Audi RS5 Engine/Exhaust Sound

[DCDJ]

Hi all!

I've recently put in an order for a 2014 Suzuka Grey RS5 with the sports package (dynamic ride control, sports exhaust etc...) and had a couple questions regarding the sound of the exhaust and engine.

We've got a 4.2 V8 R8 and it produces a LOVELY sound when put into sport and floored - now I know the RS5 has the same engine as the R8 but I was thinking about getting an exhaust for the RS5 just to give more of that aggressive sound that the R8 can deliver - unless the RS5 sports exhaust is close enough?

If that isn't the case, can anyone recommend an exhaust that can make the RS5 sound a little more like the deeper growl that the R8 produces? I've had a look at the Capristo and Akrapovic but not sure which one to pick!

Thanks! :D

Dan

P.S: Can anyone tell me what Dynamic Ride Control actually does? Does it affect what you feel suspension wise whilst driving (e.g magnetic ride) ?

[Alister]

I have the OEM sports exhaust on my RS5 and IMO it is a little too quiet (the OEM exhaust note on my old B7 RS4 sounded better in sport mode).

Sounds like you'd be best served putting some aftermarket pipes on it and are already looking in the right direction with the brands mentioned.

[ToddCowles01]

Good choice on pipes, but if you really want to open it up, get aftermarket downpipes with it as well. Though a trade-off with some drone, I have yet to do it on the RS5, but did on my RS4 and it was majestic. The DRC we didn't get in the states due to DOT safety requirements, but it's a 3 stage hydraulic roll control system. I'm not 100% if it actually lowers the vehicle when engaged, but rather stiffens the suspension via a gas accumulator and pressure chamber. There are aftermarket kits that will bolt on to the factory DRC and lower the vehicle, if you want to improve the stance.

[Brava]

I have the oem sports exhaust, and the nice neighbours say that's the best sounding car around, and the not so nice ones say that's the loudest car around.

I'm pretty happy with the oem optional sports exhaust.

[scottykenneth]

I have the oem sports exhaust, and the nice neighbours say that's the best sounding car around, and the not so nice ones say that's the loudest car around.

I'm pretty happy with the oem optional sports exhaust.

Haha!! Yea only thing im doin to my car once i get is prob coils,spacers, low dust pads. Done! Lol.

[superswiss]

A few points.

First, the R8 V8 and RS5 don't have the same engine. The R8 gets the V8 from the B7 RS4. The RS5 V8 is newer and is essentially the V10 from the R8 minus two cylinders and smaller cylinders. It makes more power and peak torque comes on about 1000 rpm lower in the rev band. I believe it also has a slightly higher redline.

The sport exhaust is fairly quiet if you are just puttering around, which I like. On the highway it is pretty much quiet which gives the car its great touring creds. I love doing road trips in this car. When you get on it, the exhaust starts screaming and above 5000 rpm it's addictive and loud IMO. The flaps are always open above 3800 rpm regardless of whether you are in comfort, auto or dynamic. Below 3800 rpm the flaps close if you are in comfort or auto mode to quiet it down around town and on long highway drives. The sport exhaust is not louder than the standard exhaust. They both produce the same dB level to meet European noise regulations. The difference is in the sound they produce. The standard exhaust sounds more like an American muscle car, where as the sport exhaust sounds more like an Italian race car, which I prefer.

The DRC as stated above is an active suspension. It diagonally connects the opposite dampers through central valves to actively combat squat, dive and roll. Unfortunately, we don't get this option in the USA, because the rear crash zone had to be redesigned and the new design didn't leave any room for the valves.

Here's an animation of how the system works. Don't mind that they use the RS7 for illustration. It works the same in the RS5.

[Brava]

So I pulled off the vacuum pipes from the trunk, and now the exhaust valves stay open even on comfort or auto mode below 3800 rpm.

Nice throaty sound at low revs around city. Turns heads at a throttle blip.

[EmmanueleDesign]

The AWE Touring Edition exhaust is a popular choice for those wishing to increase sound without being overly aggressive. Feel free to PM me for special Audizine pricing!




If that's not enough, there's always the Track Edition :)

[LimaSierra]

Hi all!

