What's the news?

Audi has overhauled its R8 sports car range with a mild exterior update, the addition of a dual-clutch gearbox to the line-up and another higher performance model, the 550hp R8 V10 plus.

Exterior

Funky new LED lights front and rear are the most obvious change to the R8's exterior - they're standard across the range. The rear indicators are made up of LEDs too, and they illuminate in a unique way, as if the light is moving from the middle of the car to the outside in a line. Think Knight Rider - in amber. Complementing the lamps at the front are a restyled grille and new bumper. A carbon fibre splitter is standard on the new R8 V10 plus model and optional on others.

More carbon can be found in the mirrors and side blades of the V10 plus and also on the rear diffuser. All versions of the updated R8 feature large circular exhaust outlets, though their finish depends on the model. The entry-level R8 V8 rolls on 18-inch alloys (8.5 inches wide at the front, 10.5 inches at the rear) shod with 235/40 and 285/35 tyres. The V10 models gain 19-inch items with even lower profile rubber, while the V10 plus' wheels are finished in gloss black.

The changes apply to the coupé and Spyder, though as ever the latter does without the signature sideblades.

Interior

Audi has left well alone inside the R8, choosing only to tweak an already good package. The instruments and gear shift paddles (where fitted) are redesigned, while the centre console and handbrake lever are now trimmed in leather. Entry-level upholstery is a combination of Alcantara and leather, while the V10 plus model features deeper bucket seats. That and the regular V10 version come with navigation system plus and the Bang & Olufsen Sound System as standard. There's a wider array of customisation options as well, including 'Carbon Sigma' inserts - which are, naturally, standard on the R8 V10 plus.

Mechanicals

The 4.2-litre V8 engine and the standard 5.2-litre V10 are unchanged, producing 430hp/430Nm and 525hp/530Nm respectively. A manual gearbox is standard on the V8, but optional on the V10. A new seven-speed dual-clutch S tronic automatic replaces the R tronic of old and it enhances performance, dropping the 0-62mph time for the manual V8 from 4.6- to 4.3 seconds and the V10 model from 3.9- to 3.6 seconds.

Outshining those models is the new R8 V10 plus, powered by a 550hp retune of the V10 engine. That's backed up by 540Nm of torque, produced at a screaming 6,500rpm. This unit is only available in the coupé. With the S tronic transmission 0-62mph is dispatched in 3.5 seconds, though the manual is no slouch, returning a time of 3.8 seconds. The latter actually has the highest top speed, at 198mph.

As ever all R8s have quattro four-wheel drive, with a bias to the rear wheels. An overall maximum of 30 per cent of the engine's output can be transferred to the front axle depending on conditions. Magnetic ride adaptive damping is standard on the V10 models though both standard R8s benefit of a new design of brake disk that reduces unsprung mass. The V10 plus features carbon ceramic disks.

Anything else?

We expect the new Audi R8 to make its first public appearance at the Paris Motor Show on September 27, with right-hand drive sales starting early in 2013. Prices range from £91,575 for the 4.2 FSI V8 coupé to £127,575 for the new R8 5.2 FSI V10 plus with an S tronic transmission.