Audi RS5 Beats R8 Power
Audi's new RS5 now boasts more horsepower than the legendary R8 supercar. The 2027 RS5 is Audi's first plug-in hybrid RS model, pairing electrification with classic performance DNA but adding a 1,000-pound weight penalty for the electric power.
The new RS5's horsepower crown comes from a sophisticated plug-in hybrid system, a first for an Audi RS model. It pairs a twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 engine with a 174-hp electric motor, creating a combined output of 630 horsepower and a massive 609 pound-feet of torque. This complex powertrain allows for up to 50 miles of electric-only driving. This shift in technology represents a significant departure from the R8's celebrated powertrain. The final and most powerful version of the R8, the GT RWD, utilized a naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V10 engine, a beloved hallmark of the supercar known for its high-revving character and distinctive sound. That V10 produced 602 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque, all sent to the rear wheels. The electric power in the RS5 comes with a significant weight penalty. The new model tips the scales at a hefty 5,200 pounds, a substantial increase of over 1,000 pounds compared to its non-hybrid predecessor. This makes it considerably heavier than the R8 GT, which weighed in at a comparatively lean 3,461 pounds. Despite the added mass, the RS5's performance is estimated to be staggeringly close to the R8 supercar's. The instant torque from the electric motor helps launch the heavy sedan with immense force. Audi claims a 0-62 mph time of 3.6 seconds, though some estimates suggest it could be as quick as 3.2 seconds. For comparison, the final edition R8 GT RWD could sprint from 0-60 mph in a manufacturer-claimed 3.3 seconds. The all-wheel-drive R8 V10 Performance quattro was even quicker, capable of a blistering 3.1-second run to 60 mph. This puts the new hybrid family car in the same league as Audi's dedicated, and now discontinued, two-seat supercar.
