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The biggest change is the front suspension. Big Audis always had a long front overhang, because they use longitudinal engines, and the engine and clutch had to be ahead of the front axle so they could take drive to the front wheels. That's why they felt so nose-heavy through corners.

Now though, some super clever jiggery-pokery with the components means the driveshafts and front suspension are ahead of the clutch, so the wheels have moved forward and the engine has - relative to the wheels - moved back, which is good for weight distribution. The quattro system's torque is rear-biased, too. Also the steering rack has been moved closer to the wheels, so its linkages are shorter and don't flex so much, to the benefit of accuracy and feel.

So I'm feeling optimistic. Audi's recent sporting cars have been good, and here's one where they don't seem to have spared the engineering expense. Right out of the traps it feels alive. The throttle has a bite to it, snapping the car ahead on even the slightest tickle, at which point a gorgeously deep V8 rumble starts swirling around the cabin.

The six-speed gearbox's action, specially shortened for the S5 over regular A5s, is sharp and quick, once you've learned it doesn't tolerate being mis-aimed across the gate. The brakes have a concise, reassuring action and they're not overservoed like so many Audis were. The steering is a bit overlight but, far more important, is as precise as promised.

And yet... when you push a bit harder you find that the S5 doesn't warm to the task. It doesn't come more alive as it works harder, rather its verve drains dispiritingly away.

Don't pay too much attention to the S5 badge, just think of it as an A5 V8. The job of tackling the V8 BMW M3 is for next year's RS5. Yes there's strong performance, but is it really 350-plus horsepower? All the horses don't seem to want to gallop in the same direction at the same time. OK, the S5's 5.1 seconds to 62mph isn't exactly shabby, but the diesel manages the same run in 5.9. The S5 is a ruddy rapid cruiser with big torque and an endearing noise, but it's not a supercar.

Then we get the vexed issue of handling. You sure get easy, very rapid travel. I love the reassuring traction when the road gets patchily wet or slippery. The steering isn't only accurate, it has useful feel to it.

But the message it sends out never varies. I'm understeering, it says, and there's nothing you can do about it. It's gentle, harmless understeer, but trimming the throttle doesn't alter the attitude one bit. I'm not asking for lairy slides here, but I do want to be able to point the nose inward by lifting-off or slightly edge the load onto the rear tyres by accelerating, and I want more of a sense that the car's enjoying the experience rather than just tolerating it.