COOL CARS: Automotive Supermodel : Audi R8

The Audi R8 is a thing of beauty an automotive, supermodel.

The new Audi R8 is a stunning and uncompromising sports car developed with the benefit of knowledge gleaned from thousands of grueling Le Mans laps culminating in six Le Mans victories. The road-going R8 has the power to turn heads, even when it is stationary. This is due to a combination of exclusivity and the unusual styling, that has caused a stir since the first photos were released, in October, 2006.

The designers had the task of combining typical Audi design characteristics, of elegance through simple but strong lines, with the need to force huge volumes of cooling air to the engine and brakes. The final result is a front end with the ubiquitous, Audi grille flanked by two large air intakes, just above the front sill.

VEHICLE TYPE: mid-engine, 4-wheel-drive, 2-passenger, 2-door coupe

ESTIMATED BASE PRICE: $110,000

ENGINE TYPE: DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection

Displacement: 254 cu in, 4163cc
Power (SAE net): 420 bhp @ 7800 rpm
Torque (SAE net): 317 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
TRANSMISSIONS: 6-speed manual, 6-speed manual with automated shifting and clutch

DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 104.3 in
Length: 174.4 in
Width: 74.8 in
Height: 49.2 in
Curb weight: 3450 lb