When people talk about diamonds, the three C's are absolutely critical when it comes to value assessment.  In the world of fine European automobiles, particularly Audi, the C's are not much different.  Audi's R8 excels in its own measures; in Class, Character, and Charisma--all within one action-packed solution.

This spectacular supercar specimen from Audi was designed by VW Audi Group engineers with not particular target market in mind.  Why, you might ask?  Likely because the car carries enough clout itself without having to worry about siblings (VW and Lamborghini) in other markets, let alone the potential competition.

Audi's R8 propels itself from 0 to 60 in just 4.6 seconds, via its mid-mounted 420hp, 4.2 liter V8 and a state of the art all-wheel drive system.  With a 44/56 percent weight distribution and a sport-tuned suspension, the R8 is well poised to take just about any curvature in the roadway.  To accent the sport in the car, there is the option to have LED lighting placed around a porthole to view the powerplant at nighttime.  If the museum-style accent lighting isn't enough, daytime presentation is accented with optional carbon fiber lining and trim pieces.

"Our aim was to create a powerful sports car – but with an exceptional quality of elegance," remarked Walter de'Silva, Head of Design of the Audi brand group.

Just 4000 of these smooth-lined beauties will be produced by Audi, so the likelihood of seeing one out and about on a rainy day is pretty low.  It's probably safe to say that most will be gobbled up by the affluent and will spend much of their lives inside the garage.  Sad thought, given the race-bred character this car exhibits.

Many people want to know what the R8 is all about, given the fact that no real market competition exist directly "in class".  Below is a breakdown of how the R8 measures up against a close relative, the Lamborghini Gallardo.

Lamborghini Gallardo

• Propelled by a naturally aspirated, aluminum-block 5.0-liter 90-degree V10.
• Output: 520 hp at 8000 rpm; 376 lb-ft at 4250 rpm
• 0-62 mph: 4.0 seconds
• Top Speed: 196 mph (mfg.)
• Curb Weight: 3461 lbs
• Wheelbase: 100.8 inches
• Length: 169.2 inches
• Width: 74.8 inches
• Height: 45.9 inches

• Propelled by a naturally aspirated, aluminum-block 4.2-liter 90-degree V8.
• Output: 420 hp at 7800 rpm; 317 lb-ft at 4500 rpm
• 0-62 mph: 4.6 seconds
• Top Speed: 187 mph (mfg.)
•  
• Curb Weight: 3439 lbs
• Wheelbase:104.3 inches
• Length: 174.4 inches
• Width: 74.9 inches
• Height: 49.3 inches

We've covered this car before and we'll likely hear more about it when this awesome car continues to pound mainstream opinions into the belief that Audi is not one to question when it comes to racing and similarly patterned cars for enthusiasts.  Stay tuned to RPMPlanets.com for more!