The R8 is capable of a 4.0-second blast to 60 mph.
Characterizing Audi's mid-engine, all-wheel-drive R8 sports car as a German Acura NSX isn't a slam; actually, it's high praise. Because the Audi, which takes its name from the Le Mans-conquering endurance race car, delivers exotic-level performance and impeccable handling balance while providing day-in, day-out usability, refinement and comfort, just as the NSX proved possible some 18 years ago.
With its light aluminum space frame and the aid of four driven wheels, the R8 makes the most of its 4.2-liter aluminum-block V-8, delivering its 420 bhp through either a conventional gated 6-speed manual transmission or Audi's 6-speed R tronic, a paddle-shifted automated manual gearbox. With the manual, the R8 is capable of a 4.0-second blast to 60 mph.
Visually, the R8 is a stunner. Low-slung and curvaceous, the R8 shows off its engine through the rear glass, à la Ferrari F430, and sets off the air intakes aft of the doors with what Audi calls "sideblades," panels that can be finished in either body color or a contrasting hue.
Starting at $109,000, the R8 isn't cheap. But it is a viable competitor to the Porsche 911 Carrera 4, to name one.
BMW 1 Series
While this born-again BMW 2002 may be easier on the checkbook, it won't skimp on features from its pricier relatives.
BMW adds an all-new vehicle for 2008 with the rear-wheel-drive 1 Series Coupe. When it makes its debut early next year, the car will be the least expensive in the company's impressive lineup.
Available in two versions, the 1 Series uses the capable powerplants from its big brother, the 3 Series. The entry-level 128i is powered by the 3.0-liter, 230-bhp inline-6 from the 328i while the 135i features the 335i's 3.0-liter 300-bhp twin-turbocharged inline-6, this latter unit taking the rakish 2-door from 0–60 mph in a little more than 5 seconds. And while this born-again BMW 2002 may be easier on the checkbook, it won't skimp on features from its pricier relatives.
Available amenities include a navigation system with iDrive interface, adaptive xenon headlights (standard on the 135i), Boston leather, HD and Sirius radio, active steering and six airbags (standard on both editions).
With essentially the same drivetrains as those found in the 3 Series shoehorned into a smaller, lighter, less expensive package, will the hard-core enthusiast think, in this instance, that 1 > 3?
Dodge Viper SRT10
After all the taunting by the boys at GM with their Corvette Z06, it's no surprise that Dodge has one-upped them.
Six hundred horsepower! As if 510 weren't enough. After all the taunting by the boys at GM with their Corvette Z06, it's no surprise that Dodge has one-upped them. Essentially the same car with an improved powertrain, the 2008 Viper can be spotted only by its optional Razor wheels and better-ventilated snout. Then, of course, there are the new vibrant paint/stripe options that are sure to get attention. If not, 560 lb.-ft. of tire-vaporizing torque certainly will.
Under the new hood is a revision of the ohv V-10 that features variable valve timing, achieved through a cam-within-a-cam design. For better airflow and combustion, heads are CNC machined, bigger valves are fitted and the bore is increased by one millimeter, resulting in an 8.4-liter engine that shreds rear tires even more violently than its predecessor. Helping keep the power at bay are a stronger yet lighter twin-plate clutch and a revised transmission with bigger gears and better shift action. What really helps hook up the engine room's thunder are the new Michelin PS2 tires molded with a Pilot Cup race compound, unique rubber created specifically for this new Viper. Both coupe and convertible body styles will still be offered.
Honda Accord Coupe
The coupe version of the Accord is a much sportier animal than its sedan counterpart.
Although they share the same name, the coupe version of the Accord is a much sportier animal than its sedan counterpart. Part of the 2-door's unique spirit comes from its styling — it has a more powerful grille, sleeker nose and more menacing slit-like headlamps. The other part emerges from sheer size — the coupe rides on a tidier 107.9-in. wheelbase (2.3 in. shorter than the 4-door) and has an overall length of 190.9 in. compared with the sedan's 194.3 in.
Engines are shared; the base model uses a 2.4-liter four making 200 bhp and is available with a choice of 5-speed manual or automatic, while the high-performance version boasts a 3.5-liter V-6 with 273 bhp on tap. Unlike in the sedan, this engine is available with an optional 6-speed manual as well as the standard 5-speed automatic. With the manual, the V-6 dispenses with cylinder deactivation, fattening up the torque curve on its way to the 250 lb.-ft. peak at 5000 rpm. When coupled with the 18-in. wheel and tire package, the V-6 Coupe raises the fun-to-drive quotient of Accord to new levels.
Volvo C30
The C30 is aimed at the 28-38 crowd.
The C30 is a tidy but roomy 3-door hatchback derived from Volvo's S40 4-door sedan. But it's more than that. Think "Scion-izing" of this Swedish company's approach to marketing. The C30 is aimed at the 28–38 crowd whose urban-hep lifestyles include car personalization. A C30 begins as one of two models, the Version 1.0 at $23,395 or Version 2.0 at $26,395.
Both are powered by Volvo's 2.5-liter dohc turbocharged 227-bhp T5 inline-5 driving the front wheels through a 6-speed manual. V1.0/V2.0 differences include body-cladding options (some coordinated, others contrasting), sizing of wheels (17s or 18s) and strength of stereos (8-speaker 4 x 40w or 10-speaker 5 x 130w Alpine Dolby ProLogic II Surround). Stand-alone options for either version include Geartronic 5-speed automatic transmission, sunroof and leather. Then comes Volvo's list of Custom Build, where a $300 premium gives access to xenon headlights, rear park-assist, cruise control, trip computer, power seats, additional wheel designs, an extended palette of exterior and interior colors, lots of other personalizing bits and even Volvo's BLIS (blind spot information system). With a modest C30 sales goal of 8000 annually in the U.S., it's statistically unlikely that you'll see yourself coming and going.
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