This is indeed surprising, for those who didn't knew much about Audi's performance models, unlike BMW's M division, which currently offers M3, M5, M6, Z4M and a rumored X6M; Audi had the TT-S, S3, S4, S5, S6 and S8; but these are unlike BMW's M division models, where it's an all-out hardcore stable filled with horses, these are tuned in-house and serves more like the top of the range. Audi's answer to M division, are more likely the RS models, tuned and modified extensively by Quattro GmBh, Audi's sports division. While using identical engines as the S models, plenty was done to the internals and chassis as well, hence there's a vast difference in power output and outright capabilities, such as the S4 produces 354hp from the 4.2 ltr V8, the RS4 produces 420hp using the same engine. Now the S5, which uses the identical engine from S4, was long thought to be using the same tune levels of the RS4 when the RS5 arrives, but this move from Audi at the Ricardo test circuit in Valencia, Spain, might give new hope to Audi fans (or perhaps BMW and Merc detractors) when they unveiled 4 exclusive test models dubbed S5 Evo, producing 420hp. This fueled previous rumors of the RS5 might be given a go with what was powering the RS6 currently, a staggering 580hp 5.0ltr V10 Twin turbo engine that's massively capable given the original state's low-tune; for tuners such as B&B, ABT and MTM were all able to produce 700hp given a tweak on the ECU and an exhaust upgrade, pushing Audi's straight to the boundaries of those crazy Brabus Mercs. Indeed interesting, definitely mind bogglingly worth speculating, reporting and driving. Bring it on!Sourced: Autoblog via Infomotori
