The car was caught at the infamous Nürburgring where it was undergoing testing. It is based on the Le Mans concept car and our photos show that it is taking much of this vehicle's styling too.
But the R8 will share most of its components with the Lamborghini Gallardo. Audi will not only use the Gallardo's all-wheel-drive system for the R8 but also the Italian's aluminium space frame. The prototype on our photos even uses the Gallardo's wheels!
However, the R8 won't be a complete clone of the Gallardo and is not to get the latter's potent V10 unit. Instead Audi will develop a V8 for the R8 and it won't quite match the Gallardo on speed or price.
The R8 will be officially unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in September.