NEW FOR 2008:

Click image to enlarge Images courtesy: Audi

- All-new model

An all-new model for 2008, the Audi R8 is the company's first premium mid-engine sports car.

Mainly hand-assembled at the rate of 20 per day, the R8 uses a 4.2-litre V8 with FSI direct fuel injection and dry sump lubrication. Transmission choices are a six-speed manual or six-speed "R tronic" sequential automatic with wheel-mounted paddle shifters; its Quattro all-wheel drive has a rear-wheel bias. Weight distribution is 44/56 front to rear; zero to 100 km/h takes 4.6 seconds, and the company says that rolling resistance and drag finally halt acceleration at 301 km/h.

The R8 features Audi's Aluminum Space Frame construction, magnetic ride suspension, eight-piston front and four-piston rear calipers, and front and rear double-wishbone axles.

Standard features include 19-inch alloy wheels with performance tires, automatic climate control, heated power-adjustable leather and Alcantara seats, LED daytime running lights and taillights with three-dimensional effect, combined head and thorax airbags, and flat-bottom multifunction sport steering wheel.

Optional features include a 465-watt Bang & Olufsen sound system, rear-view camera, parking sensors, Bluetooth hands-free telephone system, hill hold assist, auto-dimming mirrors, six-CD stereo, garage door opener, navigation system, enhanced leather upholstery, interior carbon trim and engine bay carbon trim.

The "sideblade" air intakes, possibly the R8's most noticeable design cue, come standard in a contrasting colour to the body, but can be specially ordered in the body colour, or in Carbon Sigma or Oxygen Silver.