SPIED: Audi RS5 Sportback facelift – more firepower?

Shortly after a prototype of the 2020 Audi A5 Sportback was spotted, our spy photographers caught wind of the RS5 Sportback facelift, and its mild camouflaging tells us that an official unveiling will take place soon.

Before we get down to the nitty gritty, the RS5 Sportback is powered by a 2.9 litre twin-turbo TFSI V6 engine, producing 450 hp and 600 Nm of torque. The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that channels drive to all four wheels via a quattro permanent all-wheel drive system (with a centre diff), enabling it to sprint from zero to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds.

For the facelift version, expect a slight bump in output, and perhaps the possibility of mild electrical aid, either through a 12-volt or 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The quattro AWD system should remain the same – in normal driving, torque delivery is split 40:60 front-to-rear for more dynamic handling, but the system can send up to 85% of torque to the front axle and 70% to the rear if it senses slip. An optional sport differential provides rear torque vectoring.

On the visual side of things, this RS5 Sportback facelift test mule clearly seems to be wearing a pair of revised headlights with new LED DRL graphics, and it’s likely going to be the actual production unit. The front bumper is new as well, whereas the rear gets similarly restyled with new tail lights and bumper.

The cabin will remain as a five-seater, although the bulk of the dashboard will be new. Items such as the brand new Audi virtual cockpit, updated infotainment display with Audi’s latest MMI system, as well as Qi wireless charging tray for compatible smartphones are expected here, much of which are already available in the A4 facelift.

Other goodies include RS-specific trims, badges, seats and upholstery material. Mechanically, it will get the standard RS5 suspension, though this can be upgraded to the RS sport suspension plus with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC). Carbon ceramic brakes and RS-specific dynamic steering should be available as well.

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