2010 Audi R8 SportCars Concept

Solid evidence of UFO’s has finally arrived. The 2010 Audi R8 has the power, speed, handling, and sleek looks to prove we have made contact with and studied superior aircraft.

Under the hood – the rear engine bay glass that is – sits a 420-horsepower, 4.2-liter V-8 or a 525-horsepower, 5.2-liter V-10. A six speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission is available with either engine option. The R8 delivers 12-13 mpg in the city and 18-20 on the highway. Considering the level of performance, those fuel economy numbers are quite respectable. V-8 horsepower is superior to Aston Martin’s V-8 Vantage, and just behind Porsche’s 911; V-10 horsepower is superior even to the Nissan Skyline GT-R and Ferrari F430.

The only “interior” feature that matters is the throbbing high-horsepower motor lying underneath that rear glass and surrounded by beautiful carbon fiber trim, but the cockpit is lovely to behold as well. Leather and Alcantara (a suede-like material) cover the heated seats, and the steering wheel is wrapped in leather with metal embellishments. The manual transmission features a metal shift knob protruding from a gorgeous machined metal gate; the automatic transmission features metal paddle shifters. Automatic climate control and a charcoal air filter make the interior atmosphere comfortable and rarefied. A standard stereo with 6-CD stereo changer and Sirius Satellite Radio provides wonderful acoustic accompaniment to the symphonic roar of the engine. A glorious Bang & Olufsen stereo and a navigation system are optional, while the V-10 comes with both systems as standard equipment.

Under the skin of the 2010 Audi R8 is further evidence of extraterrestrial contact: Audi’s all-aluminum frame. It balances supreme strength with lightness, for better acceleration, handling and fuel economy. Side airbags and dual front airbags with a head protection chambers in place of roof-mounted head airbags protect occupants during impact. No crash test ratings are available for the R8, but the safety package is well engineered.

Considering the company that the 400-plus horsepower of the 2010 Audi R8 puts it in, plus the tasteful use of carbon fiber trim; the beautiful display of the rear-mid mounted engine, and the spectacular driving dynamics, the 2010 Audi R8 is a value that – you guessed it – is out of this world.

Auto Race Tracks and Auto Racing

The beginning of auto racing started right after the successful introduction of cars powered by gas. The very first auto race was in 1887, in Paris, France. Actually, it seems weird calling it a race since only one person showed up, so naturally he was the winner. In 1894, another car race was organized, also in Paris, and many consider this one the world's first race. 102 people paid the entrance fee, but in the end only 25 people participated in the main auto race.

Not everyone started at the same time & the same place and three winners were selected based on the handling, the speed, and the safety characteristics of their cars.



The first real auto race, where all the cars started at the same time, at the same place, took place in 1895 in France. The winner reached the finish line almost 6 hours before his competitor. That's a big difference!

It looks like the foundation of auto racing lies in France. That's why most races, even international ones, at that time, took place in France. Open road races in France ended in 1903, after a fatal accident involving Marcel Renault happened.

The oldest auto race track worldwide is called "The Milwaukee Mile". It opened its doors in 1903. Interestingly, this auto race track was not originally built for cars, but rather for horses.

The first track that was specifically built for car racing is the Brooklands, located in England. It opened its doors in 1907. In 1939 the Brooklands racing track was closed, when wartime production of airplanes and other aircraft took over. It was extensively damaged during the Second World War, and never reopened its doors.