I've recently put in an order for a 2014 Suzuka Grey RS5 with the sports package (dynamic ride control, sports exhaust etc...) and had a couple questions regarding the sound of the exhaust and engine.

We've got a 4.2 V8 R8 and it produces a LOVELY sound when put into sport and floored - now I know the RS5 has the same engine as the R8 but I was thinking about getting an exhaust for the RS5 just to give more of that aggressive sound that the R8 can deliver - unless the RS5 sports exhaust is close enough?

If that isn't the case, can anyone recommend an exhaust that can make the RS5 sound a little more like the deeper growl that the R8 produces? I've had a look at the Capristo and Akrapovic but not sure which one to pick!

Thanks! :D

Dan

P.S: Can anyone tell me what Dynamic Ride Control actually does? Does it affect what you feel suspension wise whilst driving (e.g magnetic ride) ?

Not sure how the packages come in the UK, but if you can loose the sports exhaust since you have already looked at Capristo and Arka, I would!

If you are willing to spend the money on either of the two exhausts, they will certainly sound a ton better than the stock sports exhaust. The RS doesn't sound all too bad when you floor it in Dynamic "S" mode, but can't compare it with Capristo or Akra. It was too quiet for me and I didn't wanna floor it all the time just to get some volume!

Also Brava mentioned something you may try also. I know there are some threads on A5OC (and maybe AZ) that explain how to do it.

--Nate

[Hippyshakes]

Just ordered the Capristo so guess what I'd recommend. I just think the Sport doesn't quite compliment the v8 enough and I like the valve options it gives.

Good price too (Way under what you see on the US Capristo sites - PM me if you want to know more)

[trinim3]

I'd say I regret paying $1000 extra for the sports exhaust. It's just too quiet (at least from the inside). I plan to go aftermarket now which means $1000 for sports exhaust was for naught.

[MilesM]

+1 to AWE variants. Heard the track extreme in person a bunch. Epic.

[rasetsu]

If I were to do it again, I would have forgone the $1000 factory sport exhaust and used the money towards a proper aftermarket system like AWE or Carpisto. What is bothersome is that you have to toggle through the drive select options when the gear shift is in automatic to open the exhaust flap even if you have it set to open on the individual setting. I like to leave the transmission in automatic when cruising out of my neighborhood and when in traffic, but I still like to hear the exhaust. I ended up hacking out the rear resonator and having an x-pipe welded in. It sounds mean at start up and throttle, but pretty unnoticeable at low speeds.

[DCDJ]

Thanks for all the suggestions everyone! REALLY helpful!
And thanks very much for the detailed explanation superswiss, cleared a lot up :)

After reading everything, it sounds like the sports exhaust isn't going to be beefy enough for me - so seems like an aftermarket exhaust is definitely what I'm after then!
Since watching those AWE videos, I really do like the sound that the track edition produces! Seems to really bring out the V8's raw without being TOO over the top. May shoot you a PM EmmanueleDesign.

H8H8 - Yeah, UK is the same I believe, the sports exhaust was an optional thing and they haven't started building the car yet so I'll give them a call and switch it back to the standard - $1000 towards an aftermarket instead seems like a much better plan!

[LimaSierra]

Thanks for all the suggestions everyone! REALLY helpful!
And thanks very much for the detailed explanation superswiss, cleared a lot up :)

After reading everything, it sounds like the sports exhaust isn't going to be beefy enough for me - so seems like an aftermarket exhaust is definitely what I'm after then!
Since watching those AWE videos, I really do like the sound that the track edition produces! Seems to really bring out the V8's raw without being TOO over the top. May shoot you a PM EmmanueleDesign.

H8H8 - Yeah, UK is the same I believe, the sports exhaust was an optional thing and they haven't started building the car yet so I'll give them a call and switch it back to the standard - $1000 towards an aftermarket instead seems like a much better plan!

I wish I had saved on the sports exhaust. I had a few weeks to adjust my build, but left it in...

Just a note on the AWE's.. You do loose the valves on their systems (which appealed to me) as I wanted loud all the time! I can drive in any ADS mode and the exhaust note stays the same.

I believe 90% of other companies (including Capristo and Akra) do retain the valves incase you want to go that route...

