Late last month we brought you exclusive spy shots of a prototype for the new RS5, Audi’s upcoming M3 rival, and just like its rival from Munich the Audi super-coupe will be fitted with a naturally-aspirated and high-revving V8 engine. The engine will be the same 4.2L unit found under the hood of the RS4 sedan but some tinkering of its electronics and exhaust will see output rise to around 450hp (335kW) and 332lb-ft (450Nm) of torque in the RS5.

The new RS5 should be hitting dealerships in Europe later this year following its debut at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show. According to CAR, the RS5 will weigh substantially less than the V8-powered S5 and should be able to dispense with a sprint to 60mph in under five seconds.

Pricing hasn't yet been revealed but considering that the current Audi S5 model comes in at around $50,000 and the current BMW M3 starts at around $56,000, we wouldn't expect the new RS5 to head much north of $60,000 when it does finally arrive.

Next year, Audi will launch a convertible version of the RS5, just as it did with the RS4 line. Expect to see the same folding soft-top as the A5 and S5 Cabrio models.