Dealers must find it impossible to fully demonstrate the R8’s capabilities on any public test drive, but any run with a prospective purchaser must take in a few stretches of dual carriageway at least, if no private test track is available.

With its powerful brakes, quattro all-wheel drive and fine balance any bends and roundabouts are taken with plenty of composure, and occupants will remain similarly unruffled due to the supp-ortive leather sports seats and superbly crafted, uncluttered cabin.

Standard magnetic drive’ adjustable suspension means drivers can stiffen the car at will, however the normal setting is supple enough for comfort yet never disguises that this car is something special.

Audi dealers should find the upsell relatively easy with an R8 customer.

Stunning as this car is, its options list is as extensive and expensive as any buyer could want, and when they’re creating a £100,000+ dream car what difference will a few thousand more make on their finance package.

With R8 being shipped to the UK in such low volumes its demand is destined to remain strong.