Audi reveals its new supercar.

Byline: Robin Roberts 

IN what is not much more than a piston-stroke in automotive history, the Audi R8 has shouldered its way into the ranks of the most desirable sports cars.

Audi emulated its rivals and accrued experience on the world's race tracks, honed its four-wheel-drive technology on international rallies and delivered a supercar in which you could slip to the shops.

This everyday exotic is a very rare car indeed because it simply does everything so well and nothing badly.

It is designed and assembled like a racer with a dedicated team of builders picking only the finest components to create the car which is not only a halo for Audi but a hell of a rival for competitors.

There is only one model, but you get the choice of manual or automatic transmission and additional equipment which has seen the average cheque written out for an Audi R8 to be closer to pounds 90,000 than pounds 80,000.

The powertrain is a familiar package to any Audi owner and will be something Porsche drivers experience next year as the company adopts it.

The engine delivers enormous pulling power over a wide power range and shows no sign or sound of stress.

Under the hand is a slightly heavy but very positive gearchange and a box of cogs which give time-crunching acceleration and motorway cruising when the engine is barely turning over.

With so much in reserve, you know you are in safe hands in terms of performance.

At the launch of the car I was able to test it over some sweeping country roads in France and I could not wait to get it on to my favourite roads in Wales.

The Audi R8 is a complete package which delivers sharp responses, adhesive grip and brakes so powerful you can watch your tongue fly out of your mouth as you utter an expletive when you hit the middle pedal.

A strict two-seater, access is easy and once inside the room is generous while it is good at locating occupants and the ride is smooth for a sports car. Seat adjustment is also plentiful and visibility is good all round.

Oddments are well provided for and the boot in front will hold a soft bag, but not much more.

Secondary controls are straightforward and well placed along with the simple clear instruments.

It is not a lavishly equipped interior and some features you may expect to be standard are options, hence the higher average price paid for each one sold, but it does mean the residual value is very good as a result.

Not that you would want to get rid of it anyway, but its heartening to know the Audi R8 is a car you will enjoy buying, driving and then replacing, probably with another R8.

Personally speaking, the Audi R8 is a stunning looking car which is closest to the cheaper Ferrari, Maserati and Porsche models, but its everyday usability is truly comparable to the Stuttgart supercars.

I have always been a firm fan of Porsche but I feel the Audi R8 has the measure of its rivals and its rarity gives it an edge which provides the bottom-line clincher.

FAST FACTS

Model: Audi R8 4.2 quattro

Price: pounds 79,075

Mechanical: 420ps, 4,163cc, 8cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 6spd manual gearbox

Max speed: 187mph

0-62mph: 4.6 secs

Combined mpg: 19.3

Insurance group: 20

C02 emissions: 349g/km

BiK rating: 35%

Warra nty: 3yrs/60,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 12yrs anti-rust.

CAPTION(S):

STUNNING MODEL The new Audi Audi R8 is designed and assembled like a racer by a dedicated team.