Sublime

Las Vegas, Nevada - For the last few weeks, retailers and potential customers have been making non-stop trips to Sin City in order to test-drive the new R8. With this supercar, Audi is finally entering the world of ultra high-end sports cars. The German company has always built exceptional machines; however, over the last few years, they didn't make much noise.

An exceptional car? You bet!

But this time, what Audi did is a master stroke. The R8 combines unequalled qualities: sensuous, solid, powerful, friendly in all circumstances and offering mind-blowing traction. It makes its way into the arena of world-class sports cars (Porsche 911 Carrera 4, Maserati Spyder, etc.) not by sneaking in the back door but by crashing through the front door. This two-seat coupe has absolutely nothing to envy from the competition.

Dominant sensuality
From the front or rear three-quarter angle, the car projects a feline beauty. If you look at the grille or the rear end, the beast's aggressive character is all the more evident. In fact, if you spot the R8 in your rearview mirror, you better clear the way -- fast. That's what most drivers did during my recent road test. The ability to select the color of the two side panels helps either to create a contrast effect or to make the design more harmonious. It all depends on the buyer's tastes. The good thing is, if you get tired of the panels you've chosen, you can replace them.

The headlight assembly is also characteristic to Audi. Featuring standard bi-xenon projector beams and 12-LED daytime running lights, the R8 sports a unique face, both at night and during the day. At the back, the 3-D effect of the LED taillights is also remarkable. Canadian models will get an engine bay with LED lighting, which should turn heads even more.

Solid cell
On the road, the R8 is rock solid. Even on bumpy streets, nothing rattles and nothing shakes. Entirely made of aluminum, the cell proves to be lightweight yet structurally very strong. Audi is now a master in the use of this material. Just take a moment to look at the pictures we've taken during the presentation and notice the cockpit; the structural hoops have been designed to help withstand the impact of a collision.

An all-aluminum structure.