But to heck with the back-story. Let's kick off with the Big Numbers: the four-wheel-drive RS5 will crack 62mph in 4.6 seconds and run to 155mph - unless you ask Audi very nicely to remove the limiter, in which case it'll hit 174mph. Yes, it's faster - and more powerful - than the M3 Coupe.
That 444bhp comes courtesy of a reworked version of the R8's 4.2-litre V8, making a full 30bhp more and driving all four wheels through a seven-speed DSG gearbox. A new centre diff feeds 60 per cent of the torque to the rear wheels in normal driving, but can send up to 85 per cent to the rear - or 70 per cent to the front - in extreme conditions. Oh, and you can turn the ESP off. Like, properly off. Good.
Visual differences from the S5 could best be described as ‘subtle': there's a new front splitter and bigger air intakes, with a retractable spoiler round the back that raises at 75mph, a feature officially known as the ‘Ooh, look at me, officer!' wing.
We're expecting the RS5 to cost around £60,000 when it goes on sale later this year, making it more expensive than that M3 Coupe. We'll bring you more details from the Geneva show next week. Waddya think, y'all?
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