Audi RS 5

The RS5 will be bestowed with a more toned-up body kit, to make it a worthy BMW M3 rival. Expect a similarly discrete-but-muscular treatment as the RS4; if Audi gets gets the new two-door right, it could be the closest we've come to a successor to the original 1980 Quattro.

We expect the free-revving, naturally aspirated 4.2-litre V8 from the current RS4 to be installed in the A5's new platform. Count on at least 414bhp and 317lb ft - enough for rampant acceleration of the 911-worrying variety.

The new layout moves the front axle 120mm further forward for better weight distribution, effectively nudging the motor back in the engine bay for a more even 55:45 front-rear balance. The A5's engineering boss, Stefan Härdl, told CAR Online that the new layout dramatically improves the handling. 'It really helps the steering - it's more precise and direct than even the RS4, we've removed all the elasticity.