This hair-on-the-neck-stiffening projectile is Audi Sport’s 500bhp-plus GT3 race version of the Audi R8, which will be available from autumn 2009.

"Ever since the R8 was unveiled we’ve been inundated with enquiries about a race version. With the Audi R8 we will offer customers a racing sportscar equipped with high-calibre technology and the typical Audi qualities, but which is nevertheless easy to handle," explains Head of Audi Motorsport Dr Wolfgang Ullrich.

Because GT3 regs prohibit the use of four-wheel drive the Audi R8 comes with the typical GT rear-wheel drive. Power is transmitted via a newly developed six-speed sequential sports gearbox. A modified front end and a large rear-wing generate the required downforce for the race track and a comprehensive list of safety equipment guarantees the highest-level of passive safety.