At Audi, employees live by a German phrase known as "Kundenbegeisterung." Loosely translated as "customer enthusiasm," what you're about to read is an unbelievable example of this corporate mantra. Long-time Audi owner, Joshua Smith (known as "audi_s5" on the A5OC.com forums) recently visited the Chicago Auto Show for an up-close look at the new RS5 before placing an order. Much to Joshua's dismay however—after traveling 3 hours from Wisconsin—Audi's show staff "refused" to open the car or allow him to get a closer look. In an effort to explain his experience and possible decision not to buy the car, Joshua decided to write a letter to Audi of America President, Johan de Nysschen; whose response was nothing short of extraordinary.
Rather than paraphrase the correspondence, we've attached Joshua's original letter and Mr. de Nysschen's reply below.
"Mr. Johan de Nysschen,
I am the proud owner of an Audi S5, A6, and A3 and recently drove to the Chicago Auto Show to see the unveiling of the Audi RS5 to North America.
I am writing this short email to make you aware of my experience at the auto show. I asked an Audi representative if he could open up the RS5 as I was interested in ordering a 2013 model this summer. He refused to open the car or even allow me to get a closer look at the features of the car. I expect this does not meet your expectations.
In the BMW booth at the show I spent over 30 minutes with a BMW representative who showed me the M3 and the all new M5, which was also closed to the majority of the public.
The main reason for my drive to Chicago from Neenah WI (3 hour drive) was to see and discuss the possibility of ordering the RS5. I am an active member and participant of the Chicago Audi Club in Illinois and Badger Audi Club in Wisconsin.
I am not sure based on my experience if I am going to place an order. How can I expect to spend 90k without the ability to sit in the seat, or open the hood? (The car in the show featured carbon ceramic brakes. If this is an available option in the US, thank you!) A sincere thanks for all you do from a true Audi enthusiast.
Sincerely,
Joshua Smith"
And Mr. de Nysschen's response:
"Dear Mr Smith,
I regret to learn of your unfavorable experience at the Audi Stand during the Chicago Auto Show.
I can understand your disappointment. Not to offer excuses but to shed some light on the matter, I would like to offer some additional background explanation.
The RS 5 on our exhibit is a pre-production car. The number of RS 5 units currently available worldwide is very limited and thus for the US we only have one car available for the entire Auto Show season. The same car is therefore displayed at about 10 Auto Shows across the US. Since it is a pre-production prototype it is difficult to obtain replacement parts in the event that something is damaged. You will be astonished at what people do to cars at these shows.
From experience we know that when left open a car is not presentable anymore after 2-3 Auto shows. Therefore our Auto show staff are instructed to exercise great caution with these specific cars.
Nevertheless, the cars are to be experienced and thus our staff are also instructed to offer interested attendees to return to the stand at a less crowded time to receive a full walk-around of the car. ( You can imagine that once a highlight car is opened on a crowded floor, it becomes impossible to control access thereafter).
I apologize that this clearly was not offered to you when you were at the stand.
One of my team members will contact you shortly to arrange a private viewing of the RS5 for you. We will be pleased to truck the car to your home so that you can take a close look at this stunning driving machine. The car will be in Chicago until March 9th when it will be moved to the next Auto Show.
I hope this will meet with your acceptance.
Best Regards
Johan de Nysschen
President
Audi of America, Inc"
Now here's the kicker. Not only did Audi of America send Joshua the only RS5 show car in North America, they decided to pack an S6, S7, S8 and Euro-spec A8 3.0T along for the ride. All delivered via tractor trailer, direct to his doorstep.
As for Joshua's decision of buying the RS5? Here's what his forum post had to say.
"Wow!! By far the best example of customer service and experience. This is the reason why I currently own three Audi's (actually have owned six audi's [sic] in the past 7 years) and will be placing my order. Words can't begin to describe it!"
What's more, this is not the first time the Audi of America boss went out of his way to make a customer happy. Long time readers of this blog may remember a story titled Audi goes above and beyond to help long-waiting S4 buyer, in which Mr. de Nysschen personally arranged for a dissatisfied S4 buyer to receive a complimentary S4 loaner for six months, whilst waiting for his car to be built.
