First seen in the forthcoming Q7 V12 TDI SUV, the 6.0-litre twin-turbo V12 with 500PS is similar in basic concept to the R10 TDI’s 5.5-litre race engine, and delivers its colossal 1,000Nm output from just 1,750rpm, guaranteeing the effortless delivery of a 4.2-second 0-62mph acceleration time and a top speed in excess of 186mph.

Despite its astonishing statistics, this remarkable engine shows the necessary restraint when it comes to environmental impact. Its fundamental efficiency, achieved through the use of an advanced common rail fuel injection system enhanced by piezo injectors, is complemented by twin particulate filters and a new state-of-the-art ultra-low emission system that ensures compliance with proposed EU6 emission limits expected to apply from 2014.

The heart of the system is a special catalytic converter downstream of the oxidizing catalyst and the particulate filter. The second component is an additional tank containing an aqueous urea solution. Small quantities of the solution, known as "AdBlue," are injected into the exhaust system. The hot exhaust gases break the solution down to form ammonia that splits the nitric oxides into inert nitrogen and water. The system remains effective for the entire service life of the vehicle.

The R8’s classic mid-engine configuration, combined with advanced Audi Space Frame (ASF) construction mating lightweight aluminium panelling to an aluminium space frame, provides the very best operating conditions for the futuristic chassis, which itself contains a high proportion of aluminium components.