Leblanc Mirabeau

Mirabeau is the newest car from Wysstec GmbH and Leblanc cars. A real piece of art with the spirit of race and prepared to FIA/Le Mans standards. With this kind of potential, the Leblanc Mirabeau really belongs on the racing track. The fact that it is street legal, is almost unbelievable. Swiss supercar builders, Leblanc, designed the Mirabeau (named after a corner on the famous Monaco F1 track) to comply with all the FIA / Le Mans Homologation standards to drive the racing version of the LeBlanc Mirabeau at Le Mans. The way the Mirabeau is set up, it really belongs on the racetrack.The lightweight body of the LeBlanc Mirabeau, made from kevlar and carbon fibre, hides a supercharged V8 engine borrowed from the Koenigsegg CCR, and although it is slightly detuned, it still develops over 700 horsepower.Out of Switzerland comes the Leblanc Mirabeau with a price tag of $645,084. The Leblanc Mirabeau would not look out of place on the set of a Batman movie nor competing at Le Mans. The Mirabeau's engine comes from Koenigsegg, a Swedish supercar manufacturer whose vehicles are also among the world's fastest and most expensive. The Leblanc uses a supercharged, 4.7-liter V-8 with over 700 horsepower. It is mated to a six-speed manual transmission.Like that of a typical race car, the Mirabeau's interior is rather spartan. However, the company is prepared to add options at a customer's request, and it offers a level of communication between buyer and top-level management that one could not find at a mainstream automaker. Leblanc's Web sites says that if you want a leather interior or other options, you should "feel free to contact our engineering team."To provide the power necessary to legitimately call the Mirabeau a race car, Leblanc selected a supercharged, 4.7-liter V-8 engine created by Koenigsegg. Koenigsegg is known world wide for creating supercars under their own brand. Of course, if speeds of over 250 mph the standard engine provide are not enough, you can always pay for a small upgrade and install a Formula 1 engine.For those in tune with true performance, it goes without saying that the Leblanc Mirabeau is not just a car. In fact, it is really more than a supercar. It is a true racecar. The fact that it was designed for the streets just makes it that much more of a dream to serious vehicle enthusiasts everywhere.The Leblanc Mirabeau is built to reach one aim: let the heart of a real sportscar driver beat as high as never before.The car is designed and prepared to fulfill all the FIA/Le Mans standards to drive the car in LeMans.With this kind of potential, the Leblanc Mirabeau really belongs on the racing track. That this car can be driven on public roads, is sensational.

Specification:
Year : 2005
Engine : 4.7 litre Koenigsegg V8
Transmission : 6 speed sequantial
Max speed : 230 mph
0-60 mph : unknkown
Horsepower : 700 + hp
weight : 815 kg / 1790 lbs
Redline : 7600 rpm
Torque : 850 Nm
Displacement : 4700 cc
Powertrain Layout : Mid Engine / RWD

