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Supercars—the rolling automotive R&D labs made in exceedingly small batches by the likes of Ferrari and Bugatti—typically cost $200,000 and up (way up). Audi’s idea to slash the cost? Borrow tech from the family. The R8 incorporates suspension and engine innovations from the Lamborghini Gallardo, its corporate cousin, while costing a more Porsche-like $109,000 and still going 0–60 in 4.4 seconds. It also takes features from Audi’s own racecars: The 420-horsepower V8 uses dry-sump lubrication to circulate oil, letting you fly around corners without losing oil pressure (and, thus, power). A light but strong aluminum and magnesium frame and mid-engine layout—rare in all-wheel-drive vehicles like this—give it agility and balanced handling. The adaptive suspension adjusts quickly from stiff in corners to cushy on the open road. Along with a roomy interior (for two) and enough cargo space for a couple carry-ons, it’s far more useful for weekend jaunts than a similarly fast Ferrari. It won’t put a supercar in every driveway, but it brings the dream just a little closer.
$109,000; audiusa.com
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