Audi had to come and out-do the Stinger GT...

[Kia Stinger]

Well, I guess Audi is feeling the pressure. Here comes the RS5 Sportback. I bet Kia won't sit still either...

2018 Audi RS5: Two Turbos, Much Power, Available Hatchback
Reminding customers that Audis are still sexy.

What It Is: Audi’s monster version of the new A5 coupe. It’s powered by a furious twin-turbocharged V-6, fitted with a rear-biased all-wheel-drive system, and comes wearing a wide body that evokes, for some of us, the original Sport Quattro rally cars. For the first time, there will be a four-door RS5 Sportback; the RS5 cabriolet is gone. Europe gets an RS4 Avant with the same powertrain, but due to the U.S. market’s aversion to wagons, don’t expect it to appear on these shores. Read more...

 

[jwhollan]

Yea, but at a STARTING price of $70k (so probably $85k loaded), does this even really compete? It's the equivalent of trying to compare the Stinger to the Panamara. I know Kia likes to try and pull that stuff, but realistically they are two completely different markets.

 

[voon]

That's no contender to the Stinger. The RS5 Coupé here in Switzerland with a few extras to bring it to Stingerlevel (aka Infotainment, Sunroof, 360 Cam etc) would cost me 113'380.00 CHF (more or less the same in USD). The Stinger is 58'0000 completely loaded with every option in. So ... Pffft.

 

[jrhodes87]

yeah price range makes it totally different competitive market.

Tune a Stinger GT to around 400hp and you have a car almost as fast for half the money.

 

[Euljiro1ga]

Is it me or the styling of this supposedly 'aggressive' Audi looks kind of bland? With that big front grill, even the new Sonata looks more aggressive than this Audi. The wheels look awesome though.

Or I've been looking at the tiger nose way too much? But the dark chrome accents and the more multi-dimensional headlights just give the Stinger much more character in my opinion. But if push comes to shove (and money is not an issue or assume to be equal) I may still pick the Audi over Stinger. In reality, Stinger wins.

 

[LohungoDave]

Is it me or the styling of this supposedly 'aggressive' Audi looks kind of bland? With that big front grill, even the new Sonata looks more aggressive than this Audi. The wheels look awesome though.

Or I've been looking at the tiger nose way too much? But the dark chrome accents and the more multi-dimensional headlights just give the Stinger much more character in my opinion. But if push comes to shove (and money is not an issue or assume to be equal) I may still pick the Audi over Stinger. In reality, Stinger wins.

I'd agree. I liked the last gen A5 versions better. BMW does aggressive versions (M) better, IMO. About the only more aggressive Audi I like is the RS3. I do like the A7 in all variants, though. A4 and A6 as S4s or S6s do nothing for me. I got passed by an S4 on the way to work today and man is it bland.

 

[Kia Stinger]

I'm just saying that I think Audi brought the RS5 Sportback to the U.S. "because" of the Stinger.

 

[Waynerm002]

You might have a point there as the S5 and the Stinger is close in performance, I think if they did a sportier version with a more buttoned down suspension and a little tweak to the engine it would perform better than the S5. To really beat the big boys at their game, I think Hyundai/KIA needs more time to develop their engines and transmissions, they have a suspension expert already and it is making their cars ride better. I think though Genesis will get the higher performance version first. With the stinger you can have a sport ride for everyday use that doesn't beat you up and can handle public roads with no issues for the normal commute and a sporty jaunt.

Another magazine is saying Audi has a mystery performance vehicle in the works, I'm thinking that might be the RS6 Avant. I've been saying KIA should do something similar and we got the Stinger. Now what if they did?
Here is a teaser on the Audi RS6:

...and who wouldn't want to drive this baby! Love the color!

 

[Euljiro1ga]

Sure thing man, the Stinger definitely did make some of the German executives asking questions. I mean they aren't affected at the moment, but yeah, who knows where Kia will be in a few years.

Actually, in the late 90s and early 2000s, it was all about Mercedes and BMW, Audi was not in the same league - not until VW took over, then a certain Peter Schryer came and revamped their cars.

 

[Steve Ostrowski]

Opinion here, and eveyone's entitled to my opinion: German cars are ugly and boring. Merc, BMW, Audi, and yes even VW. We're not talking Saab ugly. I had three Saabs in my day. We're not talking mid eighties BMW M3 Batcar ugly either. This is trying too hard with makeup and high heels ugly. They try but they don't have the goods. They don't have the under the skin attitude. They are dressing to please mom and dad (aka marketing and big data market appeal homogenization product streamlining) It's the kind of ugly that comes from insincerity with a big empty hole at the center of the design philosophy. That's why Peter left Audi if you read the history. Brilliant designers need to lead. They cannot follow. It's the difference between product and art. Milli Vanilli = Product. Kraftwork = Art. Merc, BMW, Audi, VW, uh... Acura, Lexus, Infiniti, = Product. Optima, STINGER, Jaguar F Type, any Ferrari = Art. DRIVE ART!

