What's all this?
This is the 2017 Audi RS 5, all 450hp of it from a new twin-turbocharged V6 engine. It has 600Nm of torque, too, which is 170Nm more than the old RS 5 managed. Audi says that the new car is 'bloody quick.' Actually, it doesn't, but it might as well - 62mph is gone in just 3.9 seconds, and if you get the optional RS Dynamic pack, then the speed limiter is removed and you can run on to a top speed of 173mph. Officer. Power goes to all four wheels (quattro, natch) via an eight-speed auto.
Sounds monstrously fast.
Doesn't it? Audi says that the RS 5 has "a high degree of everyday usability" though, hence why it's saying that the new car is the Gran Turismo of the Audi RS range.
Outside, you get massive wheelarches, 15mm wider than standard, said to be inspired by the classic Audi 90 IMSA GTO race car. There's also a fixed boot spoiler, bigger diffuser and oval tailpipes. You get Matrix LED headlights too.
Inside, you get sports seats, a head-up display and a special RS version of the Virtual Cockpit digital instrument panel.
That'll do...
But don't feel too smug, because there's a more extreme RS 5 out there too. Audi is showing its new RS 5 DTM German Touring Cars racer at the show, which uses a rather more old-fashioned 4.0-litre V8 engine to develop 500hp, and which has super-sticky, super-soft bespoke Hankook tyres.
Neil Briscoe - 7 Mar 2017