Audi R8

The Audi R8 a two-seater with an aluminium  spaceframe into the middle of which is bolted a high-revving petrol engine. The replacement gearbox is a compact, albeit slightly heavier (by 15kg) twin-clutch, seven-speed unit that can shift between ratios in the blink of an eye. The traditional six-speed manual is also available on all models. All the models   now feature LED lights, and the rear indicators sweep rather than merely blink. It's simple but surprisingly effective.In the cabin the upgrades are equally as subtle, with splashes of chrome around the dials and more extensive leather trim on the dash.

The engine range also remains as before, with V8 and V10 models offered, both petrol and both naturally aspirated. Audi predicts that 82 per cent of R8 buyers will tick the option box for the £2,900 S-tronic gearbox because on paper at least, it makes the car both faster (by 0.3sec from 0-62mph) and cleaner (the CO2 figure drops by about 40g/km compared with the manual gearbox).The 4.2-litre V8 kicks things off with 424bhp, 0-62mph in 4.6sec, a 188mph top speed, 19.9mpg on the EU Combined cycle and 332g/km of CO2. Upgrade to the 5.2-litre V10 and power increases to 518bhp, which means 0-62mph in 3.9sec, 197mph, 19.0mpg and 346g/km.

As with previous R8s, the hydraulically assisted steering is beautifully weighted and offers a stream of feedback to the driver, helping you soon become at ease with the size and performance of what had the potential to be an intimidating machine. A few laps on track reinforce this impression, with the R8 Plus proving more stable and predictable than a 550bhp, mid-engined supercar has any right to be. The V10 Plus is a wonderful car, then, and a fitting flagship for the range. However, what's almost more impressive about the R8 is that as you move down through the models, or over into the Spyder, you don't feel like you lose anything. Of course the V8 doesn't have quite the same mid-range punch as the V10, but it still sounds wonderful and is faster than most people would ever need.

No matter the model, the R8 isn't what you'd call a super torque car. The V8 model has 317 pound feet of torque and the V10 cars make just under 400 pound feet. But higher up in the rev range, they produce a good bit of power. The V8 cars have 430 horsepower, the V10 has 525, and the V10 Plus cranks out 550 horse power, which gets it to 60 in 3.5 seconds.The audi r8 starts at $114,000(price) which is relatively lower than other cars with which it competes.

Top 10 Car Music Systems

1: Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System

In: Audi 

It's one thing to garner a favourable review of a system for an enthusiast publication, but winning an international award is quite another matter. The impressive setup consists of 14 speakers (including a 12-inch subwoofer), each with its own amplifier. Altogether, the remarkable system produces nearly 1,100 Watts. The car's cool character and the system's strengths play well with Dave Brubeck's Time Out, here sounding as fresh as ever.

2: Mark Levinson Reference Surround Sound Audio System

In: Lexus 

With total harmonic distortion (THD) of less than 0.1%, the 19-speaker, 450-Watt Mark Levinson Reference (7.1-channel) Surround Sound Audio System is a compelling reason to let someone else drive while you experience the best quality music. You’re not likely to miss a single note because the system has a range of 20 to 20,000 Hz -- beyond the hearing range of some people.

3: Bowers & Wilkins System

In: Jaguar XF

Jaguar is offering a Bowers & Wilkins 440 Watt, surround sound system with 13 speakers, plus a subwoofer. Since B&W speakers are the reference-quality choice of serious audiophiles, and even recording studios, you'd best not waste them on any old soundtrack.

4: Harman/Kardon LOGIC7 Digital Surround Sound System

In: Mercedes-Benz CL-Class

For the privileged few who will pilot these $100,000-plus machines, Beethoven's beautiful, inspiring Symphony  sounds its best on an nice drive while played through the CL's Harman/Kardon LOGIC7 Digital Surround Sound System. The precision-tuned package delivers 600 Watts and features 14, perfectly placed speakers. It produces some of the most realistic, dynamic range you've experienced in a car.

5: Bose 5.1 Cabin Surround Sound System

In: Cadillac CTS

Cadillac has gone from being the punching bag of the luxury car industry to a force that's reclaiming a healthy share of its former glory. We'll concentrate on the Bose 5.1 Cabin Surround Sound System. Its 10 speakers may come up short of other systems in quantity, but don't equate that to the quality. Unlike some Bose-labeled factory systems that have disappointed, this is worthy of the name, delivering the accurate fullness and range associated with the brand. It matches nicely with the diverse collection of well-mastered tracks on Synchronicity from

6: Dynaudio Audio System

In: Volvo 

 The Volvo S80 features a setup built in collaboration with Danish firm Dynaudio for an impressive package of 12 speakers -- each with its own filter -- and 650 Watts .You can't help but be impressed by the reproduction, regardless of where you're sitting.It's an improvement over past systems, but still uncharacteristically complicated.

7: THX II  Audio System

In: Lincoln 

The theater experience in the Lincoln MKX crossover is based on more than just the rear-seat DVD player. It  handles bass as efficiently as other ranges and requires little to no fiddling to get it right; it's why the 14-speaker, 600 Watt system is best experienced with a soundtrack like Kanye West's Graduation.

8: Rockford Fosgate Audio System

In: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

Mitsubishi's Lancer and Rockford Fosgate have each been dismissed as being more exuberant performers than precision players in their respective fields.The 650 Watt, nine-speaker system includes an enclosed 10-inch subwoofer in the trunk and is surprisingly adept at handling crisp highs without sounding hollow. Unlike some other factory systems, the speed-sensitive volume and equalization work very well also.

9: Boston Acoustics/Kicker SRT

Available in: Chrysler 

Chrysler recognizes the broad appeal of the 300C and wisely offers systems to satisfy multiple generations. Rarely do 368 Watts, seven speakers and a subwoofer produce such full sound If you don't roll that way, but still like the car, go for the hotter 300C SRT8.The 13-speaker, 322-Watt Kicker surround sound system with a 100-Watt subwoofer.

10: Bose Media System

In: Ferrari 

Some sports car purists insist a Ferrari's sound system begins and ends with its engine. Ferrari has even hidden audio systems behind retractable covers in some cars. It may not be pretty, but it does centralize the infotainment features and was developed with the car's interior in mind. Because they were born in the same area and will forever be known for the notes they hit, it's only right to enjoy this car and system with Pavarotti’s final work.