The biggest star of the Essen motor show is arguably the Audi R8 LMS, which looks a lot like the R8 GT3.

It's a racing version of the R8, a car that's been a massive success for Audi. Unlike the stock coupe, though, it gains a fairly monstrous 500bhp 5.2-litre V10, which when mated to the six-speed sequential gearbox, whisks the R8 to 60mph in sub-4sec and beyond 200mph. It's all helped along by a lowly 1250kg kerb weight, compared to the 1560kg of the road-going car.

It's designed primarily for competition, namely a European race series and the Nurburgring 24hr race, for which Audi Sport has developed a special R8 LMS which has a larger, 120-litre fuel tank. If you fancy having a crack at racing one, set aside £206,000, with deliveries starting next Autumn.

Check out more Essen highlights right here.