RS5 Sportback

Make
Audi
Segment
Sedan

Between now and 2020, Audi Sport will be launching five high performance RS models, bringing the total line-up to 16 cars. While nothing had been officially confirmed, we were fully expecting a new RS5 Sportback to be part of that line-up to rival the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe. Audi still hasn't made an official announcement, but during an interview with Autoshow Audi of America President Scott Keogh let it slip that the RS5 Sportback is on track for an American launch.

Like the RS5 Coupe, expect the souped-up Sportback to be powered by a 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine producing 444-hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, which will be sent to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic. Also expect an assortment of other RS goodies like beefier brakes, retuned suspension, and new wheels.

Intriguingly, Keogh also mentioned that the German performance division is also bringing a top secret RS model to the US. "We have one other surprise we're working on, but I'll hold that one," he teased. "There's a cool European model that we haven't brought in yet, and it has been the number 1 car on my list. So maybe we'll get it." Could this mean we'll see the glorious RS4 Avant stateside? Quite possibly, but we have a feeling it will remain forbidden fruit. We'd love to be proven wrong though, because America is in short supply of fast German wagons right now. Alternatively, there's a rumor that Audi is developing an RS Q5 that utilizes the RS5's 2.9-liter biturbo V6 with 444-hp and 443 lb-ft of torque.

Whatever this super-secret RS model turns out to be, you won't see us complaining about more fast Audis being brought to the US.