Mumbai: German luxury car manufacturer, Audi, will launch its exclusive mid-engine R8 in the later part of 2008 in India, the company siad on 3 July 2008. The spectacular model, which  is based on the Lamborghini Gallardo platform, combines its superior performance with the unmistakable design proportions of a pure sports car and a high degree of day-to-day drivability.

"India is an important market for Audi, and there has been a tremendous interest in the Audi R8 up to pre-orders by our exclusive customers in India, so it was inevitable that we launch the Audi R8 here," Audi India Managing Director Benoit Tiers said in a statement.

The company, however, has not decided about the pricing of the car in the Indian market.

The car is based on the Audi Le Mans Quattro concept car, appearing first at the 2003 Geneva Auto Show and 2003 International Motor Show.

The Audi R8 is powered by a 4.2 L FSI V8 engine developing 420 PS (414 hp/309 kW) and 317 ft-lb (430 N-m), the same engine used in the B7 Audi RS4.

The transmission is either a manual gearbox with metal gate, or an "R-tronic" gearbox (single-clutch semi-automatic sequential manual). These options are the same as those available on the Lamborghini Gallardo. A double clutch gearbox (Direct-Shift Gearbox - DSG, now badged by Audi as "S-tronic") is not currently (as of January 2008) available.

The R8 has a dry weight of 1560 kg (3439 lb). Its suspension utilizes magneto rheological dampers. It also features an optional Bang & Olufsen sound system, and "Audi Ceramic" Carbon-Ceramic composite brakes with monoblock alloy Brembo calipers on all four wheels.

The interior of the Audi R8 offers the racing feel at a luxurious level. Its design is of no less sporty elegance than the shape of the body. The Audi R8 combines its superior performance not only with a surprising degree of day-to-day practicality, but also with exclusive equipment and a wide variety of customized interior options.

The Audi R8, which has won several awards in Germany and Europe, would be available at the company's seven exclusive dealerships in Delhi, Gurgaon, Mumbai, Chandigarh, Pune, Hyderabad and Bangalore.

''The Audi R8 is the epitome of Vorsprung durch Technik - it embodies everything it stands for - advancement through technology," explains Tiers. "It also symbolises progressive design, our pursuit of perfection and unrivalled handling built from Audi's motor sport history.''