Every era has its iconic car – a ride so sweet it seems to sum up the feel of an entire decade by its masterful design alone, not to mention what's under the hood. Think of the '57 Chevy, '64 Mustang....then fast-forward through such head-spinning creations as the Lamborghini Countache (1974 - 1990), Ferrari F40 (1987-1992), and Mercedes SLR McLaren (2003 – present).

Without a doubt, though, the super car of the moment is the Audi R8. You won't encounter many of these scary-sexy 2-door coupes on the road yet – they are just now arriving in the US - but when you do, chances are you won't forget it, even if your eyes are closed. Why? The growl of this car alone is simply incredible. The 4.2 liter, midmounted V12 engine (dramatically visible through the rear window) roars with menace, cranking out 420 HP and capable of a top speed of 187MPH - far more than most anyone should ever use, of course, but it's nice to know its there. One of Audi's ads jokes it's the "Slowest Car We've Ever Built" YouTube but in a recent test drive on NYC's Brooklyn Queens Expressway and through the neighborhood of Red Hook, the R8 was no laughing matter, quite literally stopping traffic and hitting 60MPH in just over 4 neck-snapping seconds.

There's just too many qualities to list in this machine, Automobile magazine's Car of the Year for 2008 - its sure-footed handling, phat Bang & Olufsen sound system, supple leather interior - so we'll stop here. But this is a ride to watch out for. Starting at $109,000 Official Site

May 27, 2008

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Rating: 5.0/5 (1 vote cast)