Nurture Your Inner Speed Racer: The 2008 Audi R8
With production continuing in 2007 and delivery expected sometime next year, tongues are wagging in anticipation of the first model 2008 Audi R8, a luxury sports car modeled after the LeMans-winning R8 race car. Have you ordered yours yet? If not, you may be too late to snatch this two-seater up. First debuting at the 2003 Frankfurt Auto Show as a prototype, this R8 AWD quattro is bound to be a road-burner, delivering on style and performance.
First, its look. Ready to pounce, its aluminum body crouches low to the ground. Its round roofline and large wheel wells are a ball of energy, aching to pick a fight. Inside, everything is laid out with the racer in mind, with a cockpit dash and driver-oriented console and controls. The foot well has extra space for maximum comfort. Being an Audi, it comes with all the bells and whistles that scream elegance and comfort, but once you step behind the wheel, your mind will only be on the road.
And this Audi is all about the road. It has the first ever mid-mounted engine in a passenger car. As in an actual racing car, this provides more even weight distribution. What makes the R8 unique is the mid-engine placement in front of the rear axle. Yes, it sits behind the cabin, allowing its 4.2-liter V8 engine to rocket to 420-hp without a problem, topping out at 187 mph, with 317 lb-ft of torque. It’s been clocked at 0-62 in 4.4 seconds. This is an engine you’ll want to show off, and the R8 lets you do just that, through a rear window housing that exposes the R8’s muscle. Not subtle, but then nothing about this car is. Special optional LEDs light it up at night, letting everyone know what’s coming. Other options include sports seating, 19-inch wheels, and a magnetic active suspension.
The 2008 R8 is available with either a 6-speed manual or R-tronic sequential shift transmission. Reports are the torque action is top-notch, and the engine sound raises goosebumps and uncontrollable maniacal laughter in anyone behind the wheel. Check out more info and sneak peeks at http://www.automobilemag.com/auto_shows/2006_los_angeles/0612_2008_audi_r8/
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