2007 Audi R8

It looks like the stick-up kids got Audi for their art of understatement, ’cause the new R8 is very un-Audi on the outside. The German car builder has always achieved beauty through simplicity, but their new supercar is loud like a lime-and-purp hoodie. It’s wide, super-sexy and looks, um,
Italian, which is a good thing.

But once behind the wheel, you will quickly remember why this car bears the four rings. Stretch out—unlike other high-end sports cars, there is ample room in the R8. Adjust the sporty leather seats and set the D-bottom wheel just where you need it. Everything in this car is directed toward you, enhancing the cockpit feel. Now, start her up. You’ll hear the high-revving V8 growl behind you. Yup, this is a mid-engine whip. Actually, the R8 shares a lot with its cousin, the Lambo Gallardo (Audi owns them, too). But don’t get too excited; the R8 doesn’t come equipped with the 520hp V10 and its signature panicked scream. No need to fret, though—the R8 is still fast enough to get you in a ton of trouble. And while it isn’t trying to battle the Gallardo, it is ready to knuckle up with Porsche on both fun and function. And with only about 200 being sold in the United States the first year, you may just be the only one on the block with one.

The R8 is way more than just a pretty smile and a kick in the pants: It’s still
an Audi. Thanks to its redesigned Quattro AWD system, it grips like tape but still
behaves like a slide-happy rear spinner. The fit and finish is like a Gucci suit and comes with all the right fixins, including an amazing Bang & Olufsen stereo. Now your only real decision is whether to go with the 6-speed manual or 6-speed paddle shift R-tronic. We suggest the do-it-yaselfer.

Brian Scotto

Interior It smells good, and the well-put-together cabin makes it a car you could drive every day. It’s spacious, comfy and pimp for a rocket launcher.

Exterior The high-revving V8 is visible through the clear engine cover, and that spells business. The rest of the R8’s lines seem perfect, and LED lights make it stand out from the rest when ripping down any road or just posted up outside the club.

Floss Factor Porsches are as common as cabs in places like L.A., but with a limited run of R8s, you gonna be that dude!

Flaw Factor Gate crashing! As sexy as the aluminum H-pattern gate is on the 6-speed, it can become intrusive when shifting, until you get used to it.

Specs

Rating 6 /// Damage $110,000

Power /// 420hp, 316 lb.-ft

0-60 /// 4.5 seconds

Top Speed /// 187mph

Gas Cash /// Who cares?

Miles Driven /// 108

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