A race that consisted of some cars stretching across 2,700 miles, the 2012 Rolex 24 at Daytona was again a stressful run that tested the limits of machinery and people. In the GT class for the Grand Am Rolex Series opener, a field of 44 cars represented 8 unique vehicles. The 50th anniversary event at the 3.56-mile Daytona International Speedway featured the first presence of the new Audi customer race car, the R8 Grand-Am. Like every entrant into the 24-hour race, a pair of 2012 Audi R8 Grand-Am cars (fielded by the #51 APR Motorsport team and the #74 Oryx Racing group) was given a baptism by fire against the established BMW M3, Porsche GT3 and the Mazda RX-8 vehicles.

Oryx Racing (Humaid Al Masaood, Saeed Al Mehairi and Steven Kane)- Finished 32nd in GT Class, 45th Overall

The Oryx Racing Audi R8 started 15th in the GT class, 27th in the overall Rolex 24 at Daytona running order. The Oryx Racing supported #74 Audi R8 Grand-Am car crept up to 21st in the race in the early but quickly in encountered on-track issues.

Driven by Steven Kane at this point of the event, the Oryx Racing car limped with a cut left rear tire until stopping low on the race track. Fortunately for the #74 car, the car lost pace close to the pit lane within turn 12 (known during stock car races as the Daytona oval’s turn 3-4 complex). An extended service from the after the tire change allowed the #74 Audi R8 Grand-Am to rejoin the event. Drawing a full course yellow on the Daytona International Speedway, safety crews administered a quick recovery of the Oryx Racing car. The Audi R8 Grand-Am also encountered its first mechanical hiccup in racing competition with a clutch problem. The Audi R8 Grand-Am car was repaired in the garage area, in a relatively quick time, returning to the Rolex 24 at Daytona event but ran several laps down. By the early evening, the #74 Audi R8 Grand-Am then found itself in the turn 8 through 11 bus stop chicane’s retaining barrier. For the second time, the Oryx Racing car drew a full course yellow.

APR Motorsport (Dion von Moltke, Emanuele Pirro Ian Baas, Jim Norman, Nelson Canache)- Finished 31st in GT Class, 44th Overall

The APR Motorsport Audi R8 Grand-Am finished 15 laps ahead of the Oryx Racing car but only one position ahead. Similar to the Oryx Racing Audi R8, the APR Motorsport vehicle but an off-course issue at the bus stop section of the Daytona road course. Sliding off the track within the closing 15 minutes of the event, the APR Motorsports car almost affected the outcome of the entire race if a full course caution was required to move the stopped Audi R8. In the case of the #51 car, the double-yellow flag was spared as the Audi R8 Grand-Am was able to rejoin the sports car event. Despite a five-car driving team that consisted of Audi Sport’s veteran prototype driver Emanuele Pirro, the APR Motorsport group also faced a challenging entrance into the Grand Am Rolex Series’ GT category.

Though neither the #51 APR Motorsport nor the #74 Oryx Racing achieved great contention in the GT category, the resilience characterized with the Four-Ring badge shined through for the striking new R8 Grand-Am racers. Despite eventful 24-hour runs, both Audi R8 Grand-Am race cars were classified running at the checkered flag in its debut.

With the Rolex 24 at Daytona completed, the Audi R8 Grand-Am car is positioned for a full 2012 Grand Am Rolex Series season that will resume in two months time at Barber Motorsports Park.

Information source: Audi AG, Grand Am
Photo source: Audi AG

At this weekend’s Rolex 24 of Daytona, the debut event in the 2012 Grand Am Road Racing schedule brings to light several all-new race teams and cars anxious about the wide-open prospect of an upcoming year. Two new team joining the grid for the 24-hour, high-speed torture test at Daytona International Speedway is GT category entrants Oryx Racing and APR Motorsport. Operating in the production-based class in the Rolex Sports Car Series, both race organizations enter the 2012 Rolex 24 at Daytona with the extra challenge of a brand new race vehicle, the Audi R8 Grand-Am.

