This Used Audi RS5 Is An N/A V8 Hero For £26k

I still think Audi’s old 4.2-litre V8 is one of the best engines ever made. I’m talking about the more highly strung version with its 8250rpm redline and 400bhp+ output - the one found under the bonnets of the old entry-level R8 and various RS models.

It’s sadly no longer with us, with the first-generation RS5 being the last Audi to use it. It’s now been replaced by a new 2.9-litre V6-powered model putting out the same power and even more torque, and while it’s stupidly quick, we’ll still miss the old V8 version. Thankfully, there’s no shortage of the 444bhp beasts available in the classifieds.

Take this one as an example. It has a reasonable 39,881 miles on the clock, and is up for £25,975 - a fraction of its original sticker price.

With a 0-62mph time of 4.9 seconds it’s a whole second off the pace of the new car, would you believe, but you’re unlikely to give a damn about performance figures when you’re cranking that 4.2-litre V8 past 8000rpm.

It might not be as sharp as an E92 BMW M3, but it’s still a thoroughly enticing package, and thanks to the predictable presence of Quattro all-wheel drive, you’ll be able to enjoy that 444bhp output however crap the weather is.

Tempted?