2017 Audi RS5 revealed with torquey twin-turbo V6

Audi has lifted the lid on its second-generation RS5 Coupe at the Geneva motor show, highlighted by an all-new 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 that will take the fight to the likes of the BMW M4 Conpetition and Mercedes-AMG C63 S Coupe.

The all-new model, which is expected to arrive in Australian showrooms by the end of the year, is packing 600Nm – a massive 170Nm torque bump over the previous generation's 4.2-litre naturally aspirated V8 – while power remains the same at 331kW.

To help achieve minimal lag and optimal airflow, the two turbochargers are mounted within the banks of the cylinders, while Audi promises greater driveability and torque available between 1900 rpm and 5000 rpm.

Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive set-up is used on the RS5 with a 40:60 front-rear torque split, and power is sent through an eight-speed automatic transmission.

What we definitely look to do – like we've done with a few of our other models – is to increase the amount of equipment in the car to offer additional value.

Kerb weight is down 60kg over the previous model to 1655kg, resulting in a 0-100km/h time reduction of 0.6 seconds to 3.9s, and top speed is as much as 280km/h when optioned with Audi's dynamic package.

Fuel consumption is claimed to be 8.7 litres per 100km, down from 10.5L/100km, while carbon emissions sit at 197 grams per km of CO2.

Compared with the RS5, the Mercedes-AMG C63 S can match acceleration and fuel economy, but does so with a more powerful 375kW/700Nm twin-turbo V8, while the BMW M4 Performance gets a similar 331kW/550Nm output from its twin-turbo 3.0-litre straight six, but is 0.1 seconds slower to 100km/h and drinks 0.1L/100km more petrol.

Exterior changes to the RS5 include a revised bodykit with updated grille, beefy front splitter, 19-inch wheels and pumped wheel arches from and rear.

From the back, a contrasting diffuser, rear lip spoiler and oval-shaped exhaust tips are stand outs.

Moving into the cabin, highlights include an Apple CarPlay and Android Auto-compatible infotainment system, virtual cockpit digital instrument cluster display, flat-bottomed sports steering wheel, head-up display, RS-branded sports seats and three selectable drive modes – individual, comfort and dynamic.

Included on the optional extras list are ceramic brakes, a rear-axle limited-slip differential, carbon-fibre roof, 20-inch wheels, diamond-stitched seats and an RS design package that gives the seatbelts, steering wheel and gear selector red highlights.

Speaking in Geneva, Audi Australia product communications manager Shaun Cleary said that local pricing and spec was yet to be confirmed, but the company was striving to include more kit in all of its new models.

"What we definitely look to do – like we've done with a few of our other models – is to increase the amount of equipment in the car to offer additional value," he said.

"Where the price moves is yet to be confirmed."

Currently, the RS5 retails from $157,226 before on-roads, while chopping the roof adds $20,00 for the cabriolet version.

Australia is a hugely successful RS5 market … we're definitely looking to capture a significant sports coupe market.

Mr Cleary said he was satisfied with the sales numbers put up by both the hard and soft-top versions of the RS5, but was hesitant to say whether volume would increase with the new generation.

"It was hugely successful in its first generation," he said. "In Australia, we sold almost 500 coupe and cabriolets, so yeah, we're really excited about the new car." he said.

"Obviously, Australia is a hugely successful RS5 market … we're definitely looking to capture a significant sports coupe market, but I think it's important that Audi Sport models are exclusive and that's part of the appeal as well."

Is Audi's new RS5 tempting enough to buy over a C63 S Coupe or M4 Competition? Tell us what you think in the comments below.