Similar to the Audi R8 LMS vehicle that has run in several European sport car championships in the past three seasons (inspiring the Audi R8 GT road car), the Grand-Am version of the German luxury supercar differs in several aspects. Complying the vehicle with the Rolex Sports Car Series GT category, the Audi R8 race car underwent many subtle changes. Tighter bodywork constraints meant the front splitter could only extend 35 millimeters (1.38 inches) and the rear spoiler could only be 152 millimeters (5.98 inches) wide. Along with a flat vehicle underbody and a higher minimum ride height, Audi Sport accounted that around 70-80 percent of the aerodynamic grip of the Audi R8 LMS has been lost in configuring the supercar to Grand-Am specifications.

Besides a new aerodynamic profile, the Audi R8 Grand-Am car needed to adjust to the Rolex Sport Car GT category’s spec Continental tire compound. During December testing at the Daytona International Speedway’s 3.56-mile road course, the Audi R8 Grand-Am sailed around the race course for two days completing 600 miles partially to acquaint themselves to the new racing rubber. The Audi R8 LMS race car’s anti-lock braking and traction control programs have been deactivated for the Grand-Am.

Still an unmistakable Audi supercar, the R8 Grand-Am will be propelled through competition by the race-prepped 5.2 liter FSI V-10 powerplant. Horsepower from the R8 Grand-Am’s V-10 engine is expected within the 450 to 500 range restricted in efforts to put the vehicle on an equal playing field with other GT category sports cars.

Through a customer-supported racing effort, Audi has the full intent that entrance into the 2012 Rolex 24 at Daytona will be the latest chapter for what has been a prosperous existence on North American race tracks. Participating in the 1988 SCCA Trans-Am Series, a pair of Audi 200 turbocharged quattro sedans made waste of the competition winning 8 of 13 races in its maiden season. So intimidating, the SCCA changed its rulebook the following year to effectively outlaw the all-wheel drive Audi 200 from future involvement. Of course, Audi’s more recent claim to fame has been with their exceptionally prepared prototype cars. Between variants of the R8 race car, R10, R15 and now the R18, the Audi Sport Team Joest organization has steamrolled the competition in the United States. Winning nine 12 Hours of Sebring as well as the nine consecutive Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta, Audi’s brand recognition in North America has enjoyed equal success in a competitive luxury car sales environment.

For the very first event, the Oryx Racing car will feature Humaid Al Masaood, Saeed Al Mehairi and Steven Kane as the planned drivers behind the wheel over the 24-hour run. APR Motorsport will run the Rolex 24 at Daytona with a driver line-up including Ian Baas, Nelson, Canache, Jim Norman, Dion von Moltke and veteran Audi Sport prototype driver Emanuele Pirro. APR Motorsport had said their Audi R8 Grand-Am arrived just two days before Christmas. As the team prepares for their inaugural race with the new R8 Grand-Am car at Daytona, several members of the APR Motorsport organization is confident on the race car’s braking and driveability. The race team is also ready to embrace the new vehicle knowing there is potential in the Audi R8 Grand-Am remaining untapped. Being campaigned as a customer program, the Audi R8 Grand-Am has and will continue to receive racing support from Audi Sport.

At the 2012 Rolex 24 of Daytona, the next page for Audi will take place over the course of a single day.

Information and photo source: Audi AG

With only 6 days until Christmas, those struggling to find a gift to satisfy those with specialized German luxury tastes are engaged in a desperate search. For others, the after holiday shopping sends some searching for that one indulgence to ring in the new year. Luxury carmaker Audi provides a collection of pleasure-filled options that requires neither a driver’s license nor insurance to enjoy.

Sold under the Audi Collection, the lovers of the Audi TT or R8 sports car be rewarded or award themselves with lifestyle items. The Following list of available Audi Collection items are a few suggestions that could be found at the company’s official outfitter website in the United States.

