Audi RS5 2010

That gives the RS5 a 0-62mph time of 4.6sec and the standard limited top speed of 155mph. But Audi will raise the limit to 174mph as a special order.

The transmission is a seven-speed DSG unit, driving all four wheels. There’s a new kind of centre differential that Audi claims can direct up to 85 per cent of the torque to the rear axle or 70 per cent to the front. In normal road conditions the power split is 40:60 front to rear, and you can turn the ESP system off completely.

The whole car rides 20mm lower than a standard A5, and comes on 19-inch wheels as standard, with 20-inch rims as an option. Carbon-ceramic brakes are also optional.

As with all RS models, the RS5 gets a newly designed front splitter with bigger air intakes, and at the back there are two tailpipes on wither side of the car. There’s also a retractable spoiler built into the tailgate which rises up at over 75mph.

The car is set to cost from just under £60,000. Although there’s no set price yet, that could mean it will cost more than an M3 Coupé, its nearest rival.

seriously awsome bit of kit