Lamborghini Murciélago

The Lamborghini Murciélago is a supercar produced by Italian automaker Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. and designed by Luc Donckerwolke. It was introduced in 2002 as the successor to the Diablo. The Murciélago is a two-door, two-seat coupé. To celebrate the company's 40 years in operation, 50 special edition Murciélagos were built during the autumn of 2003. An open-top version called the Murciélago Roadster was introduced in 2004 for the 2005 model year. The roadster features similar performance to the coupé with a more aggressive rear flank, as well as a considerably higher price tag.The Lamborghini Murciélago is 2-seater, 2-door coupé (with the now familiar gull-wing doors) based on the traditional Lamborghini layout: mid-mounted V12 engine, typical Lamborghini transmission with the gearbox mounted in front of the engine and the rear differential integrated into the engine unit, permanent four-wheel drive with central viscous coupler.This layout, successfully employed by Lamborghini for more than 30 years, affords an optimal weight distribution (42% front and 58% rear) with conspicuous advantages for traction, braking and handling.The Murciélago chassis has been stiffened considerably to achieve a torsional rigidity value in excess of 20,000 Nm/°. The suspension design (independent double wishbones) represents the best possible solution for a high-performance GT and, again, is in keeping with Lamborghini tradition. The external bodywork panels are made from carbon fibre, with the exception of the steel roof and door panels.The rear of the car features two "active" intakes for the engine cooling air. With the exclusive VACS (“Variable Air-flow Cooling System”), the aperture of these air intakes can be varied to suit the driving conditions. Furthermore, to ensure correct aerodynamic equilibrium at all speeds, the angle of the rear spoiler can also be altered. According to the speed of the car, the rear spoiler can assume three different positions: closed from 0 to130 km/h, partially open (50?) between 130 and 220 km/h and fully open (70°) above 220 km/h. Depending on the aperture of the air intakes and the position of the rear spoiler, the car's Cx coefficient varies from a minimum of 0.33 to a maximum of 0.36.It’s difficult to believe that Lamborghinis were originally nothing more than old military vehicles converted into tractors, but incredibly this was the starting point for the Lamborghini super cars we know and love today. In fact, not only are Lamborghinis among the most powerful and expensive production cars available, they are also widely considered to be the most stunning in terms of their appearance. Over the years the Lamborghini brand has changed hands a number of times, most notably in 1987 when it was purchased by Chrysler and again in 1998 when the ownership rights fell to the VW group. The current range consists of extremely fast 2-seaters that are mid-engined and have four wheel drive as standard.

Specifications:
Engine Type : V12
Displacement : 6192 cc
Horsepower : 580 bhp @ 7500 rpm
Torque : 480 lb-ft @ 5400 rpm
Redline : 7500 rpm
Engine : 6.5L 631 HP
Fuel Tank : 26.4 gal.
0-60 mph : 3.6 sec
0-100 mph : 8.7 sec
Quarter Mile : 12 sec @ 121 mph
Skidpad : .90g
Top Speed : 205 mph
Braking 60-0 mph : 122 ft
Slalom Speed : 65.7 mph
Price : $313,600 - $345,000

