Audi AG has unveiled its latest high-performance hybrid, the Audi RS 5 Sedan, as the official hot-lap car at the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix, marking a significant step in the brand’s electrification and motorsport strategy.
The debut signals Audi’s growing involvement in Formula 1, blending cutting-edge hybrid technology with the thrill of track performance. The RS 5, Audi Sport’s first high-performance plug-in hybrid, features a combined output of 470 kW (639 hp) and reaches speeds of up to 285 km/h, making it a fitting choice for the prestigious F1 Pirelli Hot Laps program.
At the heart of the vehicle is a 2.9-liter V6 biturbo engine paired with a 130 kW electric motor, showcasing Audi’s commitment to performance without compromising efficiency. A standout innovation is its “quattro with Dynamic Torque Control,” an advanced torque vectoring system designed to enhance cornering precision by distributing power to the wheels with optimal grip.
Two RS 5 units will be deployed at select Grand Prix events, offering VIP guests the opportunity to experience F1 circuits alongside seasoned drivers such as Dindo Capello and Markus Winkelhock. Both drivers bring extensive racing pedigree, with Capello boasting multiple endurance racing victories and Winkelhock known for his Nürburgring success and a memorable Formula 1 appearance.
The Miami debut is a strategic move as Audi intensifies its focus on the United States, the world’s second-largest automotive market. The company plans to expand its SUV lineup with upcoming models like the Q9 and updated Q7, while leveraging Formula 1’s surging popularity in the U.S. to strengthen brand visibility.
Formula 1 has witnessed rapid growth in the American market, with races in Miami, Austin, and Las Vegas drawing sold-out crowds and record television audiences in recent seasons. Audi aims to capitalize on this momentum through immersive fan experiences and collaborations, including a lifestyle collection tied to its F1 team.
With over a century of motorsport heritage, Audi’s latest initiative underscores its ambition to merge innovation, performance, and sustainability—both on the racetrack and the road.
