The launch of the highly anticipated Audi RS5 as well as Audi's highly popular Sportscar Experience was nothing short of breath taking.

Photos: Keegan Gan

Held at the Sepang International Circuit, journalists from around the region were flown to Malaysia to attend the official unveiling of Audi's latest high performance coupe.

The launch kick started with Audi Singapore's Managing Director Reinhold Carl, introducing the 4.2 litre V8 RS5 that churns out 450 bhp and 430 Nm worth of torque.

Coupled to a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission and an innovative centre differential for the quattro drive train that is newly-developed, the all-new Audi RS5 is a powerful yet relatively fuel economical high performance ride.

Developed by quattro GmbH, the RS5 is the latest model in the RS range of superior handling mid-sized Audi cars. Weighing in at 1,725 kilograms, the RS5's 4.2 litre V8 FSI engine propels the car from zero to 100 km/h in a mere 4.6 seconds, matched with exciting sound tracks played in tandem from both the exhaust and the engine.

The launch of the Audi RS5 will not be complete without the highly popular Audi Sportscar Experience, and where else to drive Audi's range of high performance cars but at the event location itself? Lined up at the pit straight, were the Audi R8 V10 coupe, R8 Spyder, TT RS and the RS5, waiting for their potential to be fully unleashed.

Though baked by the scorching sun, we hardly felt the heat as we were captivated by the cars that were presented to us, their shiny paintwork glistening in the midday sun, waiting to be driven hard.

The Audi Sportscar Experience was truly an adrenaline pumping, hands on driving experience designed for performance car enthusiasts like us who love a bit of pavement burning now and then. At the event, we had the opportunity push our driving abilities to the limit with the cars mentioned, but not without the guidance of professional Audi race instructors.

In a never ending expanse of winding tarmac at the Sepang International Circuit, the cars begged to be driven, to be liberated from the draconian speed limit constraints imposed on public roads, and here at Sepang, we duly obliged.

This is indeed motoring utopia...