As good looking as the Audi RS5 already was, Audi has given it a few tweaks for 2012. These changes have primarily focused on the front fascia, with the headlights receiving the most attention (this is an Audi, after all). All of the best features of the car remain unchanged. Chief among these is the 4.2-liter V8, which redlines north of 8,000rpm and puts out 450 horsepower. The 7-speed S-Tronic transmission also remains, with its option of shifting manually or automatically.

Quattro all-wheel-drive is standard, and it keeps its 40:60 rear-biased torque split, helping with the RS5's sporty handling. Top speed is limited to 155mph, but if you ask politely (and, we're sure, sign some release forms), Audi will remove the limiter and allow the RS5 to be propelled up to 174mph. Most significant of all, this is the form the RS5 will take for its US debut, something any fan of the four rings has been looking forward to.