Ferrari F50

1996 marked the 50th Anniversary of Ferrari, and with it came the revolutionary F50. The smooth contours and sleek body became an instant hit. Ferrari had begun designing cars that could be both streetwise and racetrack worthy.50 years of know-how was integrated into the design of this vehicle. 'It will be impossible to do it again,' said Luca di Montezemolo, Ferrari president.Designed with huge forward air intakes, low-slung with sleek lines leading to the rear airfoil, the F50 is a 12-cylinder, 4.75-liter engine. With the ability to achieve from 0 to 60 miles in 3.7 seconds, the F50 banks a top speed of 203 mph. Based on a Formula One engine, the F50 was built and designed in Ferrari's factory in Maranello, Italy. Only 349 models were built, though studies clearly showed a market for 350 such vehicles. Considering it a challenge that would appeal to only the most devoted die-hard Ferrari fans, the F50 had to be difficult to find, and a challenge to own.The F50 was designed solely for its purpose: there was no styling in the normal sense of the word. The surfaces enveloped the mechanicals in a single sweep from the front air intake to the rear spoiler, volumes were kept to the minimum required by the project. Pininfarina succeeded in designing shapes that recalled the great prototype racers. Aerodynamics played an important role from the beginning of the F50 project because: it was a highly advanced car in terms of performance; there was a link between the internal aerodynamic components (cross-flows) and surface layer flows; there needed to be a balance between aerodynamic loads in the dual configuration (Berlinetta and Barchetta) because of the high performance.The chassis of the F50 was made entirely of carbon fibre, weighing 225 lbs and offering a torsional rigidity of 25,677 lbs-ft/°. Like a Formula 1 car, occupants sat in the central tub formed by the chassis, and the aeronautical rubber fuel cell was located in a protected position between the passenger tub and the engine and rear suspension. The result was in advanced driving position, with a front to rear weight distribution of 42:58. A oad-bearing element, the F50’s engine acted as a support for the suspension, rear bumper and bodywork elements. To guarantee perfect suspension operation, the engine-transaxle assembly was rigidly attached to the chassis.The suspension and engine-gearbox assembly were mounted via low-fatigue light alloy inserts co-polymerized to the chassis. To optimize the1996 marked the 50th Anniversary of Ferrari, and with it came the revolutionary F50. The smooth contours and sleek body became an instant hit. Ferrari had begun designing cars that could be both streetwise and racetrack worthy.50 years of know-how was integrated into the design of this vehicle. 'It will be impossible to do it again,' said Luca di Montezemolo, Ferrari president. Designed with huge forward air intakes, low-slung with sleek lines leading to the rear airfoil, the F50 is a 12-cylinder, 4.75-liter engine. With the ability to achieve from 0 to 60 miles in 3.7 seconds, the F50 banks a top speed of 203 mph.Based on a Formula One engine, the F50 was built and designed in Ferrari's factory in Maranello, Italy. Only 349 models were built, though studies clearly showed a market for 350 such vehicles. Considering it a challenge that would appeal to only the most devoted die-hard Ferrari fans, the F50 had to be difficult to find, and a challenge to own.The F50 was designed solely for its purpose: there was no styling in the normal sense of the word. The surfaces enveloped the mechanicals in a single sweep from the front air intake to the rear spoiler, volumes were kept to the minimum required by the project. Pininfarina succeeded in designing shapes that recalled the great prototype racers. Aerodynamics played an important role from the beginning of the F50 project because: it was a highly advanced car in terms of performance; there was a link between the internal aerodynamic components (cross-flows) and surface layer flows; there needed to be a balance between aerodynamic loads in the dual configuration (Berlinetta and Barchetta) because of the high performance.The chassis of the F50 was made entirely of carbon fibre, weighing 225 lbs and offering a torsional rigidity of 25,677 lbs-ft/°. Like a Formula 1 car, occupants sat in the central tub formed by the chassis, and the aeronautical rubber fuel cell was located in a protected position between the passenger tub and the engine and rear suspension. The result was in advanced driving position, with a front to rear weight distribution of 42:58. A structure that made up the fulcrum of the entire system, even from the safety viewpoint, finite element calculation techniques were employed, using programmes that included sandwich elements and multi-ply shells, typical of laminated composite structures. Engineers and designers had to solve problems of the long-term stability of dimensional and structural elements. Tests were carried out on computerized vibration benches. The interior was designed with efficient functionality, ergonomics, and safety in mind. The multi-sized composite seats were upholstered in Connolly leather and special 'transpiring' material. The driving position was fully adjustable, including the pedals - the control pads adjusted to the driver's shoe size - with an F1-type heelrest. The gear shift was the classic Ferrari unit, with gated selector, lever, and knob all in composite. The rearview mirror was shaped to improve visibility in both roof configurations. All controls were specially designed to guarantee ergonomy, and the environmentally-friendly climate control unit was designed for maximum comfort even when the car is open. Originally owned by the Sultan of Brunai, this Pininfarina coach built automobile, with carbon fiber body construction, is one of 359 cars produced to celebrate the Ferraris 50th Anniversary. The cost per automobile was approximately $569,690.00

Specification:
Engine : 4.7 liter DOHC 60 valve V12
Transmission : 6 Speed Manual
Suspension: Front and rear
Brakes : Front and rear
Length : 176 in.
Width : 78 in.
Height : 44 in.
Top Speed : 203 mph
0-60 mph : 3.6 sec
Horsepower : 513 @ 8,500 rpm
Torque : 347 @ 6,500 rpm
Price : $560,000

