This latest R8 may not look much different to the last one but underneath that aluminium skin, it’s a totally different car. Based on the Lamborghini Huracan, you can own one with either a 5.2-litre V10 or V10 Plus lump in the boot.

The first produces 540bhp – our monster Plus is 610bhp and totally awesome in the 3.2 second dash to 60mph. This new R8 is 110 lbs lighter too – making it faster and more agile than before. Just be careful when you press down the front boot lid – the metal is so light it bends in!

But what’s extra special about the latest R8 is the virtual cockpit. No, it still has a steering wheel and pedals but there’s no infotainment display screen in the centre of the dash. Instead, it’s right in front of the driver where the speedo used to be.

The whole binnacle area is entirely digital. The speedo readout is still there but you have a choice a countless set ups to suit your taste. If you like, the entire screen can be one big sat nav display.

It’s clever and you can bet a lot of other manufacturers will soon be following the same design too…