Remember the innocent days of late 2006? Those naive times before the R8's launch when we wondered if Audi could really pull off a mid-engined supercoupe to rival the Porsche 911 and, heaven forbid, even the Gallardo?

How daft we were. So rapidly has the R8 been assimilated into the sports-supercar elite that when Audi recently announced a new range-topping version capable of 0-100kph in 3.5secs and a top speed of 318kph, our first question wasn't if it'd be any good, but exactly how excellent it'd be.

Pretty damn excellent, that's the answer. The V10 Plus (sadly, no relation to the Golf Plus) is the flagship of the facelifted R8 range, a facelift comprising sparkly new LED lights, an extensive weight-loss programme and, most significantly, a shiny new S tronic double-clutch gearbox to replace the R8's clunking old automated manual. Power output on the standard V8 and V10 models remain unchanged, but the Plus's V10, while remaining naturally aspirated, gets a 25bhp hike to a Ferrari-troubling 550bhp, putting its vital stats within a gnat's wing of the 458. What odds would you have got on an Audi causing sweaty palms in Maranello a decade ago?

The new 'box is a cracker. The R8 has lost sales to the 911 by not offering a credible alternative to PDK, but the S tronic is spot-on, melting into the background when you're pottering around, but serving up thumping, split-second shifts when you click the R8 into Sport. And the Plus's extra power doesn't undermine the R8's trump card - its easy, everyday usability. Even on dodgy roads, you can be a bit silly without bothering the traction control, the Plus's steering is easy and true, its standard ceramic brakes far less recalcitrant than many we've tried. It sounds magnificent, and it goes like the remapped clappers, but - much as it pains TG to say so - it's not our R8 of choice.

We'd stick with the non-Plus, slightly-less-powerful R8 V10 (coupe or convertible). Why? Because the stock R8 V10 is a fraction softer than the Plus, which has received a suspension beef-up fit for the schportiest model in the range. Though this hasn't transformed it into a gastric-band-dislodging Nürburgring special, the Plus is more of a handful to drive on obliterated roads. But that's a minor blemish on a thoroughly convincing refresh, and, hey, if you just want the newest and the fastest, we won't blame you for going Plus. The R8 is no snotty upstart nowadays, but a card-carrying member of the supercar royalty. Arise, Sir Durch Technik...

The numbers
5204cc, V10, AWD, 550bhp, 540Nm, 7.7kpl, 299g/km CO2, 0-100 in 3.5secs, 318kph, 1595kg

The verdict
Audi's fastest-accelerating road car ever is ruinously rapid with a lovely new DCT gearbox, but a mite hard-riding for our conditions. Standard R8 V10 will do us fine, ta.

Very recently, we wondered what was what I was trying Audi? From that initial doubt this confirmation: it is the Audi Urban Concept, an electric vehicle is the epitome of the future of the brand.

This car, which recently saw camouflaged by the streets of Germany to the astonishment of friends and strangers, has a feature that somehow resembles the Hyundai Veloster: its asymmetry so special.

Another of its main features is that it is not a two-seater model, but setup is a 1 + 1 (seen in one of the images in this note) with the driver’s seat a little later than the passenger and slightly off to one side. The role of companion is that … that of being a mere passenger conductor without having access to almost anything. While handling the car in front of a board very brief and almost minimalist, without the least harshness.

The secret (if I may say so) of this car that Audi is developing based on two fundamental points: first we have sought absolute simplicity and … go if they have succeeded. And secondly, has sought to give the car as light as possible, demonstrating once again what the brand (as well inclined to make cars lighter) can be achieved. And if one of the objectives, one of the premises is to achieve a weight just unbelievable, then it becomes necessary to use appropriate materials for that, so Audi uses elements such as polymers reinforced with carbon fiber, to search for such desired weight reduction, but without giving up anything at all to security.

Another important thing: the Urban Concept Audi is not based on any other model of the brand, is a copy of living for himself and for the moment we do not know either if it is indeed the anticipation of a future model home. Many unknowns and only a few confirmations. In this connection, is known to have a pair of electric motors (of which no one knows your disposal) and carries lithium ion batteries. From the brand so far have not provided many details, not even said anything about their autonomy, limiting the explanation that the car will be ideal for touring city.

Another thing that is rumored is that electric motors could well be located inside the wheels, which in this car are “loose” body or rather, uncovered. The idea is not bad and does not sound outlandish.

Finally: the rebirth of an old idea, updated to the best car … simple, lightweight, simple, with wheels in the air and the driver and its absolute protagonist. That’s what Urban Concept Audi, the car you are testing the brand of the Rings.