The Audi R8 V10 is German engineering forged in fiery Italian passion. The R8 definitely has a split personality. On one side, the R8 has all the power of a high performance supercar, yet the R8 has all the style and class of a high end luxury touring model. The R8's exterior is more concept car and sci-fi while at the same time the R8 displays pure muscle and power. The interior of the R8 V10 is built around speed and performance with Audi naming the driver-center cockpit “Monoposto” that translates into “single-seater” and at the same time the Audi is comfortable for two and even has luggage space behind the seats. Maybe the R8’s multiple personality has something to do with the fact that the R8 shares its name with a racecar out of the Audi stable that dominated the endurance circuit before the R8 was even born. Regardless, if you are going to have a split personality in your life, this is the way to do it!

The fundamental construction of the R8 is based on the Audi Space Frame, and uses an aluminum monocoque, which is built using space frame principles. Development of the R8 began in 2004, with prototypes testing in January 2006, leading up to the official launch in September 2006, at the Pairs Auto Show.

Audi was able to adapt some engineering development from sister-company Lamborghini in the form of the Gallardo V10 engine, transmission and chassis. The V10 engine delivers an astonishing 562 hp at 8,000 rpm with 391 lb-ft of torque. Top speed is delivered at 196 miles per hour with a 0-60 in 3.7 seconds. Now, to say that the Audi R8 is nothing more than a Gallardo wearing a different top and badge is absolutely wrong. The R8 may share Lamborghini’s racing DNA, but the Lamborghini lacks all the style and grace that makes the R8 still powerful and gruff, yet classy and refined.

The interior is a solid, comfortable space with lots of head room accented by carbon fiber and plush leather. The interior will have familiar look to it for anyone who accustomed to Audi as the cabin resembles a streetcar more than a racecar. Features include a trendy instrument panel that flaunts a premium music system and navigation.

Exotic and high-performance sports cars vary greatly in style and concept compared to more plebian cars so there is no set class the Audi R8 competes in. This gives the R8 a more universal appeal that is lacking in other high-end performance options and making the R8 one of the best everyday supercars ever made.