Audi exclusive RS 5 Appears in Unique Spec Ahead of F1 Hot Lap Duty

Audi is putting its new RS 5 plug-in hybrid into service as part of the Formula 1 Pirelli Hot Lap program, but the more immediate takeaway is the specification of the two cars themselves.

Two examples have surfaced, both seen in U.S. air freight transit before their public debut, and both finished in a configuration that does not currently appear to be available through standard ordering channels or Audi exclusive. The cars are finished in Titanium with contrasting Lava Red Audi rings and matching red accents on the wheel center caps. Black wheels complete the exterior.

As of now, that combination appears to be unique to these two vehicles.

Underneath, the RS 5 introduces Audi Sport’s first plug-in hybrid performance setup. A 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 is paired with an electric motor for a combined output of 470 kW (639 hp), with power sent through an updated quattro system featuring Dynamic Torque Control. The setup actively distributes torque across the rear axle, aimed at improving rotation and stability under load. 

Audi has confirmed that both cars will be used in production specification without additional mechanical changes. Their role will be to carry passengers for demonstration laps during select race weekends, driven by factory-affiliated professionals including Dindo Capello and Markus Winkelhock.

Functionally, the program is straightforward: short, high-speed passenger laps on active Formula 1 circuits. For Audi, it doubles as a live demonstration of its hybrid performance strategy in a setting that mirrors the direction of modern F1 powertrains.

For now, the cars themselves are the story. Two units, identical in specification, with a finish and detailing that have yet to surface on any configurator. Whether that changes remains to be seen, but at launch, these appear to be one-off builds tied directly to Audi’s Formula 1 rollout.