Audi introduced its new $130,000 R8 sports car to the United States Wednesday with a drive down Manhattan's Park Avenue and New York mayor Michael Bloomberg riding shotgun.
It was a quick introduction, since the car was unveiled only two weeks ago in Paris. The car is slated to go on sale in the fall of 2007.
Audi R8
The R8 is an example of just how upscale Audi wants to get. In terms of price and performance, it's not quite a Lamborghini. Audi, a subsidiary of Volkswagen, already owns Lamborghini so they have that market covered.
The R8 does borrow some of its engineering from the Lamborghini Gallardo, however. The R8 is an all-wheel-drive car powered by a 420-horsepower V-8 mounted behind its two seats.
It's a "halo car," a product that's more about bolstering brand image than making big profits.
Its engine is designed to rev high - up to 8,250 rpm, Audi says - and offers a zero-to-sixty time of 4.6 seconds with a top speed of 185 miles per hour.
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