Audi R8

Let me tell you about Audi's R8. For starters it's not a warmed over Lamborghini. Audi might own the Italian supercar maker, but happily it's decided not to just give the Gallardo some new clothes. The R8 is also pitched at a different sort of buyer, making direct comparisons pretty much worthless.The R8's low-slung nose sports a variation on Audi's now familiar trapezoid grille so you're left in no doubt as to who is responsible for this Tarmac-scrapping monster, but every other point of reference is new. Despite its silhouette, this is no pumped-up, adrenaline-fuelled TT. In reality it's much more than that.And with a mid-mounted engine, this is an Audi like no other. The company's even been kind enough to stick it under a clear cover so everyone can see it. What you'll be looking at is the firm's acclaimed 4.2-litre petrol V8 unit, which can also be found powering the A4-based RS4. In R8 guise it produces a healthy 420 horsepower at a heady 7,800rpm, and a considerable 430Nm from a more practical 4,500rpm.Naturally, being a performance Audi, it gets quattro four-wheel drive. But being a special performance Audi the bias is slightly towards the rear in a naughty, lets have some fun way. Completing the basics is a six-speed manual gearbox, complete with Ferrari-style gated shift. However, the optional R tronic 'box is worth a mention.

More important than the R8's outright performance, it doesn't feel intimidating to drive. You sit down low in the cabin, and quickly feel at home surrounded by familiar Audi switchgear, an elegant fascia housing a large colour display, the main instrument binnacle and a transmission tunnel separating you from your hopefully willing passenger.

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