Audi has gone properly deep with the new RS 5, and the headline feature isn’t just the hybrid power - it’s what’s happening at the rear axle.
Meet quattro with Dynamic Torque Control - Audi’s latest evolution of torque vectoring, and a genuine world-first system that could redefine how RS cars handle.
What Is It, In Simple Terms?
At its core, this is a next-gen torque vectoring system that can actively shift power between the rear wheels - not just under acceleration, but all the time.
- On throttle
- Off throttle
- Even under braking
What’s Actually New?
Audi hasn’t just tweaked an existing setup - they’ve built a completely new rear transaxle for the RS 5.
Key bits:
- A 400V electric motor (8 kW / 40 Nm) acting as a high-speed actuator
- Overdrive gears
- A reworked rear differential
This setup allows the car to actively push torque left or right across the rear axle, depending on what the car is doing - and what you’re asking it to do.
What Does It Do on the Road?
This is where it gets interesting.Turning in
As you brake and turn into a corner, the system helps the car rotate cleanly - reducing that traditional Audi understeer.Mid-corner
It balances the car by adjusting torque between the rear wheels, keeping things stable and predictable.Corner exit
As you get back on the throttle, it can send more power to the outside rear wheel, helping you get on the power earlier and harder. Audi claims it can shift up to 2,000 Nm of torque difference across the rear axle - which is a serious amount of influence over how the car behaves.Understeer? Oversteer? It Manages Both
- If the car starts to push wide (understeer) → more torque goes to the outside rear wheel
- If it starts to step out (oversteer) → torque is redirected to stabilise the car
What Does It Feel Like?
According to Audi, the goal is simple:
- More direct response
- More predictable handling
- More confidence at the limit
And importantly - it’s not just about outright pace. It’s about making the car feel more natural and more controllable, whether you’re pushing hard or just enjoying a fast road.
Drive modes will still play a big part too:
- From neutral and stable
- To more rear-biased and playful
How It Works with Everything Else
This system doesn’t work in isolation. It’s tied into:
- Adaptive suspension (twin-valve dampers)
- Brake torque vectoring (mainly front axle)
- Electronic diff systems
- Central control unit (HCP1)
Everything talks to everything - constantly adjusting based on:
- Steering input
- Road conditions
- Driver intent
Why It Matters
This isn’t just another incremental upgrade. It’s a shift in how Audi approaches handling:
- Less reliance on front-end grip
- More active rear involvement
- More adjustability without sacrificing stability
In short - less “safe understeer Audi”, more “properly adjustable RS car.”
Final Thought
Audi says this system makes the RS 5 feel more playful, more precise, and more accessible - which is a big claim.
The real question for us is: can we have a go?
