A New R8....

When the first Audi R8 came out in 2007, it was revolutionary. That pure manual transmission and the solid 420 HP from a naturally aspirated V8 put Audi on the map in the land of sports cars. Everyone-be it Justin Bieber or a property developer in Miami-had to have a R8. And when the V10 came out, everyone was drooling. Well, the US has the brand new, rebirth of this icon-the 2017 Audi R8 V10.

Off the bat, this is a true track weapon that can also cruise from San Francisco to San Diego with no problem. The standard V10 variant comes with 540 HP and a staggering 0-60 time of 3.5 seconds. Ferrari, beware! Audi has stepped up their game from the old car which thought it had a lucky day if it cracked 60 MPH under 4.5 seconds!

The Germans have put the car on an extensive diet and have created one of the most aggressive cars that I have ever seen! For instance, the front grille is more robust and trapezoidal and the haunches make the car look like a body builder. Sadly though, the classic carbon fiber blade near the doors is gone.

Inside, Audi has gone all out. Their Nappa leather is complemented by the Alcantara headliner. But, don't forget about the optional carbon fiber package which will create the true racing experience. Not to mention, Audi threw in their novel Virtual Cockpit which gives drivers a crisp display of their navigation, media selections, and even track readouts of the car while you trash it around the corners in Laguna Seca. All of these features can be monitored at the same time in the instrument cluster!

Isn't it all swell? Well, I hate to break it to you, but Audi is demanding the classic, obscene German premium for this new R8. The old one wasn't "affordable" per say, but Audi now charges $162,000 for the base R8 compared to the old V8 which had a sticker price of $120,000. Sure, you're getting a V10 that they use in a Lamborghini, but for that price! Once you get rid of those hideous standard rims, choose your paint color, option up your seating preferences, and maybe select a few driver conveniences, you're looking at a car well over $175,000! That leaves me with the question, why not by a used R8 V10 from a previous year for $100,000 or a Porsche 911 Turbo that sprints to 60 quicker.

Let me know about your overall takeaway from the new R8. If you were in the position, would you get the new R8 or go for a Porsche Turbo instead? See you guys next week!