Ford GT40

Ford, a mass producer of cars, has just built a Ferrari rival. And what sounds like a recipe for disaster is in fact an impressive effort.Rebuffed in his 1960s bid to buy Ferrari, Henry Ford II vowed to beat Enzo Ferrari's blood-red race cars at Le Mans with a car called the GT40, and did so. Repeatedly. The car notched up four straight wins in the Le Mans 24-hour race from 1966 to 1969.The new version of the GT40 made its first public appearance as a concept at the 2002 Detroit Motor Show, a visual carbon copy of the Le Mans GT40s.Public response to the 2002 concept car was so enthusiastic that the current boss, William Clay (Bill) Ford jnr suggested adapting the concept to production. Such suggestions have the weight of an imperial decree and, before you could say supercar, the development team had started work.Ford sold a few road-going versions of the old GT40 race cars, but that was a different era with far simpler rules and regulations. Today's GT, in contrast, is a contemporary vehicle that meets current crash standards and emissions regulations, not to mention mundane requirements such as comfort and everyday driveability. The GT40 was fabricated, in the manner of racing cars of its day, with a central monocoque chassis of riveted and welded sheet steel. Much of the chassis rigidity was due to the two wide torque boxes used both as door sills and fuel tanks. All GT40s had right-hand drive and a right-hand gearshift lever, which made entry and exit for the driver a bit tricky. As did the wide sills. They were race cars, so creature comforts - and space - were minimal. Yes, there were a few made for the street, and a number of replicas of varying degrees of fidelity to the originals, but none of those were much better in the accouterment department, either.This GT was the development car, which had been clocked at 207 mph in testing, almost exactly the same top speed as the GT40 MkII in LeMans trim. Journalists were not allowed to drive as it was privately-owned - by Steve Saleen. How'd he get the development car? Perk of the job - among his other interests, he is in charge of GT construction. And, hey, if it was my car I'd be more than a little hesitant about letting journalists drive it, too.Braking is handled by six-piston aluminum Alcon calipers with cross-drilled and vented rotors at all four corners. When the rear canopy is opened, the rear suspension components and engine become the car’s focal point. Precision-milled aluminum suspension components and attached 19-inch Goodyear tires – combined with the overwhelming presence of the V-8 powertrain – create a striking appearance and communicate the GT40 concept’s performance credentials. The GT40 concept was created to foretell and test the future of exciting Ford cars to come. As with other Living Legends concepts – including the 1999 Thunderbird concept and Forty-Nine concept – the GT40 was engineered from the beginning for production feasibility. Ford’s SVT Engineering – which also created performance versions of the Focus, Mustang Cobra and F-Series Lightning – developed the chassis and powertrain. SVT Engineering worked closely with Living Legends designers to ensure the concept would live up to its performance heritage.

Specification:
Price [$US] : $139,995
Layout : mid-engine / rear wheel drive
Curb Weight [lb (kg)] : 3485 (1580)
Weight Distribution [%f / r] : 43 / 57
Steering : Rack & Pinion; power-assisted
Engine Type : Supercharged V8; aluminum block and heads
Valvetrain : DOHC 4-valve / cyl.
Displacement [cc] : 5409
Bore & Stroke [mm] : 90.2 x 105.8
Compression Ratio : 8.4:1
Redline [rpm] : 6500
Max. Power [Bhp at rpm] : 550 at 6500
Max. Torque [lb-ft (Nm) at rpm] : 500 (678) at 3750
Bhp/Liter : 101.7
0 - 60 mph [secs] : 3.3
Top Speed [mph] : 200