--Nate

[DCDJ]

I wish I had saved on the sports exhaust. I had a few weeks to adjust my build, but left it in...

Just a note on the AWE's.. You do loose the valves on their systems (which appealed to me) as I wanted loud all the time! I can drive in any ADS mode and the exhaust note stays the same.

I believe 90% of other companies (including Capristo and Akra) do retain the valves incase you want to go that route...

--Nate

Yeah... that's the one thing I'm torn between. I love both the AWE Track edt. & Akrapovic, but I have a feeling I'm going to miss the flaps and end up wanting them when it comes to switching about with the ADS. The Capristo produces a beautiful sound but I have a feeling that might be a little too much. Tough decision - I prefer the sound of the AWE roar, but on the other hand I do like the idea of having flaps for adjusting noise levels...

Is the AWE still overly noise on a comfort cruise drive (e.g drone wise) ? since I'll be doing a mixture of rough sporty driving and comfort cruising.

[superswiss]

Is the AWE still overly noise on a comfort cruise drive (e.g drone wise) ? since I'll be doing a mixture of rough sporty driving and comfort cruising.

Honestly, IMO that's what the OEM exhausts are really about. At least the sport exhaust roars plenty for my taste when going on a sporty back road drive where I pretty much keep the rpm in the 5000+ range. It was also roaring like crazy doing top speed or close to on the German Autobahn during my ED trip to the point where I wished that I could turn it down when going at triple digits speeds with the rpm hovering around 7000 for an extended period. But when settling down and cruising at the legal speeds in most countries the OEM exhausts don't wear you down with a constant roar. Same when driving around town without wanting to attract too much attention. The nice thing about the OEM exhausts is that you can open them up when you feel like it or keep them quiet otherwise. Perhaps you may wanna drive around with the OEM exhaust for a while before making a decision.

EDIT: Also, if you want some more exhaust noise in the cabin, fold down the rear seats.

[trinim3]

Honestly, IMO that's what the OEM exhausts are really about. At least the sport exhaust roars plenty for my taste when going on a sporty back road drive where I pretty much keep the rpm in the 5000+ range. It was also roaring like crazy doing top speed or close to on the German Autobahn during my ED trip to the point where I wished that I could turn it down when going at triple digits speeds with the rpm hovering around 7000 for an extended period. But when settling down and cruising at the legal speeds in most countries the OEM exhausts don't wear you down with a constant roar. Same when driving around town without wanting to attract too much attention. The nice thing about the OEM exhausts is that you can open them up when you feel like it or keep them quiet otherwise. Perhaps you may wanna drive around with the OEM exhaust for a while before making a decision.

EDIT: Also, if you want some more exhaust noise in the cabin, fold down the rear seats.

Superswiss any thoughts on combining the AWE non-resonated downpipes with the OEM sport exhaust? I'm perplexed why this is a fairly common/inexpensive exhuast mod for louder volume vs buying the entire exhaust?

[Beast]

S5coop has done that with his car, added AWE non res DPs. He told me he had noticible sound gain etc. We need a vid though.

[MilesM]

+1 on folding down rear seats mod done it many times myself.

[trinim3]

S5coop has done that with his car, added AWE non res DPs. He told me he had noticible sound gain etc. We need a vid though.

Yah I've checked with him and he swears that it's awesone. Plus it's a simple swap. My question is why is he seemingly the ONLY one to have done it?

[Need4Speed]

AWE is an amazing system for RS5 cant Deny that

[S5CooP]

Hey y'all, sorry for not getting back around to this earlier to post a vid... Had to work on my shocks after a long 8 hr mtn run over the July 4th weekend... I'll get the car out and snap a vid for sound. What is the best way to post video here? I use flickr for photos but not sure that works. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

Oh yeah, and yes I do think this is a great mod for the $ (in terms of exhaust). Being that not many exhaust systems for this car, or really any car, are going to produce any performance gain, then it's all about exhaust note and preference. I had the sport stock exhaust, paid 800$ and some change to add the AWE non res DPs and it really opened up the V8. This setup is aggressive and sounds very "racy" as mentioned before, and again your not paying 2-3k or more for a new exhaust system w refined exhaust note. This is all subjective of course and very much personal opinion when it comes to exhaust so I'll see if I can get a vid out today to help those of you looking to potentially do this.

