(April 21, 2013) LONDON — The stars of Marvel’s Iron Man 3 movie were joined by a special guest at a VIP screening of the film in London’s Leicester Square on April 18: the Audi R8 e-tron.

The stunning all-electric prototype sports car is driven by Robert Downey Jr in the film.  It was shipped over rom Germany to be displayed on a specially erected plinth alongside the red carpet, where it was joined by the stars of the movie — a stellar cast including Robert Downey Jr, Rebecca Hall, Ben Kingsley and Don Cheadle.

All of the film's stars were chauffeured to the top of the red carpet by a fleet of Audi A8s, together with VIP guests including Labrinth, Estelle, Dermot O’Leary and Samantha Barks.

As well as showcasing Audi technology and sleek design with the Audi R8 e-tron, Iron Man 3 also features the Audi S7 Sportback, driven by Paltrow's character Pepper Potts, CEO of Stark Industries and girlfriend of Tony Stark. The film also includes placement of the Audi A8 L, A6, S5 Coupé and Q5 models.

To promote the movie, Audi has joined forces with Disney to launch an integrated campaign including advertising and promotional support. This is the first time Marvel and Audi have activated their global relationship on this significant level in the UK.

Robert Downey Jr. with the Audi R8 e-tron at London event

Marvel’s “Iron Man 3” pits brash-but-brilliant industrialist Tony Stark/Iron Man against an enemy whose reach knows no bounds. When Stark finds his personal world destroyed at his enemy's hands, he embarks on a harrowing quest to find those responsible. This journey, at every turn, will test his mettle.

With his back against the wall, Stark is left to survive by his own devices, relying on his ingenuity and instincts to protect those closest to him. As he fights his way back, Stark discovers the answer to the question that has secretly haunted him: does the man make the suit or does the suit make the man?