2009 Audi R8 Road Test Ratings

A modern supercar which offers equal parts comfort, style and performance.

The R8's 4.2-liter V8 is among the best sounding production engines. Transmission upshifts are quick in the automanual without being harsh. But the manual is the way to go here. Weighty, predictable and intuitive, this is how steering should feel in a midengine car.

Excellent compromise between ride and handling. For a car this low and sport-focused, the ingress/egress is remarkably forgiving.

Xenon headlamps lead the way. Standard Audi interfaces are reasonably easy to use with practice. Interior storage is good considering the limited amount of space to work with.

Build quality is top-notch, as we've come to expect from Audi products. Exterior styling is an instant classic and draws attention everywhere it goes. The interior is functional, well laid-out and user-friendly.