AUDI starts the new year by unleashing a ten-cylinder, 525bhp, 196mph version of its R8 quattro four-wheel-driven sports car.

The new 5.2-litre FSI V10 petrol engine mounted longitudinally directly behind the cockpit is almost identical in construction to the unit powering the recently announced R8 LMS that will race at customer level in the GT3 class It contributes only 31kg more to the overall weight of the all-aluminium-bodied R8 than the existing V8, taking it to 1,620kg, and making possible an impressive power-to-weight ratio of 324bhp per ton.

When linked to the R tronic transmission it can reach 124mph in only 12 seconds, and in the right conditions can maintain its breathtaking momentum all the way to 196mph – an unprecedented high for a road-going Audi.

By mounting the ten-cylinder unit as close as possible to the centre of the R8, Audi engineers have achieved near perfect 44 per cent front / 56 per cent rear weight distribution for optimum handling balance.

The rest of the car features Audi Space Frame (ASF) construction mating lightweight aluminium panelling to an aluminium space frame, with double wishbone set-up and standard Audi magnetic ride adaptive damping system.

It can be identified by its 19-inch ’10-spoke Y design’ alloy wheels, a high gloss finish for the grille and front air intakes, more pronounced side sills, wider side cooling vents within the contrasting ‘sideblade’, high gloss rear air outlets, oval exhaust tailpipes and a new rear diffuser.

Inside electric adjustment and heating is added for the Nappa leather-upholstered sports seats, and DVD satellite navigation and a CD changer playable through a 465-watt Bang & Olufsen audio system simplify and enhance day-to-day driving.

The new super car opens for orders this month priced at £99,575 in manual form, or £104,665 when equipped with R tronic sequential shift transmission. First deliveries are expected in the spring.