Last year Audi decided the R8 needed more power, so added a version fitted with the 5.2-litre V10 from fellow VW Group sibling Lamborghini.

An extra 105hp and £20,000 over the existing V8 version, the V10 ducks below the 20mpg mark for average consumption while CO2 rises by nine to 327g/km.

Like the V8, it is amazingly civilised and easy to drive around town, hiding its size brilliantly, plus the 100-litre boot at the front is square and plenty big enough for a weekend away or a weekly shop. The Porsche 911 Turbo may be slightly faster to 62mph and around 25% more economical, but the R8’s sense of occasion and ability to turn heads is unsurpassed, even if the six-figure price tag for the more powerful one is huge, and the cheaper V8 version is pretty much as good.

Residuals are good for a £100,000 car at 43.0%, but that still means 187.7p per mile.

Audi R8 V10 FSI quattro
P11D price £102,805
Model price range £83,100-£102,805
Fuel consumption 19.2mpg
CO2 (tax) 327g/km (35%)
BIK 20/40% per month £600/£1199
Service interval variable mls
Insurance group 50
Warranty 3yrs/60,000mls
Boot space (min/max) 100 litres
Engine size/power 5204cc/525hp
Top speed/0-62mph 197mph/3.9secs
On sale Summer 2009
Score 8/10
Verdict Amazingly civilised for such a
potent and desirable machine