The red rocks of the Nevada desert and the glitz of the Las Vegas strip set the backdrop for world-wide journalists’ first time behind the wheel of Audi’s all new R8 sports car.
Mid-engined madness with a viscous coupled center differential set the R8 apart from all other Audi models in the line up. Powered by a 420 bhp V8 FSI engine as in the RS4, a dry sump has been added in order to lower the engine placement in this low slung super coupe. Audi’s lightweight aluminum body, which is of course based on the Audi Space Frame, keeps the weight down and weight distribution comes in at 44/56. When taken all together these ingredients make for the most neutral handling production Audi ever.
We were excited to finally see and drive this car in person, and as with most cars it looked a hell of lot better in person than in the press and auto show photography. We particularly liked the high contrast of a white or red body with carbon fiber side panels, but of course when it comes to the unique side blade every owner will get to choose for him or herself. The sleek sports car definitely shows its aerodynamic predisposition and includes a prominent rear diffuser.
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