Geneva Motor Show 2015: Next-generation R8 gets its premiere

Audi has revealed details of the next-gen R8. It is available to order from May 2015 and should cost from around £120,000, though final prices are to be confirmed.

Styling wise the silhouette is more or less the same as before – but with crisper, more angular lines, much like those of the recently launched TT. Audi has confirmed the headlights will be all-LED, but optionally they can be upgraded to laser headlights – very 21^st century...

Power comes from a 5.2-litre V10 engine offered with two power outputs -  540PS in entry-level form or 610PS in the V10+. Peak torque is 540Nm for the entry-level V10 or 560Nm in the V10+ - there is no longer an entry-level V8 version.

0-62mph takes 3.2-seconds in the V10+ variant or 3.5 seconds in the lesser V10. The V10+ also has a slightly higher top speed - 205mph versus 202mph. All models get an S Tronic gearbox with seven speeds.

As you would expect, the R8 uses Audi’s famous quattro all-wheel drive system, though it can transmit 100 per cent of torque to the rear or front wheels depending on the circumstances.

The R8 uses cylinder-on-demand technology to improve efficiency, by shutting down four cylinders when they aren’t required. You can’t really call it economical, though – the V10 manages 23.9mpg and the V10+ 22.8mpg.

Those who love the environment can choose an electric version of the R8 called the E-tron. It is rear-wheel drive and has peak power output of 462PS, though more important is the 920Nm of torque.

Range on a full charge is approximately 280 miles and a full charge is possible in less than two hours with the correct type of charging equipment – though it will take a lot longer than that from a three-pin socket.

The R8 shares many major components with the Lamborghini Huracan, including the chassis and V10 engine. Like the Huracan it uses lightweight, advanced materials, making it stiffer than the previous R8 - so it should offer keener handling than its predecessor.

The cabin of the new R8 gets a similar minimalist look to the latest TT, with the instrument binnacle doubling as the infotainment and navigation screen. This can be controlled by a rotary dial behind the gear selector.