Needless to say, Mr. de Nysschen's devotion to Audi customer satisfaction is beyond exemplary. In an age of endless voice mail loops and canned email responses, stories like this are a pleasant reminder that the brand we all care so deeply for, cares just as deeply for us.
Souce: A5OC.com via QuattroWorld
.
Road Tests
Featured Posts
Featured Categories
Connect
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
After disappointing auto show visit, Audi USA ships RS5, S6, S7 and S8 to customer's doorstep
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Video: Audi A1 quattro and RS5 snow/ice driving footage
As part of the A1 quattro's official press launch, Audi invited European journalists to a frozen lake in Jarpen, Sweden to have a go in the most potent version of the brand's smallest car. With 256 horsepower on tap to all four wheels, the result is a mini drift monster that looks like tons of fun on the snow and ice. We realize that we just posted a similar video of an R8 V10 on a different frozen Swedish lake earlier, but we doubt many of you will mind a little more winter hooning to cap off your day. Videos after the jump.
And as bonus, Audi also provided us with some great footage of the RS5 from the same event (seen below).
Source: Audi AG via our YouTube channel
Monday, February 13, 2012
Video: 2013 Audi RS5 desert driving footage
With U.S. sales slated to begin this summer, we're getting very excited for the arrival of the new Audi RS5. And to whet our appetites even further, Audi has just released this new driving footage of the RS5 being put through its paces on a lonely road in, what looks like, Nevada's Valley of Fire State Park. You'll want to turn up your speakers a bit for this. Video after the jump.
Source: Audi AG via our YouTube channel
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Video: Audi Exclusive RS5 takes a page from Aston Martin color palette
Those of you with your finger harder pressed to the four-ringed pulse than others know by now that thanks to the Audi Exclusive program, one can paint their Audi just about any color their heart desires (for a price of course). While most colors are pulled from the past and present VAG/Porsche palette, some customers have been known to intermingle marques. Case in point is this stunning Audi RS5 from the Netherlands; the only of its kind, painted the famous Aston Martin shade of "Almond Green." Video after the jump.
Check out the full photo gallery and story (Dutch language) at Autogespot
Source: Autogespot (YouTube)
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Video: Fifth Gear pits Audi RS5 vs. Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG
On the latest episode of Fifth Gear, the British motoring program takes an opportunity to pit the Audi RS5 against one of its most challenging rivals - the Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG. On paper, the Mercedes shows a mild advantage in the power department; producing 451-bhp versus the RS5's 444. However, despite its shortcomings in horsepower, a damp track gives the quattro-driven RS5 a clear advantage over the tail-happy Merc.
Source: Fifth Gear via YouTube
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
New patent drawings signal Audi RS5 Cabriolet is coming soon
The super-sleuths over at Carscoop published a set of renderings reported to be obtained from a recent patent application by Audi for the new RS5 Cabriolet. We've long assumed Audi would eventually release a drop-top version of the RS5 and these photos (complete with new facelift) seem to take the guess-work out of the equation. When will we see it? We imagine Geneva would set a great stage for an official debut, although that's just a hunch. As always, we'll post more information as it hits our desks.
Head over to Carscoop for more information and full photo gallery.
Monday, September 12, 2011
2013 Audi RS5 facelift revealed
Following in-step with the A5/S5's new facelift, Audi has now revealed the slightly refreshed 2013 RS5. As you can see, the RS5 shares the same new headlight and grille design as the A5 and S5. Unlike its less-potent counterparts however, the RS5's upgrades for 2013 are aesthetic only; keeping the same high-revving, 450-hp, 4.2-liter V8 under the hood. U.S. and Canadian readers take note, this is the car that will be gracing our showrooms next summer. Full press release, photo gallery and video after the jump.