Ferrari F430 Scuderia

The F430 Scuderia, which joins the F430 Coupe and Spyder already on the market, is powered by a 510-hp, 9000-rpm, 4.3-liter V8 engine that makes almost 30 horsepower more than the standard F430 engine. Ferrari says it can go from a dead stop to 62 mph in a mere 3.7 seconds. The engine uses a carbon-fiber intake manifold and a sophisticated spark plug ionization monitoring ignition system. A paddle-shifted six-speed semiautomatic transmission is standard on the car.The Scuderia model is a lightweight version of the existing F430 coupe, with a few extra grilles and vents on the body for cooling, and a pair of pointed stripes running over the body from nose to tail. Ferrari says it is completely street legal in the United States, but the car has only the bare minimum of creature comforts for the weekend racer who wants the fastest version available.Some of the exotic extra-cost features on the Scuderia version include the latest version of the F1 Superfast2 software, which reduces gearshift time down to 60 milliseconds. A new traction control system incorporates F1-Trac traction and stability control with an E-Diff2 electronically controlled clutch-pack differential. Ferrari says the Scuderia version marks the first time all three systems have been combined in a single black box control system. Carbon ceramic brakes are standard equipment.For the Scuderia interior, the seat shells are made of carbon fiber and come in different sizes to suit any driver. Optional carbon fiber parts for lighter weight on the body include the headlamp assembly, engine cover, front spoiler, side sill panels and the rear diffuser. Ferrari says it will offer buyers a color-matched carbon-fiber helmet to go with the car, among 18 other customization options.Ferrari says the F430 Scuderia weighs 2775 pounds, a sizeable weight reduction of 220 pounds when compared to the regular F430 coupe. No U.S. pricing information was available at the time the car was unveiled, but it should be well above the $200,000 plateau when it arrives in the States.Scuderia Ferrari was the original name of the company when it was strictly a racing team. The F430 Scuderia was introduced at the 2007 Frankfurt auto show by seven-time Formula One World Champion Michael Schumacher, and Ferrari says Schumacher was instrumental in the development of the car.Serving as the successor onto the 360 Challenge Stradale, the 430 Scuderia was unveiled by Michael Schumacher at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show. Aimed to compete with cars like the Porsche RS-models and Gallardo Superleggera, it is 100 kg (220 lb) lighter than the standard F430 and increases engine output to 375.4 kW (503 hp) at 8500 rpm. Thus the weight to power ratio is reduced from 2.96 kg/hp to 2.45 kg/hp. In addition to the weight saving measures, the Scuderia sequential manual transmission gains improved 'Superfast' software for faster 60 millisecond shift-times. A new traction control system combines the F1-Trac traction and stability control with the E-Diff electronic differential. The Ferrari 430 Scuderia does 0-60 mph in less than 3.5 s, with a top speed of 198 mph (319 km/h).

Specification:
Engine : 4.3L V8 DOHC 32-valve
HP (hp@rpm) : 510 @ 8500
Torque (lb.ft@rpm) : 346 @ 5250
Drivetrain : Rear-wheel drive
Transmission : 6 speed manual
Brakes : 4 wheel disc
Maximum Speed (km/h) : 320
Acceleration 0-100 km/h (s) : 3.6
ength (mm) : 4,512
Width (mm) : 1,923
Height (mm) : 1,199
Wheelbase (mm) : 2,600
Curbweight (kg) : 1,250

Lotus Exige

