YOU could be mistaken for thinking Concorde has gone back into production as the might of Audi's RS5 Cabrio cruises by with its booming sound effects but this stunning flyer is definitely right up there competing on the thrill factor.

Definitely not for the faint-heated, the gorgeous RS5 has a well-earned reputation for performance, driving dynamics and edge-of-the-seat acceleration.

Now you can add wind-in-the-hair capabilities to the long list of accolades because Audi had just introduced an open-top version to its striking speedster.    

Audi describes the car as its best-ever high performance cabriolet model and with prices from £68,985 and acceleration stats of 0-62mph in a blistering 4.9 seconds it's easy to see why the German brand is so excited about its latest premium powerhouse.

Powered by a hand-built 4.2-litre V8 petrol engine delivering 450ps, the soft top looks amazing from every angle.

The car I tried had Misano Red paintwork along with 20-inch alloys, a single frame grille, wraparound LED daytime running lights, a sharper, more pronounced bonnet and a three-layered fabric hood which can be opened in 15 seconds or closed in 17 seconds at speeds up to 31mph.

The interior is beautifully crafted and packed to bursting with technical wizardry such as a Bang & Olufsen sound system, sat nav, Bluetooth connectivity, a new flat-bottomed RS three-spoke multi-function steering wheel, incredibly supportive leather, heated seats and plenty more besides.

As is typical with Audi, the car featured a number of optional extras and the asking price was bumped up to £77,755. But for this hefty outlay, you are guaranteed a car with incredible capabilities and one that puts the wow factor back into driving.

From the second you start up the engine either via the key or push button stop/start, the car purrs into life. The slightest pressure on the accelerator and the purr transforms into a growl and when flat out that growl is an unmistakable roar.

The automatic transmission can be operated via steering-wheel-mounted paddles or left to its own devices where it seems to propel the car at an unbelievable pace.

But even at higher speeds and while attacking tight bends, there is an incredible sense of safety within the permanent all-wheel-drive car.

Audi has built in a whole host of innovations such as active lane assist, active cruise control with braking guard, Audi side assist and lots more.

There are driving modes to choose from - comfort, auto, individual and everyone's favourite - dynamic, which makes the car's performance and handling all the more edgy (as if that's needed!)

With the roof lowered even cloudy skies cannot put a damper on the fun factor of the RS5 Cabrio and with the roof raised there is a relatively quiet cabin environment.

The car also features a fairly generous boot and with the roof lowered it only requires 60 litres of the 380-litre capacity.

There is room in the back for a couple of passengers although leg room is a little restricted.

The car had a top speed limited to 155mph, although an optional package can be purchased to increase this to 174mph.

According to Audi, it can deliver combined fuel efficiency of 26.4mpg and has carbon emissions of 249g/km.

Those sorts of performance stats are hardly going to win any tax breaks, but let's face it - if you can afford to own the RS5 Cabrio and intend to drive it as it should be driven, hefty road tax and insurance bills along with regular trips to the petrol pumps are not really of paramount concern.