INTRODUCED in 2010 to take the fight to the iconic BMW M3 and beastly Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG of the time, the original Audi RS5 made use of a ballistic 4.2-litre V8 engine producing 331kW of power and 430Nm of torque.

For its new-generation debut, however, Audi has teamed with sister-company Porsche to produce a 2.9-litre biturbo V6 powerplant – the same engine that propels the Panamera 4S.

Those worried that the downsized engine will mean downsized power can rest easy as the new RS5 equals its predecessors with 331kW, but significantly raises the torque bar by 170Nm for a 600Nm total.

Updated driver aid systems, less overall weight and a bigger body are also part of the changes, but does Audi do enough with its most potent A5 yet to keep pace with its contemporary competitors?