The essence of the new Lotus Exige is that of a racing car. Even compared with the Elise, this bewinged coupe is a hard-core driving experience-and we mean that in a good way.What's curious is that from the same set of basic components-190-hp, 1.8-liter, four-cylinder Toyota engine; click-clack-shifting six-speed manual gearbox; extruded aluminum chassis; plastic body-Lotus has created a pair of cars sufficiently different in character that the coupe version can be regarded as a genuinely separate model. A quicker, more extreme, yet separate model.In many ways, Lotus's recently announced decision to bring the Exige to the States is a brave one. As a convertible, the Elise can count on the residual glow of the golden years of British roadsters, with the added edge of being fantastic to drive. The Exige has only the latter. So, while Lotus moves 2000-plus Elises per year in America, it expects to sell only 200 to 300 Exiges.Those 200 to 300 enthusiasts will be getting an out-and-out driver's car. Where the Elise evokes delicacy, intimacy, and fluid motion, the Exige is a much more physical machine. It's not brutish or raw or clumsy but more alert and instantly responsive, more aggressive in its steering and ride.Being a true mid-engine sportscoupé, the high tech engine is located behind the cockpit and in front of the driven rear wheels. Power comes from the state-of-the-art 2ZZ-GE 1.8 litre 4 cylinder 16-valve VVTL-i (Variable Valve Timing and Lift-Intelligent) engine linked to the C64 six-speed gearbox. The engine and gearbox combination, sourced from Toyota, was chosen as the ideal engine for the Exige and perfect for the Lotus brand philosophies.The lightweight engine, with a compact metal matrix composite alloy cylinder block has been subject to a rigorous testing and development programme which, as part of Lotus' key federal Elise programme, has involved over half a million miles of testing in a wide range of extreme climate conditions from the Arctic Circle to the Arizona and Nevada deserts and at altitude in Colorado. This is in addition to Toyota's world renowned development and testing programme that had already been applied to the engine prior to the installation in the Exige.To enable this class leading engine to carry the Lotus driving DNA, a brand new, custom engineered Lotus T4 engine management system ( EMS) has been developed. The software for the EMS was designed and developed by Lotus specifically for the Exige. This bespoke management system and the extensive calibration and validation work ensures that the Exige has unique performance characteristics perfectly suited to the fast road and track environments.The engine management system enables the VVTL-i system to select the optimum camshaft profile, lift and timing across the full range of engine operating conditions. This interaction between the Lotus T4 EMS and the VVTL-i system gives the Exige its optimum linear torque characteristics, peaking at 181 Nm at 6800 rpm with the peak power of 141 kW at 7800 rpm.The very high revving engine is governed to a maximum engine speed of 8500 rpm on up changes (8000 rpm at steady state). The change from the low speed cam to the high speed cam is controlled by the Lotus engine management system to achieve a smooth transition, which will not upset the balance of the car. This change occurs at around 6200 rpm, but can vary by a few hundred rpm depending on engine operating conditions. The return switching from the high speed to low speed cam occurs at 5800 rpm to extend the operating range of the engine on the high speed cam. This helps the enthusiastic driver stay on the high output cam between gear changes.In order to protect the engine during the warm up phase, the maximum engine speed is limited to 6000 rpm and is restricted to the lower speed cam when the engine coolant temperature is below 70 ˚C.A tell-tale red LED located in the centre of the instrument binnacle illuminates to indicate to the driver the optimum point to change gears.The lightweight C64 six-speed gearbox (with an aluminium casing) is fitted with an all-new Lotus designed and developed shift operating mechanism. With the closest ratios and gearset afforded by the transmission, the gearbox offers a fast, precise and light gearshift, ensuring drivers have total control and flexibility to apply the power exactly as and when required.

