At the week end at the Nurburgring 24-hour race a Privateer Race prepared Audi R8 is set to make its debut.

It isn’t, an Audi works car, but is instead being entered in the SP7 class by a German team called 24h-Project 2008: Blue-Tec. We have no idea what that name means and the team does not appear to have a website.

Its had its stock engine changed to race-spec four-litre engine putting out 530bhp and 353lb ft of torque… all in a car weighing just over a ton. Oh yes (as Jeremy Clarkson would say).

The race prepped R8 has lightened chassis, and features improved aero packages , high-mounted exhaust pipes and a diffuser.

Tony Stark the hero of the New Ironman Film drives an Audi R8 in the recently released film. There is an official microsite here and Audi will be doing several movie tie ins.

The theatrical trailer has some interesting shots in Tony Stark’s garage including a pre war silver arrow which can be briefly spotted in the back ground along with the R10.

Ford Cobra Fans might want to look away towards the end of the trailer.

Not to be out done by its super car sibling the R8, the Audi S5 also gets a look in as the ride of Virginia “Pepper” Potts, Starks PA played in the film by Gwyneth Paltrow.

Super hero films out side of the very well known hero’s don’t always work well transferring from comic book to screen but this one does have some good d reviews both from fans and the main stream press. In the states Iron Man is the second highest ever opening three days ($101 Million) for a non sequel film.

A news site that covers the technology world has reported a sighting of the boss Of ORACLE driving a R8 - leaving a gym on sand hill road.

Audi will present at the 2008 Geneva Auto Show the New Audi R8 V12 Turbocharged TDI Le Mans with 500hp, the first 12-cylinder diesel engine in a high-performance roadgoing sports car.

Audi is writing a new chapter in diesel technology with this power unit. Equipped with the expertise that Audi has built up through its motor sport activities, the R8 TDI Le Mans in Brilliant Red embodies superb road handling, pioneering technology and fascinating design.

The V12 TDI is closely related to the engine in the Audi R10, the two-time Le Mans winner – so it catapults the Audi R8 into supercar terrain concerning performance too. It sprints from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in just 4.2 seconds and its top speed is well over 300 km/h (186.41 mph).

The Audi R8 TDI Le Mans already fulfills the Euro 6 emissions standard that is likely to take effect in 2014 and calls for sharply reduced nitrogen oxides. By designing ultra-precise fuel metering by the common rail system, Audi’s engineers have made full use of current clean diesel technology.

The Audi R8 TDI Le Mans with Brilliant Red bodywork looks even wider and more resolute than the core model. It shows its potential through its muscular proportions, accentuated wheel arches and even larger air apertures.

The V12 TDI engine is displayed as the beating heart of this sports car, like a work of art inside a large showcase. With extremely clean, ultra-low emission technology, Audi is continuing its tradition of leadership in diesel engine technology.

The Super Bowl, the final game of the National Football League (NFL)  is known for the high-profile advertisements that are aired during its television broadcast. Because the Super Bowl is a very highly rated program, the high price tag of the commercials means that that they will be spectacular and innovative in most cases Apple have a very famous 1984 themed advert that was only ever shown the once.

To the disappointment of many viewers outside the U.S., these high-profile ads are usually only seen via the originating American network.

But Via You tube you can see how Audi USA advertised the R8 using a homage to the Godfather – Interestingly the Actor (Alex Rocco) in the add was in the original Godfather film.

I can see this one being parodied in the next series of Top Gear

Looking for a present for the Top Gear fans in your family?

You can now get an Audi R8, the Audi Super car that Jeremy Clarkson drooled over earlier in the year for a mere £45 it represents a saving of exactly £78,150 over the standard R8.

The catch? this is a 1:18 scale model, enabling Audi R8 fans to bypass the current twelve month waiting list for a full-size example and park one on the mantelpiece almost immediately.

The meticulously finished Audi R8 model is faithful to the much admired design of the full-blown original right down to the detailing of its windscreen wipers. Only 750 examples of its all-aluminum, mid-engined and quattro-equipped big brother will find homes in the UK in 2008, thrilling their drivers with a mighty 420PS output, 4.6-second acceleration from rest to 62mph and, for those lucky enough to be visiting an Autobahn next year, a 187mph top speed.

The real Audi R8 is available from Essex Audi dealers Of course if you want the real thing contact or if you want one as a r8 company car - check out audinationwide.co.uk

Go on Richard or James buy one for Jeremy

Video clip from The Top Gear R8 vs Richard Hammond 911 shoot out

Top gear tested the Audi R8 Vs the Porsche 911  on last nights show (14th Oct 2007) Jeremy Clarkson raved about the R8 whist the “hamster” still preferred the 911 - but as he owns one he is probably biased

There is a short clip on the top gear site here  note that the realplayer version seem to work better.

The Audi that Jeremey Clarkson wanted to give 6 stars to and think’s is better than a Lamborghini Gallardo.

6 CD changer, Audi DVD, satellite navigation system, manual, heated & electric sports seats, GSM phone preparation, Audi magnetic ride. acoustic front & rear parking sensors, stainless steel pedals.

• Price: £93500.00
• Registered: Sep 2007 EX57YEB
• Colour: Phantom Black Metallic
• Mileage: 500

“It?s so comfortable you can run over anything up to a medium-sized fox and not even notice”

The enfant terrible or motoring journalism Wrote a glowing review of the  Audi R8 in the Daily Telegraph last month.

He even thinks its better that the Baby Lamborghini (one of which he has just brought)

The Audi R8 shares some parts and infrastructure with the Lamborghini Gallardo. And that?s ?125,000. Anyone who?s just bought a baby Lambo ? me ? must be feeling as sick as a dog right now. Because in so many ways the Audi R8 is better.

“In the meantime I can safely say the Audi R8 is one of the best surprises of my motoring life. It is one of the truly great cars and the only hesitation I have in giving it five stars is that, ideally, I?d like to give it six.”

The Full review of the Audi R8 is here - It will be interesting to see if they review the Audi R8 in the new season of top gear in the autumn.

Audi R8 Vital statistics

Model Audi R8 Engine 4163cc, eight cylinders Power 414bhp @ 7800rpm Torque 317 lb ft @ 4500rpm Transmission Six-speed manual Fuel 19.3mpg (combined cycle) CO2 349g/km Acceleration 0-62mph: 4.6sec Top speed 187mph Price ?76,825