Overall rating:

No doubt in response to the new Porsche 911, and the shadow cast by the original R8's V10-engined relative, Audi has added a Limited Edition R8 V8 to drive some sales. Additional equipment means better value, and the R8 V8 Limited Edition proves to be a desirable addition to the range.

Key Facts

Pricing: £92,935
Engine: 4.2 V8 petrol
Transmission: six-speed manual, four-wheel drive
Body style: two-door coupé
Rivals: Porsche 911 Carrera, Nissan GT-R, Aston Martin V8 Vantage S
CO₂ emissions: 332g/km
Combined economy: 19.9mpg
Top speed: 187mph
0-62mph: 4.6 seconds
Power: 424bhp at 7,900rpm
Torque: 317lb.ft at 4,500 - 6,000rpm

In the Metal:

While admittedly not quite the arresting sight it once was the Audi R8 remains a great looking car. Audi has resisted the temptation to add any badging to denote this version's Limited Edition status, instead fitting red brake callipers and 19-inch GT alloy wheels finished in Titanium. Add a further £3,500 to the £92,935 price and you can have smart carbon fibre sideblades, wing mirror covers and interior trim.

Elsewhere inside there's an Audi exclusive leather package with red accents and stitching, backlit sills and light package, DVD satnav, Bang & Olufsen sound and Bluetooth telephone preparation.

Driving it:

It's all about equipment here, so no greater power outputs to boast about . There is Audi Magnetic Ride as standard, which is a must-have option on the R8. Combining fine control in the bends with supple suspension the Magnetic Ride creates the best of both worlds, adding to the usability of your R8. Remaining the best car to drive in Audi's whole line-up, the mid-engined R8 feels no less of a car for the lack of a pair of cylinders and 1.0-litre loss in capacity. Indeed, in 4.2-litre V8 guise with Audi's cool open-gated manual six-speed gearbox it's arguably as enjoyable as the R8 gets. It'll get you to 62mph in 4.6 seconds, and the traction on offer from the quattro four-wheel drive system means putting down its power creates no drama except scintillating forward motion. It's not brutal, though the engine noise does sound glorious at high revs. The gear shift is nicely mechanical in its action, while the pedal spacing is excellent for heel-and-toe throttle blips when down-shifting. Potential 911 buyers put off by the new Porsche's seven-speed manual will find a fine alternative here.

The steering lacks the sort of precise information on offer from the R8's best rivals, but it's still quick and decently weighted. It's an easy, surprisingly friendly drive given you've 424bhp on offer, yet, while it doesn't intimidate, it's still got enormous capacity to excite. It may live in the shadow of its V10 relative on paper, but the V8 never feels like the poor relation on the road.

What you get for your Money:

While the Limited Edition costs a significant £6,000 more than the standard car, if you add up the cost of all the extra bits it represents a saving of around 50 per cent. You can add £3,500 to that for the carbon pack, while a few choice options on the test car pictured added a further £3,000 to the price. Included in those is cruise control and Audi's advanced parking system - both things we'd expect as standard at this level.

Worth Noting

Only 100 examples of the R8 Limited Edition will be built, so get to your Audi dealer quickly. Don't be surprised if there are more Audi R8 specials as the Ingolstadt firm goes on a product offensive to stave off competition from the forthcoming new Porsche 911 Carrera.

Summary

In essence, the Limited Edition is a trim special, based on a largely overlooked R8 model. It is, however, a reminder of the depth of ability and desirability of Audi's 4.2-litre V8-engined R8. It's enjoyable to drive, comes generously specified - with a few exceptions - and looks good too. The 100 buyers who are open-minded enough to opt for it over the V10 model will be very happy indeed.