This expertise has led to the slogan 'Vorsprung durch Technik' becoming a byword for leading-edge technology both on the race track and on the road. The R8, which will go on sale in the U.S. in the fall of 2007, will initially be powered by Audi's 420-hp, direct-injection, 4.2-liter V-8 found in the RS 4 sedan. About a year later, the 5.2-liter V-10 from the S6 and S8 will be available, with output nearing 500 hp. Audi says the all-wheel-drive R8 weighs in at just 3400 pounds, will rocket to 60 mph in less than 4.6 seconds, and can reach a top speed of 187 mph. Given that we were able to run the 0-to-60-mph sprint in 4.6 seconds in the like-engined RS 4 that weighs 17 percent more, Audi's claim seems quite conservative. We think a time of 4.3 seconds is a better guess. Both a traditional six-speed manual and a computer-controlled sequential manual (it's not a new DSG, but rather a version of Lamborghini's E-gear that Audi calls R tronic) will be available.
| Audi R8 | |
|---|---|
| Base Price | 120,000 $ |
| Power | 420 BHP |
| Zero to 60 mph | 4.4 s |
| Zero to 100 mph | N/A |
| Top speed | 187 mph | 301 kmh |
Technology
Using a radical new aluminium-bonded body frame, the DB9 is one of the most sophisticated and technically advanced sports cars in the world. It is powered by the latest version of Aston Martin's 6.0-litre V12, producing 450bhp and a top speed of 186mph. 
A great sports car needs a great engine - it is the heart of any high performance machine. In DB9's case, that great engine is a powerful yet refined all aluminium 6.0-litre V12. It produces 335 kW (450 bhp) and 570 Nm (420 lb ft) of torque. That results in a power to weight ratio of 194 kW/tonne (263 bhp/tonne) - one of the highest figures in its class. The DB9 comes in two variants; coupé and "Volante" convertible , each with a 6.0 L 450 brake horsepower (335 kW ) V12 engine taken from its sister car the V12 Vanquish . The Vanquish engine produces 10 bhp (7 kW) more. In fact, this V12 engine is why Aston Martin did not call the car the DB8, which could suggest that it has only eight cylinders. One report states that Aston Martin believed that this car was such a quantum leap from the Jaguar XJ-S based DB7 that it named it DB9 instead of DB8, which they thought would indicate a gradual evolution. Performance is enormous, yet usable. Top speed is 300 km/h (186 mph) and acceleration sees 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.9 seconds (add two tenths of a second for the automatic). These figures are impressive and DB9 will respond with real passion. 
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