Animal magnetism

And now it’s Audi’s turn. The R8 V12 TDI is not only an astoundingly beautiful car, it also brings to the table all the technology of the last year’s Le Mans-winning R10 – as well as a healthy dose of the Q7 concept car. With additional width and a wheelbase getting up for a limousine-like 2.6m, it’s entirely possible that your passengers can enjoy First Class legroom while you practice first-place performance. If not, the ever-changing colours of the illuminated control panel ought to keep you entertained.

 

A completely new V12 engine has been developed for the R8, with the 5,934cc drivetrain sitting at a 60-degree bank angle – as opposed to the 90-degrees of the R10.

 

Although the horsepower hovers around 500bhp – standard for the class – it gets to 100kmh in 4.2 seconds and foot to the floor will reach 300kmh.

 

While the body design as a whole helps exaggerate downforce, the rear spoiler actually interacts with the air and extends when needed before returning to its normal position at low speeds.

 

They’re obviously very proud of their engine over at Audi, as they not only place it under a glass hood, but also illuminate it at night. Which is showing off in all the right ways.

 

Among the most distinctive features are the headlights, which are LED and generate a colour temperature of 6,000 Kelvin – almost a perfect replica of daylight.

In addition to the double wishbones at front and rear, there is the new Audi dampening technology – Audi “magnetic ride” – that adapts the chassis characteristic to the profile of the road.