The 2009 Audi R8 carries the tagline: "The German Supercar with Italian Roots". It is an Hours of LeMans 5-time winning racecar that has also achieved an unmatched 62 out of 70 first-place finishes in international endurance races. It has been designed and created to serve as direct competition for the Ferrari F430, but has a sticker prices that reads more than $70,000 less. Its 420hp V8 blasts the R8 off like a rocket at speeds in excess of 185 mph.

The R8 is a showoff too; it likes to let that rocket engine run around naked, covered with a clear Lexan cover only, and surrounded by LED lighting. The R8 also has been manufactured with a space-age aluminum frame and a skin that creates optimal aerodynamic-based performance. An underside diffuser is in place to create a strong down-force that stops the car from actually taking flight at top speeds. 0 to 60 times rate consistently at a lightning-fast 4.4 seconds.

It gets better though. The 2009 R8 from Audi is also able to calmly cruise any neighborhood avenue as well. In fact, a ninety-year old lady could drive it to church on Sunday and not even kick up dust - unless Granny was a wild one and wanted to! And unlike a stock car, it comes equipped with every imaginable luxury feature as well. The spacious interior features goodies like a state-of-the-art NAV system, a 12-speaker, ear-blasting 465-watt stereo from Bose and much more.

Buyers get their choice between two transmissions: a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed R-Tronic. The R-Tronic utilizes no clutch pedal and can be shifted with either paddles shifters or a lever. It also is able to be entered into an automatic mode. Of course, either transmission works best at higher rpm's. Both are a little quirky at in-city speeds. The track-worthy braking system is slightly sensitive at low speeds as well. Dual-mode shock absorbers adjust to the terrain and driving style automatically and the Quatro AWD system allows you to take corners at speeds that would simply roll other cars.

MSRPs for the Audi R8 are $109,000 and $118,000 for the stock 6-speed transmission package and the R-Tronic transmission package respectively. The list of standard features is, of course, Audi-impressive. 10-way heated power seats, Sirius radio, 19-inch alloy wheels, advanced anti-theft alarm, loads of airbags, electronic stability and traction control, daytime running lights and a tire pressure monitoring system are but a few. Optionally, there is a $5500 4-way lumbar support Nappa leather seating package that is a big seller.

As with any car that produces 420 horse, you shouldn't expect stellar fuel efficiency ratings here. The 2009 Audi R8 is a performance-based monster of a machine that can blow most cars on the planet straight into ditches - and it's all wrapped up into a luxurious and stylish bundle.