Audi Leather Business Card Case
Price: $35.00 US

Looking to make a powerful statement for the important power lunch? Mixing business and pleasure, the businessperson would find themselves returning to work with an extra spring in their step for the new year thanks to a powerful business card case. The Audi Leather Business Card Case is a stylized organizer wearing the four rings logo discretely on the corner. Also suitable for containing important plastic such as credit cards or a driver’s license, the Audi Leather Business Card Case would fit easily in a jacket pocket.

Audi Silk Tie
Price: $76.83 US

For the gentleman looking to proudly advertise their allegiance to Audi in a formal setting, the Audi Collection offers a proper piece of clothing for the occasion. The Audi Silk Tie is a hand-sewn, high quality cut from 100% Italian fabric. Available in two of Audi’s most popularly exhibited colours, the high-end silk tie can be ordered in red or gray.

Audi R8 GT Scarf
Price: $59.60 US

Perfect for the Audi drop-top fan (especially those cruising in an R8 Spyder), there may be encouragement from the sheer forces of open-air performance motoring to ride with the roof retracted on a cooler than average day or night. While the driver may be caught up in the emotion of driving to be focused on temperature, maybe a passenger gains a chill from the rushing breezes. Offered in brown, gray and silver, the Audi R8 GT Scarf is a high performance item against uncomfortable coldness. A blend of 45 percent cotton and 55 percent linen, the quality Audi R8 GT Scarf is also a stylish fashion item inside or outside of an Audi product.

Audi Comforter with Teddy Bear Head
Price: $24.74 US

A novelty item guaranteed capable of bringing delight to the faces of children or even some adults, the Audi Comforter is a cute and assuring product. A comforter designed to infuse Audi motorsport interests, the appliqué of a 1930s era Auto Union racer is attached to the corner. Serving as a centerpiece to the Audi Motorsport comforter is a plush teddy bear wearing what appears to be an old-style race car driver headgear. When cheering on the Audi R18 prototype through the upcoming sports car racing season, the Audi Comforter with Teddy Bear Head could be a viewing companion for a budding child fan.

Audi Chronograph Wristwatch
Price: $272.17 US

When a motorist is lost in the adventure of quattro all-wheel drive or wrapping their hands around the performance of Audi’s newest TFSI engine, time can be easily lost. Perhaps a companion timepiece to the sleekest Audi S7 Sportback or Audi TT RS could act as a friendly warning that family and friends are missing the German performance aficionado. A product of Germany (just like the Audi brand), the Audi ‘double-stop’ Chronograph is a water resistant wrist piece operating on Swiss Ronda 5030.D quartz movement. A silver, gray and black chronograph is an extension of Audi’s modern elegance. A cow skin leather strap features a gentle stitching similar to the pattern found on S-Line Audi cars. The large numbers on the hour face are reminiscent a tachometer read-out like that of a 2012 Audi S6 or A7 Sportback.

Information source: Audi AG

photo source: Audi AG, Chris Nagy

A vehicle assembled at a maximum production run of 20-30 cars per day, the exotic mystique of the Audi R8 quattro supercar could sell itself on rarity. However, after five years of annual production capacity averaging 3,800 vehicles, the Audi halo car is now a bit less exclusive. For the higher social crowd that prefers to be noticed as unique individuals, performance and style tuner sources outside of the Audi factory can restore the unique allure of the favoured supercar.

TC Concepts R8 Toxique

A recent addition to the world of modified Audi R8s, the direction TC Concepts took with the German supercar aimed at creating a distinct automotive identity at an approachable price. Helping to keep customers from completely overextending their budgets, the TC Concepts R8 Toxique is created from the 4.2 liter V-8 version of the Audi R8 Coupe. Without involving any extraordinary engine enhancements other than a high-performance air filter and a reconfiguration of the engine electronics, TC Concepts positioned the bulk of the handiwork on the styling of the Audi R8.

