Audi Rolls Out the R8 Sports Car in the U.S.

Audi of America, Inc. has just released the latest sports car from the German automaker. Audi of America announced the starting manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of the all-2008 Audi R8 that will roll out in dealer showrooms all over the United States beginning in fall 2007.

The all-new 2008 Audi R8 sports coupe is distinctive from other Audi vehicles because it is the first ever mid-engine model ever produced by the German automaker. The Audi R8 features a perfect body proportions for a sports car, marking its racing attitude. The sporty body styling is accented by Audi's signature wide grille along with standard bi-xenon headlights and daytime running lights comprising 12 light-emitting diodes (LED), LED tail lights with a 3D appearance, and 19-inch alloy wheels for the vehicle to ride on. In addition, Audi improved the aerodynamics of the R8 by including underbody complex diffuser and automatically extended rear spoiler.

Inside, the 2008 Audi R8 features a luxurious and elegant interior design cues and equipments. These include , automatic climate control, power and heated leather/Alcantara sport seats, cruise control, Sirius® satellite radio, and nine-speaker audio system, Audi parking system advanced with rearview camera, Audi hill hold assist, a six-disc CD changer, HomeLink, Bluetooth wireless phone system, auto dimming exterior mirrors, and a storage package. Optional interior features include 12-speaker, 465-watt Bang & Olufsen® sound system, Alcantara headliner, and Audi navigation plus. In addition, Audi wants their customers to personalize the R8. That is why Audi is offering other optional packages like the Leather Package and Enhanced Leather Package, which include leather covered dash and interior trim pieces, metallic/pearl effect paint, carbon fiber side blades, and body color side blades.

At the heart of this sports car is a 4.2-liter V8 FSI engine capable of delivering 420 hp at 7,800 rpm and pulls out 317 lb.-ft. (430 Nm) amount of peak torque rotating between 4,500 and 6,000 rpm. The engine is combined with a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional the six-speed R tronic automatic gearbox, powering the vehicle's Quattro all-wheel drive (AWD) system. With this powertrain package, the Audi R8 can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds with a top speed of 187 mph. With this powerful performance, Audi said the R8 is fastest Audi model ever produced. The Audi R8 also comes with a hydraulically assisted rack-and-pinion steering with VW power steering pump to provide an excellent vehicle handling and steering in various driving conditions.

The 2008 Audi R8 will roll out in dealerships carrying a base MSRP of $109,000 for the R8 equipped with the standard 6-speed manual gearbox, and $118,000 for R8 models equipped with the optional 6-speed R tronic automatic gearbox.