Frankfurt Live: Audi R8 GT Spyder and e-Tron

On the back of displaying some quite energising future concepts, Audi also gave us a lesson in how they've become one of leading manufacturers this decade. In attendance at their colossal motoring stand in the "Agora" purpose-built stand were the entire Audi collection including A1, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, Q3, Q5, Q7, TT and last but not least the R8. And that's just the standard-spec cars.

One car that's been making the press rounds recently is the Audi R8 GT. This is a stripped down version of the ever popular 5.2L V10 FSI R8 with only 333 produced worldwide by the German manufacturer. The car features carbon-fibre galore including engine cover, bumpers and spoilers which add up to huge weight savings. This allows for a much greater power-to-weight ratio.

On display though was a glimpse at the R8 GT Spyder which now offers a hair-raising experience for those wishing the R8 GT coupe came with a little less metal overhead. The 5.2-litre V10 gives you 552bhp which is 34 horsepower more than you get in the standard R8 Spyder. There is also a fantasmagorical rear carbon-fibre which shouts "racer" but which offers more downforce and tyre grip for those looking to take the car to the track.

We were also fortunate enough to witness the unveiling of the near-production R8 e-Tron. The model on show appeared in glaring red which did seem to be a recurrent theme throughout the whole of Frankfurt IAA 2011 but which managed to show this particular model in a super-aggressive light. In terms of styling cues, the e-Tron is recognisable thanks to a ventilated hood, a revised grille and more carbon-fibre (as if there wasn't already enough on the GT)!

The car churns out a frankly mind-boggling 4,500Nm (3319 lb-ft) of torque which comes from a 53kWh lithium-ion battery which sends power to 4 electric motors. In real-world terms, this enables acceleration from 0-60mph in a brisk 4.8 seconds. But don't forget that you'll be saving the orangutans whilst doing so and lucky owners will be able to travel up to 155 miles on a single charge.

Finally, one of my most favourite alloy wheel designs from the Audi stand was the one you can see below. Can you tell us which model it comes from? Correct answer in the comments section will win some Car Throttle love.