Following in the footsteps of Audi’s highly-successful rally cars and history-making Le Mans Prototype LMP R8 race car, the company has now launched a road-going version with the same name.

The name R8 is synonymous with superior performance, unswerving reliability and the intelligent use of power. The sporty genes of its forebears are even highlighted in the way the R8 cuts its way through the air. The same design team that had previously styled the R8 racing car was given the task of styling the R8 road going sports car.

Last week, the high-performance R8 series production car was launched in Australia, priced at $259,900 (RRP) for the 6-speed manual variant and $274,900 (RRP) for the six-speed sequential R-tronic version.

The Audi R8 is the company’s first foray into the league of high-performance sports coupes and Audi Australia’s Managing Director, Joerg Hofmann, says its introduction signals a shift by the brand into a much higher gear in Australia.

“We are a successful brand, with year-on-year record sales in Australia as proof of our growth and our future potential in this market. The Audi R8 will become an icon for Audi and albeit niche, this is a car that clearly embodies our Vorsprung durch Technik. It will be instrumental in further boosting our brand image and awareness in this market,” Mr Hofmann said.

The wide, full shape of the R8 seems to hug the road. It demonstrates its potential through its imposing proportions, accentuated wheel arches and substantial air apertures. It is like no other Audi before it – with the unmistakable proportions of a mid-engine car.

Boasting a high-revving 4.2-litre V8 FSI engine with 309 kW and 430 Nm, Audi is not presenting a sporty and aspirational vehicle, it is also raising automotive technology to a higher level.

Thanks to its mid-engined concept and quattro drivetrain, the R8 features high directional stability and large reserves of lateral acceleration. The spontaneous, free-revving V8 engine is suitably powerful and is supported by Audi’s magnetic ride adaptive damping system which improves handling and offers greater comfort.

Audi’s Space Frame ASF aluminium technology allows a significant reduction in vehicle weight, yet offers extreme rigidity and body strength for driver enjoyment and safety.

As expected, the new R8 also boasts a high level of technology and equipment. From 2008, the R8 will be the first vehicle in the world with all-LED headlights. Very high performance ceramic brakes, a Bang & Olufsen sound system, rear view camera, Audi’s Multi Media Interface MMI and superb quality materials all combine into one exceptional sports car package.