Audi RS5 could get F1-inspired special editions in Australia

Hot on the heels of the launch of its first performance plug-in hybrid, Audi Australia says it's actively looking at opportunities to create special-edition models drawing upon the brand's history and current tie-ups with motorsport.

Speaking with CarExpert at the Australian media launch of the new Audi RS5 in Tasmania, head of product for the Ingolstadt marque's local division, Matthew Dale, said there are "some pretty special cars coming up".

"This car is early in its lifecycle, obviously, we're looking into those opportunities as as we speak. We we also have a range of Audi exclusive offers in terms of paints, but that gives us a very broad spectrum to create such a limited edition," Mr Dale said.

"We know with motorsport in general, history tells us [there are opportunities] – we've had a special-edition R8s in the past. We created one locally, a Neuberg edition, there are 10 lucky customers out there in the Australian market, they've got a specialised edition. We've seen sister brands within our Group as well really create some special moments around motorsport."

"I think I think that's where motorsport really comes into play with having special liveries, special details around vehicles for lifecycle... that really promotes a great opportunity for Audi in Australia to create something special for the Australian customer, and something that's unique and has a following as well, we do have a lot of examples of that," Mr Dale continued.

"We've got some examples coming up. I won't name anything yet, but there will be there'll be some pretty special cars coming up that have some individual naming for those VIP customers that have the opportunity to purchase them."

Since making its Australian debut at the Melbourne Formula 1 Grand Prix earlier this year, the Audi RS5 has been shown in two special liveries, one at the Miami Grand Prix and more recently at the Singapore Grand Prix, both one-off vehicles inspired by the livery of the Audi R26 F1 race car at each respective race.

Each livery has also commemorated a milestone. In Miami the special Titanium livery with Lava Red ring logos accompanied the launch of Audi Sport's F1 Pirelli Hot Laps support program, where a pair of RS5s are used to conduct hot laps around the track.

At this year's Singapore F1 Grand Prix, another special RS5 was shown in Titanium Silver Gray, which the brand says is "inspired by Singapore at night" and matched the alternate livery of the Audi Revolut F1 Team for the race.

Further, the one-off RS5 specification celebrated the market launch of the RS5 in Singapore "and other overseas markets", as well as the successful launch of Audi's first performance plug-in hybrid model.

The 2027 Audi RS5 Sedan and Avant are hitting Australian dealerships now, with prices starting from $179,900 and $182,900 before on-road costs, respectively.

Power comes from a 2.9-litre bi-turbo V6 paired with a plug-in hybrid system, with total system outputs of 470kW/825Nm. Zero to 100km/h takes a claimed 3.6 seconds, while fuel use is rated at a combined 4.2-4.4L/100km on the combined cycle.

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