Casting the supercar in their own image, the tuner group of TC Concepts dedicated themselves around the R8 supercar’s front end as well as the side panels. Given a racier look, the TC Concepts R8 Toxique’s enlarged front air intakes features recessed black mesh guarding. Subtracting the R8 Coupe’s body colour-contrasting side panels, a sleeker surfacing for the R8 Toxique plays host to more aggressive air openings reminiscent of the R8 Spyder. Exterior touches such as a fixed carbon fiber rear wing and TC Concepts Parle 7-spoke wheels completes the outer modification setting up the bewilderment of the R8 Toxique’s interior. Driver and passenger inside the TC Concepts R8 Toxique cabin will find a handsome use of Alcantara as well as carbon fiber surrounding them as they nestle into custom Bentley Beluga-Nero leather seats.

EDO Competition Audi R8

Furnishing the premium automotive marketplace with greater vehicle personalization, EDO Competition larger and growing portfolio of represented brands include BMW, Aston Martin, Porsche and Ferrari. EDO Competition also wrenches up the Audi R8 with some quaint but nonetheless mentionable modifications. Given a refined aerodynamic form on the outside through the generous application of carbon fiber, the EDO Competition Audi R8 increased downforce potential more effectively plants the supercar. Offering two sets of sport wheels, the Edo Competition Audi R8 can be fitted with either 19-inch or 20-inch forged stainless steel/aluminum rims. If Audi R8 owners desire an alternative from the metallic look, customers can request their selected EDO Competition sport wheels to be painted to a custom colour.

A modest power increase is acquired on the Edo Competition Audi R8 through the addition of lighter weight, sportier sounding stainless exhaust. Bumping horsepower from the 4.2 liter FSI engine to 442, the EDO Competition exhaust reduces the Audi R8’s total weight by 18 pounds.

STaSIS Audi R8 V-10 Challenge Extreme Edition

Almost $56,000 cost on top of the purchase price of the V-10 powered Audi R8, the American-based firm STaSIS unlocks what could be the maximum street-legal potential of the German supercar with the Challenge Extreme Edition.

Ultimately, the presentation of the STaSIS Audi R8 V-10 Challenge Extreme Edition initially pulls off the attitude of a ‘street sleeper’ as little more than Anthracite ultra-lightweight forged aluminum wheels define the vehicle as a modified creation. In the engine bay is where STaSIS feeds new life into the Audi R8. Boosting the 5.2 FSI engine, a 7.5 PSI Eaton / Magnusson TVS 2300 supercharger and CNC machined intake plenum is a performance keys that elevates horsepower to 710 horsepower. Promising 0 to 60-mile per hour acceleration times in just 3.1 seconds, the STaSIS Audi R8 V-10 Challenge Extreme Edition is one of the fastest launching examples of Audi’s finest sports car creation.

A more responsive suspension along with an improved braking system allows the STaSIS Audi R8 V-10 Challenge Extreme Edition to move with an increased confidence. Shown as lateral and brake acceleration both exceed 1.0 G, the STaSIS R8 V-10 Challenge Extreme Edition performance is beyond Audi factory specifications for the stock R8. Despite stretching the performance of the Audi R8, STaSIS stands behind the quality of their work with a 4-year, 50,000-mile warranty.

ABT R8 GT S

Unveiled at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, ABT Sportsline ventured deep into the maximization of the standard V-10 powered Audi R8 Spyder. The ABT R8 GT S sports radical appearance and performance enhancements making the vehicle a true super supercar.

Decorated in two-tone bodywork combining red chrome with carbon fiber, the ABT R8 GT S projects an endearing high-performance look. Structurally, the ABT R8 GT S body panels have been optimized with carbon-reinforced polymer construction.

