Even though the new RS5 Cabriolet is a drop-top car, to put its capabilities in perspective Audi decided to film its promo video at a race track. This RS5 may look like a classy four-seater convertible, but that 4.2 liter V8 that lurks under the bonnet gives it a split personality. It is still a hugely capable sports car. It causes us to – for the first time ever – fancy the RS5 more than the M3!

The 4.2-liter FSI delivers 430 Nm (317.15 lb-ft) of torque to the crankshaft between 4,000 and 6,000 rpm. It produces 331 kW (450 hp) at 8,250 rpm. The long-stroke naturally aspirated engine develops 79.5 kW (108.1 hp) per liter displacement and special flaps in the exhaust tailpipe vary the sound. The convertible accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 4.9 seconds – the best in its class. As an option, Audi can increase the top speed from 250 (155.34 mph) to 280 km/h (173.98 mph). The combined fuel consumption of the powerful V8 is 10.7 liters per 100 km (21.98 US mpg).

Here’s a few new pictures Audi sent out recently: