FWIW, I saw a 2009 CTS-V sedan in my local dealer. It was marked up to $71k+. I'd imagine the coupe will get marked up even more when it arrives. While the cheapest Camaro I've seen in these parts was only marked up $5k over MSRP; $12k over is more the norm. With GM dealers shooting themselves in the foot with mark ups on enthusiast cars like the CTS-V, Camaro and Corvette, its pretty darn obvious why buyers might look at foreign marques.

If the RS5 comes in somewhere in the mid $50k range, I'd have only my GM loyalty keeping me from considering the Audi. BTW, what has GM done for me lately anyway?

 

The S5 is one of my favorite cars on the road today. And that just takes it up to another level. I sat in one and loved the interior. If I were in the market for that kind of car I wouldn't even look at the M3 or AMG C63.

 

The A5 is a coupe version of the A4. Therefore, I think it's reasonable to take the A4/S4/RS4 performance and pricing differences and assume that they correspond to those of the A5/S5/RS5.

A4: $31,450, 211 hp, 258 lb-ft
S4: $45,900, 333hp, 325 lb-ft
RS4: $66,910, 414hp, 317 lb-ft (from 2008, that's the last year they built an RS4)

A5: $36,000, 211 hp, 258 lb-ft
S5: $52,400, 354hp, 325 lb-ft

Based on that, I think it's reasonable to expect the RS5 to come in at around 70-75k base, with 450-500hp. I wouldn't be surprised to see a variation on the Audi R8's 500hp V10 under the hood.

My guess is that it would be a lot closer than you think, especially in the handling department. It will almost certainly have all-wheel-drive.

Drive a couple hours from home and you'll find much more reasonable prices on cars. The difference will more than cover your travel expenses.

 

Base coat plus matte clear coat.

 

I don't like how the hard crease at the top of the door just suddenly stops and the rear quarter has a soft curve. I think I'd like it better if the crease carried back through the quarter a bit.

 

Good eye Shock, I see what you mean it almost looks like it has the wrong door on it.

 

I actually prefer the restrained/subdued looks when it comes to cars in that class. The cts coupe (going off the concept) is too loud imo which is ok in cheaper cars and exotics, but a little out of place among performance luxury sedans and coupes. The Cts coupe concept bordered on garish. Hopefully the production version will tone things down a bit in the styling department.

 

It will for sure, there is no question about it. It's either FWD or AWD. And no S-variant or RS-variant will have FWD.

 

edit: scrap this.

It's probably a hint at how the refreshed A5 will look. The current one is a little bland, the updated one will probably have the crease.

 

It's the production A5 door which does have a cut line but that RS5 test car has flared front and rear quarter panels so I'd expect the cut line to be added to the production RS5 body.

 

I love the A5 and I have a soft spot for black primered cars.

 

I'd take a Jaguar XFR over any of the competitors.

It could be the best looking super sedan/4 door coupe thing ever.

 

On the blue photos that line continues. Looks really odd if it just stopped....