The gripping two-tone treatment displayed on the exterior of the ABT R8 GT S is a theme asserted to the two-seat cabin. Red and gray ABT seating is showcased along with an interior upholstered generously with leather. Gripping onto a carbon fiber steering wheel, the driver of the ABT R8 GT S will quickly realize the impact of 620 horsepower as the car is launched from 0 to 62 miles per hour in just 3.6 seconds. Motivated by an extra 95 horsepower over the stock 5.2 FSI V-10 engine, top speed for the R8 GT S supercar tops out at 200 miles per hour. Despite the extreme performance potential of the R8 GT S, ABT Sportsline claims the supercar is tempered enough for everyday driving.

MTM Audi R8 4.2 V-8

A company derived from the creation of a modified Audi Ur-quattro in 1985, performance tuner MTM GmbH has remained a faithful supporter of the VW Group vehicles. Centered on building functional but thrilling products, MTM magic is so brilliantly released on the Audi R8 supercar. Providing parts for both the V-8 and V-10 versions of the R8, MTM customization is opened to the coupe, Spyder as well as the Audi R8 GT.

Available for the 4.2 liter FSI V-8 engined version of the Audi R8 has the widest selection of pieces under MTM. Brembo brakes with 8-piston calipers, an electronic lowering kit and an unpainted carbon appearance kit is a sampling of clearly visible MTM enhancements. A choice of two 20-inch MTM Bimoto wheels completes the aesthetic enhancements the Audi R8. Guaranteed to the most invigorating MTM-sourced component optional for the Audi R8 supercar is the company’s supercharger kit worth 140 extra horsepower over the eight-cylinder stock counterpart. With horsepower elevated to 560 horsepower, the MTM Audi R8’s 0 to 62 mile-per hour acceleration is registered at 3.9 seconds (0.7 seconds better than the factory’s version). Capable of 188 miles per hour with the standard final gear, an available longer gear allows the MTM Audi R8’s velocity to almost approach 197 miles per hour.

Information and photo source: ABT Sportsline, EDO Competition, Motoren Technik Mayer GmbH, STaSIS, TC Concepts

Following their hard-fought race in France against the Peugeot factory squad, the Audi R18 grabbed the overall victory in the Le Mans 24 Hour endurance event for the 10th time in 12 races. While Audi Sport has routinely turned the 24 Hour of Le Mans into a glimmering showcase of their TDI technology, the German motorsport arm claimed another all-day affair just one country east of France. On the famous Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Belgium, the Blancpain Endurance Series competitors met the full force of the Audi R8 sports car.

Unlike the most renowned 24-hour of Le Mans where prototype sports cars dominate the headlines, the 24 hours of Spa is based solely on the competition of production-based vehicles. Though production-derived, there is nothing garden variety about the competing products in the Blancpain Endurance Series. A fleet of fast and exotic cars such as the Ferrari 458 Italia, Mercedes-Benz SLS, Chevrolet Corvette Z06 as well as Aston Martin DBRS9 committed to a gruelling 24-hour race on the 7.004-kilometer (4.352 mile) Spa-Francorchamps circuit. For Audi, specially fitted R8 LMS race cars were fielded under Audi Sport WRT and Team Phoenix. Featuring a modified version of the brand’s 5.2 liter V-10 engine, the Audi R8 LMS race car targeted to two major European sports car endurance races at Germany’s Nurburgring and the at the Spa-Francorchamps complex on the 2011 calendar.

Starting in 7th place after the Belgium sports car race’s pole was snatched by a German rival BMW Z4 GT3, the #33 Audi Sport R8 LMS launched into attack mode. By the fourth hour in the 24 Hours of Spa, the #33 Audi Sport WRT R8 LMS was holding tight in 2nd place behind a Team Phoenix R8 LMS sister car. Taking the lead early into hour five, the #33 car would lead often through the night as well as through light rain at the Belgium track in the collective hands of Mattias Ekström, Timo Scheider and Greg Franchi. Despite the team making two scheduled brake pad changes over the 24 hours of racing, the #33 Audi R8 LMS won by a 2-lap gap over the #76 BMW Z4. The win in the GT3 Pro category rewards the Audi R8 LMS with the second GT3 class victory following a similar triumph at the 24 Hours of the Nurburgring.

