A mid-engined supercar costing up to £132,500 and capable of 0-62mph in 3.5 seconds and over 200mph is probably something the world can get along without, but it exists, and the newly minted second-generation car is pretty extraordinary.
We drove the range-topping V10 plus coupé, with a 5.2-litre petrol engine and a lightweight body that mixes alloy and carbon fibre. About 30 a day will be produced, so it’s effectively hand-made.
The car retains its predecessor’s sloping profile and, although no shrinking violet, eschews the macho vulgarity of some of itsrivals.
Size-wise it’s compact, which makes it far easier to use in town than some supercars, if you can live with the dreadful three-quarter rear vision. While we’re moaning, taller drivers might appreciate a little more seat room.
Like the original R8, this one is very easy to drive. It will trickle along through sludgy traffic like a family hatchback, but open it up and the car will quickly attain demented speeds.
The handling is as taut as you’d expect, steering communicative, and the levels of grip more than up to the mark. A good driver will get a great deal from the R8.
This formidable car is stuffed with technology, including self-dipping headlamps capable of frying an egg at 50 paces.
Show-offs can make its engine pop, snarl and shriek on demand, and the R8 continues to offer its predecessor’s ability to be both Germanically sensible, effortlessly sophisticated and completely leery at the same time.
Nobody needs a car like this, but it’s not hard to see why a lot of people would love to own one.
Audi R8 V10 plus Coupé
Top speed: 205mph CO2: 287g/km
Combined fuel consumption: 23mpg
Price: £132,500
