Yesterday, I saw the first Audi R8 in my home town. I was so impressed with what I saw that I decided to write an article about this magnificent piece of machinery. It really is an impressive car.

According to Belgian racing legend and ex-formula-one driver Jacky Ickx, the Audi R8 is a pure discovery and the most outstanding sports car ever produced. I guess he’s right about those things.

A powerful V8 engine, delivering 420 HP, propels the R8 through the 100 kph barrier (62 mph) in just 4.6 seconds. It is mounted just ahead of the rear wheels and is clearly visible from the outside through a transparent cover. A real head turner!

Combine this power source with the lightweight aluminum “space body” of the Audi R8, and this is what you get: roughly 300 kilometers per hour (186 mph). Not bad!

Want one? In Europe, the base price for the R8 today is 104,400 euros. In the USA, the base price is a bit cheaper: $109,000 for the 6-speed manual and $118,000 for the R-Tronic. However, this year’s production is already sold out!