AUDI describes its mighty R8 supercar as the hero of the company's impressive line-up and all I can say to that is ⦠I need rescuing!

The beautifully-designed car was first launched back in 2007, but the second generation model is faster, lighter, more aggressively designed, bursting with state-of-the-art technology and has a much sharper focus on performance, handling and driving dynamics.

It's even more economical and efficient to run - like that really matters to owners of a car with an entry price of £119,500.

The V8 option has been ditched along with any manual transmission variants (which to be fair only accounted for about one per cent of sales) which leaves two awesome V10 models.

Both are powered by 5.2-litre high-revving mid-mounted engines with 540PS available in the V10 and a whopping 610PS in the V10 plus.

The latter can sprint to 62mph from a standing start in just 3.2 seconds and it redlines at 205mph which makes it the fastest and most powerful road-going Audi ever built.

The ‘lesser powered' derivative is not exactly tame either with a 0-62mph burst time of 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 198mph.

Both cars feature a seven-speed dual clutch S tronic gearbox plus an updated and faster-reacting quattro drive system.

Jaw-dropping good looks are a must with any supercar and the R8 certainly lives up to the challenge with beautifully-sculpted lines, a single frame honeycomb design 3D-shaped grille, all-LED headlights as standard with Audi Laser Lights as an option, new 19-inch cast aluminium wheels, a retractable rear spoiler (fixed and carbon on the V10 plus), flat design rear lights with full LEDs and dynamic sweeping indicators, dual chrome trapezoidal tailpipes (gloss black on V10 plus), a choice of nine colours and door handles that are integrated beneath the shoulder lines making them almost invisible to spot.

The new R8 is 12mm lower and 11mm wider than its predecessor and that gives it a truly grounded and awesome-looking road presence.

Move inside and the elegant sophisticated surroundings and endless supply of technology cannot fail to impress with a very driver-focused interior and all the bells and whistles you could possibly wish for.

The premium build quality is apparent at every turn with the finest Nappa leather upholstery and trim.

The car boasts Audi's latest 12.3-inch virtual cockpit technology whereby the driver can personalise the screen to show trip readings, navigation, multi-media information and lots more with a fantastic blend of mix and match options.

Elsewhere features include a flat-bottomed 3-spoke multi-function steering wheel with shift paddles and satellite buttons, electrically-adjustable heated seats (sport or bucket), a pitch-perfect Bang and Olufsen sound system, a deluxe climate control and plenty more besides.

We tested out the top-of-the-range V10 plus model with a starting price of £132,715 (increased to £153,650 with options fitted).

It has combined fuel economy of 21.9mpg with carbon emissions of 287g/km. The first thing to be said is how deceptively spacious and comfortable the car is despite the fact you are sitting just inches from the ground.

Some supercars can feel a little claustrophobic but that's certainly not the case with the R8 - occupants in this two-seater have bundles of space to stretch out and the headroom is good even for six footers.

Audi describes the cockpit as monoposto which means it is very driver-focused and that is instantly apparent with all dials and read-outs within easy reach - many adjusted via controls on the steering wheel.

The test car featured four satellite buttons for the Audi Drive Select, a performance mode for dry, wet or snow conditions, an exhaust flaps sound adjuster and a red button to start or stop the engine.

Press that red button and the R8 thunders into life with a roar that wouldn't be out of place in the Serengeti. Move the gear lever into drive and away you go.

The beauty of the R8 is it can be driven in so many ways. Obviously supercars scream power, performance and mind-blowing dynamics and the R8 can easily accommodate those requests.

But it has a softer side where the engine doesn't need to be screaming or the exhausts crackling behind you.

It is like that wild lion can be sedated making it a car that can be driven in the torrential rain and through thick dense fog without any concerns and that's just what we encountered during the launch event in Southern France.

The ‘wet' setting was implemented making the grip and control completely flawless and that meant even in slippery conditions tight bends could be attacked with confidence.

And then when the sun burnt off the fog and the roads began to dry out, there was plenty of time to see the R8's more adventurous side.

With the car in Dynamic everything is that much sharper, increase the exhaust sound and the crescendo of noise is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.

The acceleration is blisteringly fast and every time you decelerate the snap, crackle and pop accompaniment is just magnificent.

The steering is sharp and precise and the ride can be described as totally exhilarating.

Another new feature on the R8 is the Laser lighting which supplements the LED high beam at speeds above 37mph.

These lights are very effective and work beautifully in conjunction with the high beam assist function which dips the main beam automatically when other vehicles are detected. This means the driver can concentrate totally on the road ahead without constantly fiddling with the lights stalk.

But it's not just the big things that Audi does exceptionally well. It's also the attention to detail. For example, the stand-out grab handle gear stick and the illuminated engine bay are really nice touches.

And the engine, which sits behind the driver, is visible from the outside with the words ‘V10 FSI' clear for all to see.

Then by a clever use of mirrors the same two words can be seen when you look through the rear view mirror. Small, pretty insignificant touches, but still an indication to the extensive thought that has gone into the new R8's development.

Obviously the R8 has a clearly defined target audience - after all, it's very expensive, it's not exactly practical with a tiny 112-litre boot capacity beneath the bonnet and the all-round visibility is dire when reversing.

To date, there have already been 300 UK orders with deliveries due this month and 98 per cent have been for the range-topping V10 plus model.

Audi is predicting sales next year in excess of 450 units and after just a few hours behind the wheel of the latest R8 it's easy to see why the company is so confident about its success.

And with an open-top Spyder model also in the pipeline - possibly just 12 months away - that confidence is set to grow.