The Audi RS 5 burst into the scene back in 2010 when Audi decided that a high-powered sports coupe->ke506 would be a worthy addition to the A5 family. The decision turned out to be a stroke of fortuitous timing for Audi as the voluminous sales of the R8->ke1440 supercar->ke177 created a demand for a cheaper sports-car alternatives from Audi. Since its arrival, the RS 5 has held its own in its segment, even though it probably needs to get a decent-sized update soon. But instead of taking that route, Audi’s->ke14 been content with keeping the sports coupe’s original guts intact.

The RS 5 is still good enough to be a legitimate sports prowler in the market, and with models like the 75-unit RS 5 Sport Edition, we can still see the sports coupe as a legitimate option in its segment. But with new models like the BMW M4->ke4183 and to a lesser extent, the Mercedes CLA 45 AMG, there’s going to be a time when Audi will have to roll out a new RS 5.

Until then, special-edition models like the Sport Edition can probably still hold down the fort.

Click past the read more about the Audi Exclusive RS 5 Coupe Sport Edition.

Exterior

Like most creations to come out of Audi Exclusive, the RS 5 Sport Edition isn’t lacking in exterior upgrades. It might take a little squinting of the eyes, but the distinctive details of the special-edition RS 5 will stand out when you look at the car closely.

The Daytona Gray Pearl paint finish is subdued enough that it doesn’t scream for attention and still eye-catching to make some heads turn. Audi’s also offering a Nardo Gray finish and a handful of exclusive paint colors as added options in case the Daytona Gray Pearl finish doesn’t work for you.

The exterior of the RS 5 also received the usual RS 5 badging and a new set of 20-inch, five-V-spoke design wheels with matching red brake calipers thrown in for good measure.

Interior

The Audi RS 5 already has one of the sportiest interiors of any car in its segment. Naturally, Audi Exclusive built on the cabin’s already potent features by adding Crimson Red-and-black, RS-embossed sports seats and Crimson Red contrast stitching on the armrests and the shifter boot. A leather-wrapped steering wheel also adds a more luxurious styling while the Crimson Red Fine Nappa leather door inserts and the body-color inlays provide the final touches of sauciness that really turns the RS 5 Sport Edition’s cabin into a true exclusive piece.

Drivetrain

There aren't any surprises under the car's hood. The Audi RS 5 Sport Edition is powered by the standard, 4.2-liter, FSI engine that all RS 5 models use. Even without any power updates, the RS 5 still packs plenty of punch, thanks to its 450 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque.

All that power is then channeled to all four wheels via a seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch automatic transmission that takes advantage of a crown-gear center differential and electronic torque vectoring to create a smooth transfer of power to the front and rear axle.

At full tilt, the RS 5 is capable of sprinting from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds to go with a top speed of 174 mph.

Drivetrain Specifications

Prices

The Audi RS 5 Sport Edition will be exclusively available in the U.S., albeit in limited quantities. Audi Exclusive will only build 75 units of the two-door sports car, each with a price starting at $87,575. It’s a significant hike in price from the base price of $70,900, and I don't see the value in buying this model other than its limited status.

Competition

BMW M4

The BMW M4 has only been in the market for one year and it’s already made quite a name for itself in the industry.

The M4 is powered by a 3.0-liter, inline-six cylinder engine that pumps out 425 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, which is enough to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds, 0.4 seconds faster than the RS 5. That said, BMW shackles itself with the M4’s electronically limited top speed of just 155 mph. That’s almost 20 mph slower than the RS 5 Coupe.

The good news is that the BMW M4 is priced from $64,200, which is a little over $5,000 cheaper than what you’re going to need to pay for the standard RS 5 Coupe.

Conclusion

Audi wants us to believe that there's a level of exclusivity attached to the RS 5 Sport Edition and in some ways, there is. But in the overall scheme of things, the additions to the car aren't enough to justify the spike in price compared to the standard RS 5.

Now there will be those who wont mind paying the premium to be called one of the 75 owners of this limited-edition model. If they have the money to spend, then let them spend it. I just don't think its a must-have purchase given how much extra you're going to have to pay for it.