Specification:
Country of origin : Great Britain
Displacement : 1.796 liter / 109.6 cu in
Bore / Stroke : 82.0 mm (3.2 in) / 85.0 mm (3.3 in)
Compression ratio : 11.5:1
Weight : 935 kilo / 2061.3 lbs
Length / Width / Height : 3797 mm / 1727 mm / 1163 mm
Power : 218 bhp / 163 KW @ 7800 rpm
Torque : 215 Nm / 159 ft lbs @ 5500 rpm
BHP/Liter : 121 bhp / liter
Power to weight ratio : 0.23 bhp / kg
Top Speed : 238 km/h / 148 mph
0-60 mph Acceleration : 4.1 s
0-100 mph Acceleration : 9.9 s

Audi R8

The Audi R8 is equipped with a 4.2 L V8 developing 414 bhp (309 kW), the same engine seen in the Audi RS4. Pricing for the 414 bhp (309 kW) model starts from €104,400(€160,000 in Ireland) or £77,000. The base price in the US is $109,000 for the 6-speed manual. An R-Tronic equipped R8 will be priced at $118,000. The R8 has a dry weight of 1560 kg (3439 lb). Its suspension utilizes magneto rheological front and wider 295/50/R19 at the rear.High horsepower and low quarter-mile times are great and all, but in an era when speed comes cheaper than ever, any manufacturer that expects to launch a successful six-figure sports car out of the blue had better bring something unique toThe Audi R8 is equipped with a 4.2 L V8 developing 414 bhp (309 kW), the same engine seen in the Audi RS4. Pricing for the 414 bhp (309 kW) model starts from €104,400(€160,000 in dampers.As Audi AG owns Lamborghini, 15% of the R8 is shared with the Lamborghini Gallardo, including the transmission and chassis. The R8 is made further distinct by its exterior styling, cabin, engine and pricing.The European Audi R8 will also be the first production vehicle to feature all-LED headlights.The Audi R8 also features an optional Bang & Olufsen sound system. The 1,560kg Audi Space Frame aluminium-body Audi R8 is a mid-engined, all-wheel drive coupe, powered by a 4.2 liter V8 producing 420PS at 7,800rpm, revving all the way up to a 8,250rpm redline. Torque peaks at 430Nm constant between 4,500rpm and 6,000rpm. The all-wheel drive system is of course Audi’s acclaimed quattro system, and the car has a pretty good weight balance of 44:56, not a perfect 50:50 but close. Wheels are either 5-spoke or 6-spoke 19 inch wheels fitted with 235/50/R19 tyres at Ireland) or £77,000. The base price in the US is $109,000 for the 6-speed manual. An R-Tronic equipped R8 will be priced at $118,000. The R8 has a dry weight of 1560 kg (3439 lb). Its suspension utilizes magneto rheological dampers.As Audi AG owns Lamborghini, 15% of the R8 is shared with the Lamborghini Gallardo, including the transmission and chassis. The R8 is made further distinct by its exterior styling, cabin, engine and pricing.The European Audi R8 will also be the first production vehicle to feature all-LED headlights.The Audi R8 also features an optional Bang & Olufsen sound system. The 1,560kg Audi Space Frame aluminium-body Audi R8 is a mid-engined, all-wheel drive coupe, powered by a 4.2 liter V8 producing 420PS at 7,800rpm, revving all the way up to a 8,250rpm redline. Torque peaks at 430Nm constant between 4,500rpm and 6,000rpm. The all-wheel drive system is of course Audi’s acclaimed quattro system, and the car has a pretty good weight balance of 44:56, not a perfect 50:50 but close. Wheels are either 5-spoke or 6-spoke 19 inch wheels fitted with 235/50/R19 tyres at the table. The midengine 2008 Audi R8 could be just the thing.When one looks at what Audi has done with its R8 and the focus on performance and everyday comfort, it's pretty obvious that the intended target is Porsche's 911. Impressively, the 2008 Audi R8 stands tall in just about every possible measure, and it's more controllable at the limit than the rear-engined Porsche. However, pricing is such that the R8 competes against some true exotics, such as the 911 Turbo, the Aston Martin V8 and the new Maserati GranTurismo. Among this group, the R8's the R8 stands as the obvious choice.The R8’s width and height don’t do practicality or ease of use any favours. And its packaging will force compromises; the nose boot totals only 100 litres, and although Audi claims that two golf bags can fit behind the seats, inserting them would block off what little rear visibility there is. drawbacks include less steering feel and a lack of possible customization through the factory. Still, to those who prefer the "middle ground" of driving sports cars, appreciate all-wheel drive and have an eye for Audi's innovative interiors, However, both occupants have plenty of space, and get to enjoy a really special cockpit. We’re not convinced by the curved centre console, nor seats that are a touch high. But in every other regard, the R8 is stunning. There’s no faulting the seats, material quality and assembly, flat-bottomed steering wheel, the dash layout, or the fact that it simply makes you feel so special. It’s a shame it isn’t better-equipped, though. Audi seems to be adopting Porsche’s policy of charging extra for everything; not even cruise control is standard, when it is on an A3 SE hatch. This will only push up the list price, which will make running costs of nearly £2 per mile even higher. Needless to say, the R8 is thirsty as well, averaging 18mpg in our hands; but at least it has a large fuel tank, giving the fuel range a boost. Then there’s the small matter of the waiting list – which stretches for years!On the open road, the R8 is a serene machine. Despite low gearing, road and engine noise levels are subdued enough for the daily drudge. My tester was afflicted with a few squeaks and rattles; an indication of early build problems or journalists’ ability to abuse Audi’s horsepitality. Anyway, over any road surface, the R8’s ride quality is superb, even without the optional 'Audi magnetic ride' adaptive damper system.When pressing on, the R8's exhaust note morphs from metallic rasp to barrel chested roar to banshee wail. The endless mechanical aria is a welcome alternative to the standard-issue sound system, which is no better than an A4’s ICE. And while we’re here, the R8’s armrests are poorly positioned for long term comfort and the cupholders are useless.

Specification:
Type : mid-engine, 4-wheel-drive, 2-passenger, 2-door coupe
Price : $110,000
Engine Type : DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 254 cu in, 4163cc
Power : 420 bhp @ 7800 rpm
Torque : 317 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Transmissions : 6-speed manual, 6-speed manual with automated shifting and clutch
Wheelbase: 104.3 in
Length: 174.4 in
Width: 74.8 in
Height: 49.2 in
Curb weight: 3450 lb
0 to 62 mph: 4.6 sec
Top speed : 185 mph