McLaren P1 Designer Says the New Audi RS 5 Avant Is ‘HOT’

[Source: Top Gear]

When the man who helped design the McLaren P1, Maserati MC12, first-generation BMW Mini, and Ford Escort RS Cosworth weighs in on a new performance car, it’s probably worth listening. Legendary designer Frank Stephenson recently turned his attention to the new Audi RS 5 Avant for Top Gear, and while he found a few things to criticize, his final verdict was simple. It’s “HOT.”

Stephenson’s biggest praise is reserved for the RS 5 Avant’s proportions. Despite accommodating a hybrid system and sizeable battery pack, Audi has managed to retain a relatively low roofline and sleek profile. He particularly likes the long hood, low greenhouse, and pronounced rear haunches, calling the side view “spot on.”

“Audi knows how to design an estate car,” Stephenson concludes.

Hot, But Not Exactly Subtle

That doesn’t mean every element gets his approval. Stephenson thinks the RS 5 has lost some of the understated character that traditionally defined Audi’s performance cars.

The front end is considerably more aggressive than previous RS models, with a huge Singleframe grille, large intakes, and intricate lighting. Stephenson appreciates details such as the chamfer around the headlights that helps emphasize the wider body, but questions whether the lighting signature is distinctive enough. His assessment of the overall effect? “Subtlety no longer!”

He’s similarly conflicted about the checkered-flag motif that appears throughout the car. Stephenson acknowledges that it’s distinctive but wonders whether Audi has overused it. That’s part of a broader criticism that the new RS 5 sometimes trades the elegant simplicity of older Audis for more decorative details.

There is plenty more that Stephenson likes. He praises the dramatically widened arches, clean six-spoke wheels, which remind him of the original TT, and the enormous centrally positioned oval exhaust outlets. The RS 5’s wider track also gives designers room for some seriously aggressive bodywork and air outlets.

Ultimately, Stephenson believes the new RS 5 Avant remains a handsome car with excellent proportions. It just isn’t interested in quietly blending into traffic anymore. Audi’s fast wagons were once famous for delivering supercar performance without screaming about it. The new RS 5 Avant still delivers the wagon part of that formula. It just wants everyone to know it’s an RS now.