I test drove a 2015 RS5

DCNISMO

I'm tempted to go get it but for they only offered up 44K for my 2009 911 and we have a pending federal shutdown, so I don't want to spend any money on big items. I thought I would miss a clutch in it, but it shifted so fast using the paddles it was great. In essence you trade a clutch pedal with your foot for a finger operated pedal. But you can keep it floored and flap away. It also smart enough to know as you come to a stop or slow down enough, it downshifts for you. Had 20 inch wheels too. It revs to 8400 rpm, a V8. So much like a 4 cylinder bike, it needs revs to make power. Audi spec TQ is 320 or so with HP at 450...I think they under rate them both. Its documented to do 0 to 60 in 3.8 seconds, spec is 4.2. Only worry I have is the carbon buildup issues, but this RS engine does not seem to suffer from that typical Audi FSI direct injection engine.

Hotrodz

I bought my wife an 2014 S5 in June. I have the same concern over the carbon build up. I got the S model for the fuel economy and mamma didn't want the 8 lol. I don't drive it much but everything you said is true by my observation. The car is a lot quicker than it is rated for and drive like it is on rails for a car of its size.

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ZCanadian

Agree - most people who criticize these transmissions have never actually tried one.
After about 50 miles you'll wonder what all the fuss was about (although you'll still depress the non-existent clutch pedal with your left foot for a while, LOL).
Granted, the paddles take some of the skill requirement away (heel and toe is no longer an option), but the 370Z in 6-speed manual flavour has a button that does this also. Only difference is that you CAN defeat it on our cars, and you still always have to be clever with the clutch. The paddles let you focus more on driving, and the drive train will never skip a beat in putting power to the pavement. It's funny to watch drag racing videos where the lower-powered car is losing ground to the muscle car right up until the hood dips on Goliath while David sneaks right on past.

There is simply no way that anyone can out-shift a dual clutch automatic (or automated manual) with a 3-pedal car. Doesn't make one better or worse than the other. Just better at different things.

Nice car. Nothing special inside from what I hear (looks like any other Audi, but that isn't really a bad thing either). Not a 911 by any stretch, but far more practical than one, too.