Downpipes for Audi RS5 B10 (2.9 TFSI PHEV): Tuning the New RS5 Avant

The powertrain is the main difference compared with previous Audi Sport RS models:

• 2.9 TFSI twin-turbo V6 — 375 kW (510 hp);
• electric motor — 130 kW (177 hp), integrated into the 8-speed tiptronic transmission;
• combined output — 470 kW (639 hp) and 825 Nm;
• 25.9 kWh battery (approximately 22 kWh usable), with 11 kW AC charging taking around 2.5 hours and up to 84 km of electric range;
• next-generation quattro with Dynamic Torque Control — a pre-loaded center differential with torque distribution from 70:30 to 15:85 and electromechanical torque distribution across the rear axle in 15 ms;
• 0–100 km/h in 3.6 seconds, with a curb weight of approximately 2,355 kg.

For tuning, two things are particularly important: the 2.9 TFSI engine is already familiar from previous RS4 and RS5 models, while the rest of the vehicle architecture is new.

Audi RS5 B10 Downpipes: Catless or High-Flow Catted

Downpipes are exhaust sections located directly after the turbochargers. Replacing the factory components can reduce exhaust backpressure and change the engine's exhaust note.

For the Audi RS5 B10, there are two main downpipe configurations:

• High-flow catted downpipes — retain catalytic converters while providing less restrictive exhaust flow. This can reduce backpressure and produce a more pronounced exhaust note. This option is suitable for customers looking to upgrade the exhaust while retaining emissions-control components. Whether the vehicle can run without ECU recalibration depends on the specific downpipe design and must be confirmed for the RS5 B10.
• Catless downpipes — remove the catalytic converters and provide the least restrictive exhaust flow, resulting in a louder exhaust note. ECU calibration may be required depending on the downpipe design and the vehicle's emissions-control strategy. Such configurations are intended for track and closed-course use.

A Stage tune can also be selected as an additional option to increase engine power and torque. Tune availability and the required supporting modifications depend on the specific RS5 B10, exhaust configuration and fuel being used.

Published tuning results for the Audi RS5 B10 already include claimed figures of 749 hp and 973 Nm, as well as 818 hp and 1,045 Nm, compared with the factory 639 hp and 825 Nm. These are combined figures for the hybrid powertrain. They demonstrate the tuning potential of the platform but do not guarantee the same results on every vehicle and should not be attributed to downpipe installation alone.

RaceHub can source the appropriate tuning components for your Audi RS5 B10 and, if required, help select a compatible performance tune.

Downpipes for Audi RS5 B10: High-Flow Catted vs. Catless

A downpipe is the exhaust section immediately after the turbochargers. On modern Audi performance models, the factory exhaust section incorporates emissions-control components that can significantly restrict exhaust flow and reduce exhaust volume.

The most noticeable effects of an upgraded downpipe can include:

• Exhaust sound — the exhaust note can become deeper and more pronounced;
• Reduced exhaust backpressure — an important supporting modification when increasing boost and calibrating the engine for higher output;
• Power gains — a downpipe alone generally provides a limited increase on a stock ECU calibration; larger gains typically require an ECU tune calibrated for the upgraded exhaust system.

An important consideration is emissions compliance. Removing or modifying catalytic converters and OPF/GPF components can affect the vehicle's emissions-control system and may make the vehicle unsuitable for public-road use depending on local regulations. Catless and emissions-modified configurations should be used only where legally permitted, such as closed-course or track applications.