Press Release:
The Audi RS 5
Ingolstadt, 2011-09-12 - The RS 5 Coupé is the star athlete of the A5 family. It offers the power and handling of a powerful sports car packaged in the body of an alluringly elegant coupe. The design has now gained several new, sharp accents, with numerous features that characterize the other A5 models also making their way to the RS 5.
The Audi RS 5 Coupé uses a high-revving, normally aspirated V8 displacing 4,163 cc. This engine is closely related to the V10 that powers the R8 high-performance sports car. The 4.2 FSI delivers 331 kW (450 hp) at 8,250 rpm, with the peak torque of 430 Nm (317.15 lb-ft) available between 4,000 and 6,000 rpm. The engine has a specific output of 108.1 hp per liter of displacement. The potent response, the eager revving and the rich, melodious sound mark the V8 as a thoroughbred racing engine.
Hand-built at the plant in Györ, Hungary, the 4.2 FSI launches the Coupé from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 4.6 seconds. Audi will increase the electronically governed top speed from 250 to 280 km/h (155.34 to 173.98 mph) upon request. Thanks to the combination of technologies from the Audi modular efficiency platform, which also includes a recuperation system, the high-tech V8 consumes significantly less fuel on average than its direct competitors.
With its high efficiency and its long top gear, the standard seven-speed S tronic also contributes to the good fuel economy. Drivers can let the lightning-fast dual-clutch transmission shift automatically or change gears themselves using the selector lever or with paddles on the steering wheel. The integrated launch control program provides for rocket-like starts by managing the engagement of the clutch at mid-level revs.
High end: quattro with crown-gear differential
Like all RS models, the RS 5 Coupé also applies its power to the road with quattro permanent all-wheel drive. The crown-gear center differential at its heart is compact and lightweight. It can vary the distribution of torque between the front and rear axles lightning-fast and over a wide range, with up to 70 percent flowing to the front or as much as 85 percent to the rear, as necessary. The default 40:60 ratio of the rear-biased configuration ensures sporty handling.
The crown-gear center differential works together with the torque vectoring system, which acts on all four wheels. If the load on the inside wheel is reduced too much while the car is being driven dynamically, that wheel is braked slightly before it can begin to slip. Audi offers the sport differential as a complementary option that actively distributes the power between the rear wheels via two superposition stages.
Precise and stable: the chassis
The chassis of the RS 5 Coupé unites fast and precise turn-in, high cornering speeds and supreme stability. Most of the components of the five-link front suspension and the self-tracking trapezoidal-link rear suspension are made of aluminum. The new speed-dependent power steering is an electromechanical system with a direct steering ratio for highly precise road feel. It supports the driver with slight steering corrections when braking on surfaces with different amounts of grip. Because the power steering draws no energy when driving straight ahead, it helps to enhance efficiency.
The taut setup lowers the body by 20 millimeters (0.79 in) compared with the Audi A5. Newly designed, 19-inch forged aluminum wheels with 265/35-series tires are standard; 20-inch wheels with 275/30-series tires are available as an option for the high-performance coupe.
The brake system of the RS Coupé features large, internally ventilated wave brake discs, with the front discs measuring 365 millimeters (14.37 in) in diameter. The steel friction rings with their wave-like outer contour are perforated and connected to the aluminum brake caps via pins. This direct structure reduces tensions, quickly dissipates the heat and prevents the transmission of temperature peaks. Moreover, the redesigned shape of the friction rings results in three kilograms (6.61 lb) of weight being saved in total, thus improving the balance of unsprung masses.
The calipers are painted high-gloss black; the front calipers have eight pistons each. The RS 5 can be optionally equipped with carbon fiber-ceramic discs up front. The electronic stabilization program (ESP) integrates a sport mode and can be switched off entirely.
Upon request, Audi equips the RS 5 with a particularly dynamic damping technology – the sport suspension plus with DRC dynamic ride control. The diagonally opposed pairs of shock absorbers are linked by hydraulic lines and a central valve. During fast cornering, the system intensifies the stabilization of the front outside wheel. The sport suspension plus features a three-stage, variable damping characteristic.
