Let's be honest, it is the age of supercars.  Every company has one it seems, and those that don't are busy scheming on how to get into the market, or at least create something that can rival the supercars of today.  Names like Chevrolet and Nissan are joining the ranks of Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Porsche with cars that everyday Joes like you and I can dream of affording.  All without those pesky little monthly visits to the dealership that equate to two or three months of paychecks for some.  Audi is no different.  They wanted to enter the realm of the supercar, albeit a little more modestly, with the R8.  However, no one expected it to be such a hit, such a magnificent feat of engineering, or as awe inspiring as it has turned out to be.  All quite possibly the reasons that the R8 was named both Automobile Magazines Auto of the Year, as well as its Design of the year. 

Easily one of the most dynamic car designs to enter the car world in years, the R8 drops jaws, makes hearts race, and palms sweat whenever it pulls up.  Not many cars have the attention grabbing power like the Audi R8, and Automobile Magazine agreed, naming the R8 it's Design of the Year for 2008.  Its sleek, low profile shape and smooth curves are amazingly beautiful.  The carbon fiber accents provide the perfect amount of contrast, and the huge wheels fit the car perfectly.  

However, the car is a complete package.  Its engine is a 4.2 liter V8 that produces 420 hp.  Not quite supercar territory you say?  Audi has plans to put the V10 from the Lamborghini Gallardo in this year, boosting the power to over 500 hp.  That should handle the Autobahn quite well.  

The R8 is truly a spectacular piece of automotive engineering.  It is hard to argue that there is a better looking car available on the showroom floor today, or one that breaks so many boundaries, using new and unexplored technology like the R8 does.  Stay tuned to RPM Planets for more information on the R8 and its upcoming engine transplant.