The R8 remains one of more appealing supercars on the market due to a mix of stirring driving dynamics, surprising practicality and, of course, double take-inducing good looks.

The last point is especially true of the R8 V10, builds on the exotic appearance and mid-engine proportions of the V8 model with larger side air intakes, more aggressive side sills. Revised headlights, taillights, bumpers and other minor stylistic updates help cognoscenti tell the latest model apart.

Like much else in the R8 V10, the arresting sheetmetal is constructed from aluminum in order to keep performance-sapping mass to a minimum.

Magnetic-fluid damping is standard in an R8 V10 without hurting anything specific. And the 5.2-litre V10 has been ‘de-tuned' by 35bhp by Audi to make it quieter and easier to drive. Nice seats.

Ho. Think the 414bhp V8 was squirty? The 5.2 V10 punts out 525bhp, chucks the R8 to 62mph in 3.9 seconds and eggs it on to nearly 200ph. Third gear overtakes are very special; it revs to 8,700rpm. That'll make your ears curl up into small, fleshy balls. So yes, it has the measure of most supercars out there.