GENEVA MOTOR SHOW: Italdesign reveals Audi R8-based supercar

Italdesign has released pictures of the new limited-run supercar it will launch at the Geneva motor show on March 7.

Based on the current R8, the Audi-owned design studio hasn't given it a name but has announced that it will make just five and sell each for more than $2 million.

Created for "collectors and visionary enthusiasts", the new supercar will be hand built in Turin, Italy and delivered to their new owners before the end of the year.

Under the skin, the Italdesign creation comes with Audi's 449kW/560Nm 5.2-litre V10 that's combined with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox that transfers all its power to the road via the German car-maker's permanent quattro all-wheel drive.

Italdesign hasn't issued performance figures but the re-clothed supercar is likely to match the R8 Plus' 0-100km/h time of 3.2 seconds and top out at more than 330km/h.

Made using carbon-fibre body panels, the reskinned R8 is said to come with an entirely reworked aero package that introduces an aggressive front splitter and louvres cut into the front wings to help turbulent air exit the wheel-arches.

Towards the rear of the car there are side blades, a large rear spoiler and huge under-body diffuser that all look motorsport-derived.

It's not known how Italdesign has developed its supercar but the company promises all that aero translates to "racing car performance with type approval" -- revealing that its owners will be able to drive their million-dollar cars on the road.

Following the successful sale of all five cars, the Italian design house hopes to become a bespoke supercar maker under the brand of Italdesign Automobili Speciali.

It's thought future projects will continue to be based, and share parts, with high-performance Audis and Lamborghinis.

Italdesign was snapped up by Audi-owned Lamborghini back in 2015.