Demon beneath the details

Audi has launched a lightweight version of its R8 to compete head-on with Porsche's GT3 and Lamborghini's Superleggera.

Weight-saving measures including more carbon fibre and a thinner windscreen trim, cutting heft by 95kg.

Audi also sharpened the chassis, further honed aerodynamics - and fitted a more powerful, 412kW 5.2-litre naturally aspirated V10 engine related to the Lamborghini's, mated to a six-speed robotised manual transmission. That boosts power to Gallardo levels, with 540Nm topping the standard car by 10Nm.

The R8 GT rockets from zero to 100 in 3.6 seconds - three-tenths faster than the standard car and just ahead of Porsche's GT3 - and reaches 200 in 10.8.

The car gets a revised quattro all-wheel drive system that sends up to 85per cent of torque to the rear wheels. A mechanical locking rear diff delivers 25 per cent lock-up under acceleration.

Audi has dropped the ride height 10mm, firmed the springs and dampers and further tuned the stability control system. The car has a carbon rear wing, plus a front splitter with carbon fibre winglets on the outer corners, and a carbon fibre diffusr at the back.

Clearly Audi expects some buyers never to hit the track - satnav is standard, while options include a Bang & Olufsen sound system, mobile phone and cruise control, as well as a four-point racing harness and bolt-on roll cage.

The R8 first launched in 2007, with 38 sold new here. Audi expects the 5.2-litre V10 Spyder to join the coupe shortly, but no news yet on whether we'll see one of the 333 GTs to be built for delivery next year.