Make a checklist of all the things you want in a car and start marking off the points that are displayed by the Audi R8. It quickly becomes apparent as to why this car made it onto the CiA Pcoty list. Let’s start with the appearance and work in.

Audi has created a stealthy silhouette that, thanks to a mid-engine layout, low roofline and curvaceous line, promises to cut through the air like George W’s stealth bomber. While it might not be everyone’s aesthetic cup of tea, it does turn heads more than any other car, including Ferrari, Lambo and Noble, I’ve driven. So tick that box.

Put another tick in that box just because Audi made the 4.2-litre power-unit visible through the rear windscreen.

While the external visual is in your face, the inside is subdued thanks to a classy mix of leather, aluminium and carbon-fibre. It is a no-mess no-fuss interior where form follows function. Everything you need falls to hand easily and like a real racer, the important stuff like the gauges are the focal point. So tick that box.

Another mark is needed on the scorecard for the likes of an onboard lap timer, trip computer, Bang & Olufsen sound system and the availability of navigation and parking camera options. Oh and then there is also the metallic look H-gate around the gearlever. Unfortunately you will need to negatively mark this H-gate later in the performance department because it is slower than creeping damp.

Get the pen out again for the practicality section of the form because the R8 is reasonably useable. I wouldn’t say brilliant because it is a bit of a mission to climb into and you can’t take the whole family for a spin. But it does allow you more than the usual supercar luggage and the clutch and steering won’t tire you out before the highway onramp.

Wind the windows down, grab a heap of vocal revs and let the clutch out. Thanks to the quattro system R8 pushes you back into your seat with force. The car keeps pulling throughout the gears and if you’re brave, or dumb enough, will top out at a claimed 301 kays an hour. R8 is no drag racer though and will handle any bend you can throw at it with confidence. Grip is phenomenal and thanks to a heavier rear-wheel bias some right foot quickly negates the quattro understeer stigma. Tick, Tick, Tick…

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