Finishing in 4th place was the Audi Sport WRT group’s second car. The #32 Audi R8 LMS piloted by the driving team of Filipe Albuquerqe, Bert Longin and Stephane Ortelli fought from a 41st place starting position finishing just a lap behind the #35 Mercedes-Benz SLS GT3 car. The Team Phoenix two-car team found turmoil in their 2011 24 Hours of Spa race. Competing in the Audi R8 LMS race cars, the Team Phoenix #98 driver grouping finishing 14th while their teammate’s #98 placed45th after having to retire in the early morning hours.

Apart from the GT3 Pro entrants, a three-car Audi R8 LMS effort was fielded the 24 Hours of Spa’s Amateur ranks. American-based United Autosports Audi R8 LMS assembled some established greats of racing such as Mark Brundell, Indy 500 winners Arie Luyendyk and Eddie Cheever as well as Formula 1 winner Johnny Herbert amongst their three race vehicles. In the 2011 race, the United Autosports’ top finishing result was 6th in the GT3 Pro-Am category translating to 13th overall. “I’d like to thank everybody who worked so hard and with so much commitment to make this victory possible. After Le Mans, Audi now stands in the winners list of another great 24-hour race. We were able to show that the R8 is a fantastic sportscar. Our increasing number of customer teams also confirms this.” were the words from Werner Frowein, Managing Director of quattro GmbH.

In front of a confirmed 60,000 spectators, the Audi R8 LMS led 22 hours of the 24-hour race’s run. The Audi R8 LMS race car’s win came after over 3,817 kilometers (about 2,372 miles) around the Spa-Francorchamps circuit.

Information source: Audi AG, SRO Ltd.
Photo source: Audi AG

Project Kahn, the British specialty car design firm, just released their newest kit for the Audi TT. Starting with a standard TT, Kahn added new front and rear bumpers, mesh inserts and a new front grille that looks like the grille found on the R8. In addition, they’ve added a new rear spoiler, stainless steel quad exhaust system, lowered suspension, a front lower bumper lip and door mirrors in a billet steel finish to match the dark gray exterior paint of the Audi. Of course, the first thing you probably noticed is the signature colored sideblade as found on the R8. Audi connoisseurs like yourself aren’t going to be fooled into thinking that the TR8 is a real R8, but a few “commoners” might be fooled at a glance. Even if you’re not trying to convince others that you own an R8, the TR8 still looks quite a bit better than your standard TT, so it may be worth a look if only for the uniqueness factor. No word yet on its cost, but I’ll update this article when I know.

Check out more pictures below:

This emphasis has resulted in performance variants like the RS5 and TT-RS coming to the United States, as well as the R8 GT.

Many questioned how far the Volkswagen Group would let the R8 go upmarket for fear of stepping on the Gallardo’s toes. With the R8 GT, the answer is pretty far. Audi has now released pricing on the most expensive Audi of them all. Be prepared to fork out a nice chunk of cash – the R8 GT checks in just under the $200,000 mark at $196,800.

In addition to the increased power output, the R8 GT also sheds weight by way of an extensive use of aluminum and carbon fiber.

The rear hatch, spoiler and diffuser of the R8 GT are made from carbon fiber and it results in an overall weight reduction of 180 pounds. The changes are good for a top speed of 199 mph and a dash to 62 mph in 3.6 seconds.

The new A3 is said to “epitomise Audi’s latest brand language”, with its lightweight design and fuel efficiency, coupled with a remarkably fast, turbocharging engine. Over the years, Audi’s brand language has shifted somewhat but the German manufacturer has rarely failed to impress.