Thanks all,
S5Coop


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[Beast]

Hey y'all, sorry for not getting back around to this earlier to post a vid... Had to work on my shocks after a long 8 hr mtn run over the July 4th weekend... I'll get the car out and snap a vid for sound. What is the best way to post video here? I use flickr for photos but not sure that works. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

Oh yeah, and yes I do think this is a great mod for the $ (in terms of exhaust). Being that not many exhaust systems for this car, or really any car, are going to produce any performance gain, then it's all about exhaust note and preference. I had the sport stock exhaust, paid 800$ and some change to add the AWE non res DPs and it really opened up the V8. This setup is aggressive and sounds very "racy" as mentioned before, and again your not paying 2-3k or more for a new exhaust system w refined exhaust note. This is all subjective of course and very much personal opinion when it comes to exhaust so I'll see if I can get a vid out today to help those of you looking to potentially do this.

Thanks all,
S5Coop


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The best site to host videos would be Vimeo, or YouTube, or photobucket. Looking forward to it.

[DCDJ]

Sounds like a lovely setup S5CooP - looking forward to hearing it.

[S5CooP]

Forgot to add, I did the same thing on my old 2009 B8-V8 S5... But put the stasis cat back exhaust on first, then later added the AWE non res DPs for more aggressive sound. It was awesome IMO as well.

Please don't misunderstand though, my actual preference for exhaust note is still the Kline system using Inconel Steel as I think that material sounds like true formula 1/GT race cars. The only issue is the $ for the kline, and after checking into custom inconel DPs I realized the best financial vs. performance (sound) decision was again the AWE non res DP but w stock sport exhaust... It'll do for now :)

Hope my input is helpful.

S5Coop


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[2011_S4]

looking forward to seeing the vid S5Coop, sounds like a good option.

[2014RS5]

Imo ,i enjoy the stock sport exhaust, quite when im in business mode booking job's,or listening to the b-o sound system, yet loud enough in sport mode , will try with rear seats down since i never use them anyhow, thanks !

[2011_S4]

+1 on folding down rear seats mod done it many times myself.

This. Definitely more sound with the seats down. Mine are down whenever I have my dog in there. He loves it, I love it. GF, not so much. She thinks it's too loud. Wait till the track extreme goes on with the seats down

[S5CooP]

not sure if this is the way to post the link to the vid... first attempt to load video to AZ.. my apologies

[trinim3]

not sure if this is the way to post the link to the vid... first attempt to load video to AZ.. my apologies

Hahaha that's loud as fck! Thanks for posting S5CooP...I'm very tempted to do this

[Beast]

Wow that sounds great Coop! Thanks again

[Hippyshakes]

All I see is Video Does Not Exist. :(


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[S5CooP]

Reposting for those that cannot see video....


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[S5CooP]

[URL][/http://vimeo.com/101052212]




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[S5CooP]

Thanks Beast and Trinim3, I really enjoy it. Will get some more vids up ASAP.

For those using tapatalk that cannot see the video, I found that changing my settings (in tapatalk) to show Vimeo videos in Vimeo allowed me to link to URL from Tapatalk/AZ.... Hope y'all enjoy, and good luck with your exhaust mods.

S5Coop


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[Hippyshakes]

Maybe is was Tapatalk but I got it now. Thanks for the re-post. Sounds wicked.

Love to see pedestrians jump when you downshift at stoplights......

[Brava]

Wow....love it.

It's all the time as loud, or it quiets down in comfort settings?

not sure if this is the way to post the link to the vid... first attempt to load video to AZ.. my apologies

[S5CooP]

That's in sport mode, dynamic, and manual tran so I can run out gears 2-4 to up 7-8k rpms... Loudest it gets other than gear 6-7 at those rpms which I've really never seen as I'd be going hella fast on a public rd. Next track event is sept 7-9 so I'll get some good footage then.

I will post vids later on this feed of cold start, and varied modes of driving. Believe it or not, the sound is very manageable by the drive mode and drive style. No drone, wifey approved.


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