hefty BMW M5. A test of the BMW M5 G90 can be found here. The latest generation represents a significant weight increase, exceeding 500-600 kilograms; the Avant (wagon) version now has a curb weight of 2,370 kilograms. This makes the performance model heavier than a V8-powered Ford F-150 pickup or the larger, non-electrified RS 6 Avant.
Audi engineers attribute the substantial weight gain to the benefits of the complex hybrid system and the increased dimensions of the vehicle. The 25.9 kWh battery pack and integrated electric motor enable all-electric driving (with a range of up to 87 km), while the combined system output is 639 horsepower and 825 Nm (608 lb-ft) of torque. The manufacturer asserts that the added weight is more than offset by the substantial power and a more advanced all-wheel-drive system.
To maintain dynamic performance, Audi has implemented an active rear differential capable of torque vectoring and a specialized RS suspension. Engineers claim these features virtually eliminate the tendency to understeer, a characteristic historically associated with high-performance Audis. According to Audi Sport, the new RS 5 is more agile and precisely controllable than its predecessor, despite managing a significantly higher mass.
The current market trend shows that tightening emissions standards and consumer demand are driving this increase in vehicle weight. While the direct competitor, the BMW M3, remains considerably lighter, the Mercedes-AMG C63 is similarly grappling with similar weight issues stemming from its hybridization. The case of the Audi RS 5 highlights a dilemma facing modern sports cars: sacrificing the classic, lightweight construction in favor of raw power and technological superiority in the pursuit of sustainability and digital luxury.
Cikk referenciák
