Audi's new direction R8 is a bold, 21st Century mid-engine entrant in the exotic wars, with an aluminum space frame, advanced technology, sophisticated aerodynamic styling and a thirst for the nearest raceway. Its naturally aspirated 4.2-liter engine delivers 420-horsepower and can go from 0 to 60 in 4.4 seconds.
Top speed on 19-inch performance tires is 187 mph. The R8's transmissions come in a smooth six-speed manual or automatic "R tronic" with manual override. Handling can be adjusted with standard or sport mode and stability control that can be turned off. The R8 has Audi's Quattro permanent all-wheel-drive, and assuming it's not in challenge mode at the nearest track, delivers approximately 13 city/20 highway mpg.
Visually it's comfortably all Audi inside, with distinctively luxurious Alcantara leather and such daily driving amenities as Sirius satellite radio and tire pressure and temperature monitor. The exterior suggests it could dominate a Formula 1 course, which it probably could. At a $109,000 entry price, the Audi R8 should become an intender on a lot of lofty wish lists.
Seductively sculptured and exhilaratingly athletic, Infiniti's new G37 Coupe blends the best of three worlds in a knockout sports coupe. With performance, trendy style and luxurious touches, it's hard to decide which category fits it best. High rear haunches give it an in-motion appearance even when still. There's a fastback look to the rear truck lid. Body panels wrap around in an unbroken fluid line.
BMW has a drop-top secret. It's called the 335i convertible. It's the first time the German automaker has put a retractable hard top on its rear-drive based 3 Series luxury sports car. The new top doesn't change the BMW character, its recognizably BMW look from any angle or its world-class driving precision. Convertible elements with top down are smooth and uncluttered, thanks to the three-piece lightweight steel folding roof that nests in the trunk area when down. Powering it all — and the reason we love it — a "world-first" exhilarating turbo-powered 300-horsepower 3.0-liter inline six. Even the 19/28 mpg EPA rating is respectable for this $49,100-runner up.