Here are five of our favourites:

1980 Audi Quattro

Like the brand new A3, the original Audi Quattro was given its unveiling at the International Geneva Motorshow. Also, like the A3, the Quattro was seen as an innovative, ground-breaking car. Few could have imagined the legacy the Quattro would leave, becoming the first all-wheel-drive car to truly gain mainstream popularity thanks to its space-saving, small, light gearbox.

The Quattro excelled on the high street and also in the world of rallying, winning titles in the American TransAm and the IMSA Series. Even to this day, though the design has started to show its age, the Quattro can command high sums from Audi lovers worldwide.

Audi TT DSG

For years, the beautiful Audi TT was let down by its somewhat sluggish, four-cylinder 1.8T engine. Finally, in 2003, Audi placed a 3.2 litre V6 engine in the TT and fans of the coupe were at last given the car of their dreams.

The performance of the TT DSG finally matched up to its prize-winning looks, with a narrow-angle V6 engine roaring away and the revolutionary Direct Shift Gearbox providing the most sophisticated transmission seen in any car at that time.

With a price tag of around £30,000 as well as some heftily-priced car insurance UK drivers could have been deterred from the TT DSG, had it not been such a blindingly good package. Fortunately for Audi, it sold in droves and remains a classic to this day.

Audi R8

In 2006, Audi brought the legacy of the Quattro and the classy style of the TT together in a razor sharp new supercar – the R8. Based on the Lamborghini Gallardo’s platform and inspired by the Audi Le Mans Quattro racing car, the R8 was heralded by six-time Le Mans winner Jacky Ickx as “the best handling road car today.”

The R8 was so proud of its 4.2 litre V8 engine, it was displayed beneath a glass engine cover. The performance of said engine blew many Audi fanatics away, reaching 8,250 rpm and combining with a six-speed manual gearbox that delighted purists.

The body control, steering and ride quality of the R8 took Audi to new heights and the model remains perhaps the most attention-grabbing cars ever built, forcing the creators of car insurance bands to reconsider their boundaries!

Audi RS2

When Audi set about creating an estate car in 1994, they enlisted the help of Porsche – a company not exactly renowned for their expertise in designing large, cumbersome vehicles. The result: the Audi RS2 – the fastest estate car in the world.

Porsche added a KKK turbocharger to Audi’s 2.2-litre, 20-valve, 5-cylinder engine and the boost pressure was raised from 1.1 to 1.4 bar. To cope with the mighty 315 horsepower and 180mph speeds of the RS2, Porsche fitted the brakes used on their 911 – something drivers of the RS2 were thankful for as they sped from 0-60 in 4.8 seconds.

Audi RS6

Lovers of the original Audi Quattro spent a long time waiting for the German manufacturer to produce a car that could match the sheer driveability of the 1980 classic. That wait finally ended in 2002 with the release of the RS6.

The RS6 was Audi’s most powerful production car ever at 444bhp, with a top speed of 189mph. Its engine was more powerful than the Jaguar S-type and the BMW M5, while hi-tech features such as Tiptronic steering controls ensured the RS6 wowed gadget fans.

Buyers, blessed with the new millennium luxury of being able to order the car and their car insurance online, snapped up the RS6 like hot cakes.

They’re calling the car the MTM R8 V10 BiTurbo, and if you buy one, you’ll get 777 HP, a top speed in excess of 217 mph, and a zero to 62 mph time of 3.0 seconds. MTM is debuting the car at the Geneva Motor Show early next month. The shiny finish took 700 working hours to polish, which means that if the car does go on sale, chances are that polished finish won’t be standard.

This guy must have been reminiscing of his old Buick Roadmaster station wagon with wood paneling when he thought this one up. Instead of keeping the stock carbon fiber or painted sideblade on the R8, which looks pretty darn good when done correctly, he decided he needed something more unique.

So naturally, he took a trip to Home Depot, rounded up a jigsaw and some wood fiberboard, and made a perfect replica of his old sideblade and fitted it to the car. The result…you can see above. Ugly? Good lord yes, but at least it’s unique, right? Right?

source: MotorMorph