Audi R8 V8 2008 - 75 500 KM

In the early 2000s, Audi took pole position in the majority of the races in which it was entered. From 1999 to 2006, the R8 (the LMP1 racing model) scored 63 victories from 80 starts, symbolizing the team's overwhelming dominance during this period. The Ingolstadt-based brand wanted to capitalize on its recent successes by proving to the world that it had the legitimacy to join the very select circle of supercar manufacturers.

Unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2003, the Audi Le Mans Quattro concept marked the premise of what the R8 would become and contained many elements that would be carried over to the production version presented at the Paris Motor Show in 2006.

The success is immediate for the first supercar of the brand with rings whose popularity had never been so high. The newcomer has even stolen important shares from the 911 Carrera S and F430 in their segment. It must be said that the coupe's design is not at all academic and certainly does not leave anyone indifferent. Audi has given itself the means to implement its policy by dedicating a factory to the R8, where some of the components were assembled by hand.

Derived from the RS4, the naturally aspirated 4.2-liter V8 that powers the R8 V8 develops a whopping 420 horsepower and 430 nm of torque, accompanied by a Quattro system designed to work like a rear-wheel drive car, except during acceleration and loss of traction. Two gearbox choices are offered, a 6-speed manual gearbox, or an R Tronic gearbox, derived from the Lamborghini E-Gear.

Versatility is a great strength of the brand, and the R8 is no exception. It's perfectly feasible to use it on a daily basis, as it offers an accessible and safe driving experience, although its power reserve coupled with its chassis and all-wheel drive allow it to deliver respectable performance. It accelerates from 0 to 100 in 4.6 seconds and slightly exceeds the 300km/h mark.