 

[Kia Stinger]

Opinion here, and eveyone's entitled to my opinion: German cars are ugly and boring. Merc, BMW, Audi, and yes even VW. We're not talking Saab ugly. I had three Saabs in my day. We're not talking mid eighties BMW M3 Batcar ugly either. This is trying too hard with makeup and high heels ugly. They try but they don't have the goods. They don't have the under the skin attitude. They are dressing to please mom and dad (aka marketing and big data market appeal homogenization product streamlining) It's the kind of ugly that comes from insincerity with a big empty hole at the center of the design philosophy. That's why Peter left Audi if you read the history. Brilliant designers need to lead. They cannot follow. It's the difference between product and art. Milli Vanilli = Product. Kraftwork = Art. Merc, BMW, Audi, VW, uh... Acura, Lexus, Infiniti, = Product. Optima, STINGER, Jaguar F Type, any Ferrari = Art. DRIVE ART!

For the most part, I do share your opinion. Almost entirely. Designs have become too safe.

 

[Mango Juice]

I'm just saying that I think Audi brought the RS5 Sportback to the U.S. "because" of the Stinger.

Audi of America Sets Annual Sales Record with 226,511 Deliveries, as Consumer Demand Overcomes a Tight Market

Or could it be that since the introduction of the Sportback variant, sales have increased multifold for the A5 line? I honestly don't think the Stinger will seriously put much of a dent on the Big 3 sales. Also Stinger GT competes with the S5 Sportback, the RS5 is on a whole new level.

 

[Mango Juice]

Peter Schryer came and revamped their cars.

Just saying. Peter Schreyer was only responsible for Audi TT's design

 

[Euljiro1ga]

Just saying. Peter Schreyer was only responsible for Audi TT's design

Hey, hello. Welcome to the forum.

Hum, yeah the first TT was his baby. Some say his take on the whole front grill thing inspired design language of subsequent Audis. But, i've learned not to trust everything I read on the internet.

Whatever it is, he's doing quite well for Hyundai and Kia in my opinion.

 

[Kia Stinger]

Audi of America Sets Annual Sales Record with 226,511 Deliveries, as Consumer Demand Overcomes a Tight Market

Or could it be that since the introduction of the Sportback variant, sales have increased multifold for the A5 line? I honestly don't think the Stinger will seriously put much of a dent on the Big 3 sales. Also Stinger GT competes with the S5 Sportback, the RS5 is on a whole new level.

Welcome aboard, @Mango Juice. Thank you for signing up. Yes, it's a very good possibility that Audi is bringing the RS5 Sportback solely because the hatch variant caught on so well...

 

[Waynerm002]

The 4 door coupe design is a nice design alternative to the standard sedan, having the hatch provides a bit more flexibility as well. and the price point isn't too bad. The Stinger is a larger alternative to these vehicles while having similar performance and better in some case. It will be cross shopped by those looking at the European brands and car enthusiasts who know of Albert Biermann. I get my cars to drive not just to look at or have others pay compliment based on the badge. I went to Audi first back in the day as I liked the way the drove with the sport package, I didn't do BMW at the time as they were charging extra for things that I felt should be standard on the 3 series which I did get in the Audi. After driving a 5 series with the sport package and manual transmission, I was hooked. The Stinger, as GT car felt better how my M-Sport package equipped car did back then. For the price, with it's options, it outperforms the German competition which you can only get 4 cylinders. I think KIA needs better lease deals as the Germans do have some good lease numbers to get their cars out there.

Of course, KIA also needs to make the 2.0T quieter so it feels just as luxurious as the Germans to satisfy it's customer base who will not want the GT as in their mind it's too much for a KIA (now). I came over over to KIA from a luxury brand and so has a lot of others, for the Optima. Now the Stinger will do a similar thing for driving enthusiast that know BMW has lost it's way on that front and that what A.B> has done with the Stinger is not just a great first effort but one that matches them on the sporty driving as well. Those wanting a bit more will modify it or wait until they come out with a better version.

 

[BlkNGld]

I'm just saying that I think Audi brought the RS5 Sportback to the U.S. "because" of the Stinger.

Don't think so. They announced their intent to bring the A5 and S5 Sportback models here even before there was any word of the Stinger, and based on their early success the RS5 talk started picking up.

 

[Kia Stinger]

Don't think so. They announced their intent to bring the A5 and S5 Sportback models here even before there was any word of the Stinger, and based on their early success the RS5 talk started picking up.

I'm saying I thought that MAYBE they're bringing the "RS"5 here because of the Stinger. The A5 and S5 are already here.

 

[Rufus]

Hey, all!
Looks like the Stinger is making some other brands a bit nervous, as evidenced by this Ford dealership:
2018 Ford Mustang vs 2018 Kia Stinger

 

[Kia Stinger]

Hey, all!
Looks like the Stinger is making some other brands a bit nervous, as evidenced by this Ford dealership:
2018 Ford Mustang vs 2018 Kia Stinger

Indeed. The Camaro is one you have to worry about. The 2018 Mustang is just BEARLY faster than the Stinger. Almost unnoticeably faster... About one car length in the quarter mile...
2018 Chevrolet Camaro SS 1LE vs. 2018 Ford Mustang GT Performance Pack - Motor Trend