How fast? Audi says that thanks to a 600+hp naturally aspirated (i.e., no turbos or superchargers) V10 engine sitting behind the driver’s seat but ahead of the rear axle, this particular R8 can hit 203mph (326km/h) and will take just 3.3 seconds to hit 100km/h from standstill.

That makes it just 0.1 second slower to 100km/h than the latest McLaren and just marginally behind the 570S Spider‘s 328km/h top speed. However, Audi would rather potential clients compare the car to the standard R8 Spyder V10. Do that and the new model is 25kg lighter, serves up 65 extra horsepower, a 6mph top speed improvement and is a whole 0.3 seconds faster off the line.

To achieve these figures, Audi has looked to the track for engineering inspiration. “[The car] benefits from our many years of experience in motorsport and combines breath-taking dynamics with the emotion of an open-top sports car,” said Stephan Winkelmann, Managing Director of Audi Sport GmbH.

So, it has aluminum double wishbone suspension, carbon ceramic composite brakes, a liquid cooling system for the multi-plate clutch and a spaceframe constructed from aluminum, carbon fiber-reinforced polymers.

“The Audi R8 Spyder V10 plus completes the R8 model line,” said Stephan Winkelmann, Managing Director of Audi Sport GmbH. “The Spyder is now also available as a 610PS top version in addition to the Coupé. It benefits from our many years of experience in motorsport and combines breathtaking dynamics with the emotion of an open-top sports car.”

What’s more, there’s Audi’s phenomenal Quattro all-wheel drive system that will literally keep the car on track, pushing torque from axle to axle for the best traction, whatever the road conditions, aligned with a dynamic driving select system. This can be set up for wet weather conditions, snow, cruising or for setting the fastest possible time around the circuit. In full race mode, the system can even stop the car from dipping under braking or rolling in corners by applying magnetic force to the shock absorbers or bracing individual wheels.

Audi will be offering owners an optional micommata green design package to go with the car at launch, which includes a unique green paint finish, a special grey finish to the front grille and black exhaust pipes. Inside the entire cabin is finished in black leather and black carbon fiber with contrasting green stitching.

However, like all supercar makers, Audi now offers a huge range of customization possibilities for those that want something even more individual.

Despite offering a premium alternative to the likes of the Ford Focus or VW Golf, and despite being one of the few hybrids in the segment, it looks as if younger aspirational drivers are turning their backs on hatchbacks in favor of crossovers and SUVs.

So, for what could well prove to be the car‘s final production year (Lexus has already signaled its intention to withdraw the model from the US market), the company has decided to give it a sportier, more aggressive feel.

“The 2018 CT 200H has been refreshed and revitalized by enhancing its progressiveness. Despite being classified as a minor-change model, the car is more emotional and sporty than before, making it the ideal premium hybrid compact for younger customers who enjoy spirited driving, but still care about the environment,” said Chika Kako, the car’s Chief Engineer.

So, it gets the latest-generation Lexus spindle grille, but with a unique mesh pattern to help it stand out even from other Lexus models. There’s a new front bumper that essentially disappears into the front fascia so that the nose is more prominent and uncluttered and, thanks to new projector headlamps, the car’s vertical lines are also sharper and less cluttered.

At the back, new L-shaped taillights and new treatments to the rear bumper and rear windshield give the optical effect that the car is much wider while the option of 16- or 17-inch alloy wheels will give the car a lower, more potent stance.

Inside, the cabin is clean and uncluttered with a minimum of switchgear and a new infotainment system that can be specified with a widescreen 10.3-inch display. Lexus is offering owners an even wider selection of leather trim options, and a selection of eight surface veneers including bamboo.

Also making its way to the updated car for the first time is Lexus’s latest generation suite of active driver safety and assistance aids. This includes radar-guided cruise control, lane departure alert with steering wheel control function, automated headlight high beam function, and road sign recognition.

And, because Lexus is giving the entire range a sporty makeover, it has to go even further for the F Sport model. So, to ensure it is sufficiently different, visually, it’s getting a special black paint treatment on the grille and around the fog lamps, a set of 17-inch alloy wheels and a dedicated selection of two-tone leather finishes for the seats.

“The F Sport attracts younger customers, so we’ve strengthened the vehicle’s exclusive black items to reinforce its sporty nature,” said the car’s chief designer, Tetsuo Miki.