Audi's first true sports car: Grrrr8!

To answer that question, I headed to the Las Vegas Speedway, where Audi had coned off a one-mile course in the infield. When the German track hand gave the signal, I dropped into first gear and began a slalom. The R8's tires squealed but held on tight. Through sweeping corners and tight turns, the car was quick and capable. In order to let play preside, the car's redline is a rollicking 8,250 rpm, with 317 foot-pounds of torque available from 3,000 rpm to 7,500 rpm (can you say testosterone playground three times fast?). Best of all, the R8's traction-control system, which I had not (yet) shut off, allowed me a bit of controlled drifting. I wasn't scared, I was delighted - but my passenger was alarmed; he begged me to let him out. By the straightaway and braking zone, I was sure: A star is born.