The Tushek Renovatio T500 has been developed by a former racing driver and uses an Audi V8 engine to give R8-style performance figures, but a very different driving experience: it is more like a track car for the road.

It weighs just 1100 kg (almost 400 kg less than an R8). It is not as quiet and refined as the Audi, but drivers who have tested it report that it is extremely agile and well-balanced – more like a giant Lotus than a traditional supercar.

However, it is a very, very expensive Lotus. At €300,000 (£236,000), it is more than twice the price of an Audi R8. On the plus side, it is a lot more striking and considerably more exclusive, as only 30 of this model will be built.

The world is full of wannabe supercar makers (at least three or four turn up at every Geneva Show, never to be heard of again). However, this could be one of the rare companies that, like Pagani, manages to establish itself because it offers a genuine alternative.

Salon Privé will take place from 5th to 7th September at Syon Park in west London. Salon Privé’s David Bagley said: “We are honoured to be chosen as the platform to launch the Renovatio T500 in the UK. This car has to be seen to be believed – and there’s only one place in the world to do that this summer – Salon Privé 2012.”