Audi R8 Clubsport spied

The Audi R8 is on a diet! Our spies have caught a second R8 V10 Clubsport mule lapping the Nurburgring in Germany, this time finished in stealth-like matte black paint.

Set to be the fourth model in the R8 line up, following V8 and V10 versions of the Coupe and the Spyder variant revealed at Frankfurt last week, the Clubsport will be the most focused incarnation of the supercar so far. And with its wild rear wing, enlarged rear diffuser and more prominent bodykit, you’ll certainly see it coming.

Taking its lead from hardcore models such as the Lamborghini LP550-2 Valentino Balboni and the Ferrari 430 Scuderia, the Clubsport will feature a stripped-out cabin and ditch an all-wheel drive transmission in favour of a lighter and more dynamic rear-wheel drive setup.

The 525bhp 5.2-litre V10 from the coupe will receive a mild boost in power, while around 50kg will be shed from the kerbweight, meaning performance should be mind-blowing. Expect the 0-60mph sprint to be dispatched in the region of 3.5 seconds and a top speed approaching 200mph.

Our sources have revealed that an unveil at the Essen Motor Show in Germany in November is likely, with the car actually going on sale in the first quarter of 2010.