At the very heart of this powerhouse is an aluminium engine block produced by low-pressure die-casting. Well adapted to everyday driving, the high-revving 4.2-litre V8 FSI® engine is notable for its low weight. At just 223 kilograms, it is amongst the lightest of its kind.

High-strength, thermally stable light alloys reduce the weight even further; which means that the vehicle’s centre of gravity can be moved even lower down, providing a further boost to driving dynamics and agility. One major incidental benefit is that the vibrational behaviour is substantially improved, producing palpably smoother running.

As well as this, the Audi R8 makes use of FSI® petrol direct injection for an established technical benchmark for engine efficiency and economical power build-up. The benefits of FSI® technology are higher power output, higher torque, lower fuel consumption and reduced exhaust emissions.