The Audi drive select driving dynamics system comes standard with the RS 5 Coupé. This system allows the driver to select between three modes – comfort, auto and dynamic – for the characteristics of the steering, the seven-speed S tronic and the accelerator. And if the car is equipped with an Audi MMI navigation system, there is also a fourth mode – individual – which can be configured by the driver. Audi drive select can also modulate the sound of the exhaust system, double-clutching when downshifting in dynamic mode.
Dynamic steering is another module available for Audi drive select beside the sport differential and the damping characteristic in the sport suspension plus. It uses a superposition gear to vary the steering ratio by nearly 100 percent as a function of speed and countersteers slightly at the cornering limit.
Unmistakable: The design
The RS 5 Coupé has an athletic road stance, and its classically elegant two-door lines dazzle with clear-cut accents. The new single-frame grille with beveled upper corners features a high-gloss, anthracite gray honeycomb structure and a matt aluminum-look frame. The standard xenon plus headlights are framed by narrow strips of LED daytime running lights. The air flows through large openings embedded in a distinctive bumper featuring a splitter edge like on a racing car. Sharper edges make the engine hood appear more three-dimensional so that the RS 5 looks even lower and wider when viewed from the front.
The flared aluminum front fenders and the rear side elements with the sharp horizontal upper edges are reminiscent of two classic Audi models from the 1980s – the all-wheel drive pioneer Audi quattro and the Sport quattro. The side sills sport chiseled caps; the trim strips and the side mirror housings have a matt aluminum-look finish.
The tail end is dominated by the two oval exhaust pipes of the dual exhaust system, which are integrated into the redesigned bumper. Audi also offers a sport exhaust system with a more voluminous sound and black exhaust tip bezels. The LED rear lights are also new and feature continuous light strips. The large diffuser extends far upward, and the spoiler in the rear hatch extends automatically at 120 km/h (74.56 mph).
The extensively clad underbody integrates air vents for the seven-speed S tronic and the front brakes. Thanks to its advanced aerodynamics, the RS 5 Coupé generates downforce at high speed to further enhance stability.
The dynamic looks alter the dimensions slightly. The RS 5 Coupé is 23 millimeters (0.91 in) longer and six millimeters (0.24 in) wider than the A5 Coupé, but six millimeters (0.24 in) lower. Eight exterior colors are available, from solid, metallic and pearl effect finishes to a specially pigmented crystal effect paint.
Dynamic elegance: The interior
The vehicle’s dynamically elegant styling also extends to the interior. The standard sport seats with integrated headrests are power adjustable and covered in a combination of black leather and Alcantara. Audi also offers seat upholstery in Fine Nappa leather in a choice of black or lunar silver, both subtly accented with rock gray piping. Other options include bucket seats with folding backrests or comfortable, climate-controlled comfort seats with a ventilation function. The interior is bathed in black, with narrow chrome clasps at the switches and control elements providing delicate accents. Inlays are available in a choice of carbon, brushed or etched aluminum, a high-gloss piano finish or a light-colored stainless steel mesh.
The new leather multifunction sport steering wheel with its thick rim is flattened at the bottom and features a new, even easier control concept. The ignition key and the shift lever knob have also been redesigned. Even the steering column stalks have been updated. The instruments have black gauges and white lettering with special scaling. When the ignition is turned, the red needles of the speedometer and tachometer run quickly up to the limit before returning to zero for a touch of sporty flair. Typical of all RS vehicles, the door openers are two delicate bars.
The driver information system with color display includes an RS menu with a lap timer and an oil thermometer. It displays a special RS welcome screen when the car is started. A piano-finish fascia in the instrument panel frames the instrument cluster. The pedals, the footrest and the buttons of the optional MMI navigation systems shine in an aluminum-look finish. Aluminum inserts adorn the door sill trims, which are accentuated with RS 5 badges.
Audi also offers numerous exclusive features for the interior. A carbon design package is available for the engine compartment, as are a variety of styling packages for the body in black or matt aluminum look. A broad range of high-performance assistance and communication systems round out the optional extras program. Among these are adaptive cruise control, Audi side assist, adaptive light, MMI navigation plus, the Bluetooth online car phone and the Bang & Olufsen sound system.
The equipment, data and prices specified in this document refer to the model range offered in Germany. Subject to change without notice; errors and omissions excepted.
Source: Audi AG
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Rendered: 2013 Audi RS5 facelift
Following the reveal of the Audi A5/S5's new facelift, automotive manipulator Theophilus Chin now offers a glimpse of what to expect from next year's RS5. Considering Chin used the A5/S5's new press shots as a base line for his rendering, we imagine the upcoming, facelifted RS5 (also coming to North America) will look almost exactly like the photo shown above.
Source: TheophilusChin.com
Monday, July 11, 2011
Audi RS5 in Imola Yellow
Made famous by the iconic B5-bodied S4 and RS4, Imola Yellow ranks quite high on our list of all-time favorite Audi colors. Although the shade has since been retired from Audi's standard color pallet, it lives on via the Audi Exclusive program. Leading us to this RS5 we stumbled upon on eBay. Listed for sale in England for £70,070, this 2011 Audi RS5 is from what we've seen, the first and quite possibly only Imola Yellow RS5 in the UK (if not the world).
Check out the original listing on eBay for more pictures and info.
Source: eBay (UK)
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Video: Top Gear tests Audi RS5 vs. BMW M3 Competition Package
While watching the latest episode of Top Gear, we were ecstatic to see - halfway through Jeremy Clarkson's test of the BMW M3 Competition Package - the first sight of four rings in Season 16. Our enthusiasm was twofold; not only have we been dying to hear what Clarkson had to say about the Audi RS5, we were also very anxious to learn both car's Stig-driven lap times. After watching and reading numerous RS5 vs. M3 comparisons however, we can't say we were too surprised by the result.
Like nearly all of Top Gear's tests, the "winner" of Sunday's M3/RS5 match-up chiefly revolves around one factor: which car is fastest around the track. In this case, that would be the M3. Noting the damp conditions though, we were surprised by the full second gap in lap times (a factor that should have given the quattro-driven RS5 an advantage). We imagine if the track was wetter (or better yet, if there was some snow involved) the outcome would have been very different.
So, if you're looking for the faster car around a track and live in a moderate climate (or can afford a second car to drive in the winter), the M3 is a very valid choice. However, for those not as concerned about lap times and want a car almost as fast that can be driven year-round, the RS5 is our answer. Furthermore, despite this blog's obvious bias, we think the RS5 is far better looking.
via YouTube
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Quattros in the Snow: New photos of Audi RS3, A7, RS5 and more
In addition to the reveal of the new A1 quattro, Audi has released today a photo gallery that we can only describe as a quattroholic's ultimate winter wonderland. Included in the set are new photos of the RS3 Sportback (in Daytona Grey), A1 quattro, A7, RS5, S4, TT RS and Ur-quattro rally cars. All set to a snowy backdrop near the Mont-Tremblant resort outside of Montreal, Canada.
We find the choice of Canadian location (and conspicuous Ontario license plates) to display a number of vehicles not currently available in North America, quite odd. While the A7, RS5 and TT RS all have a green-light for future sale in the US and Canada, we hope the inclusion of the RS3 and A1 quattro to this photo shoot could foreshadow future availability (fingers crossed).
RS3 Sportback:
A1 quattro (Click here for more info):
A7:
RS5:
TT RS:
S4:
Ur-quattro/Sport quattro:
Audi tagged each photo "Fascination quattro Montreal 2011-01-07/09." Whether or not all of these models will be available at next weekend's Fascination quattro winter driving event is not yet known. For more information on Fascination quattro, please visit fascinationquattro.com.
UPDATE: This lineup was put together as a PR event for "select" members of the press. Apparently, various UK and European journalists were able to get behind the wheel of the RS3 last weekend. North American journalists (not us, unfortunately) are heading to Montreal this weekend for the same opportunity. As far as we know, goodies such as the RS3 will not be available as part of the public event.
Source: Audi
