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The 2011 Audi R8 is Audi's halo car, a low-slung, two-seat supercar derived in part from the Lamborghini Gallardo. Keeping the Audi R8 fresh, Audi added a V-10 engine in the car's second model year and in this, its third model year, adds a new convertible model. The convertible Spyder will initially be offered only with the V-10 engine and borrows most of the V-10 coupe's unique styling cues.

Also, the navigation system is awkward to use and the optional R tronic automated manual transmission shifts clumsily at low speed.

The "2011 Audi R8 "is a two-seat exotic supercar available in 4.2 Coupe, 5.2 Coupe and 5.2 Spyder trim levels. Standard equipment on the 4.2 Coupe includes 19-inch wheels, adaptive suspension dampers, cruise control, automatic xenon headlights, LED running lights, automatic climate control, heated eight-way power seats (with four-way power-adjustable lumbar), leather and faux suede upholstery, auto-dimming rearview mirror, Bluetooth and a seven-speaker sound system with six-CD changer, auxiliary audio jack and satellite radio. Differences include a revised suspension, aerodynamic enhancements, carbon-fiber body panels, reduced acoustic insulation, thinner window glass and a GT-specific steering wheel.

The 2011 Audi R8 4.2 is powered by a 4.2-liter V8 mounted behind the passenger compartment that sends 430 hp and 317 pound-feet of torque through an all-wheel-drive system. A six-speed manual transmission with a gated metal shifter is standard, while a six-speed single-clutch automated manual known as R tronic is optional. The Audi R8 5.2 gets a 5.2-liter V10 that produces 525 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. In Edmunds performance testing, the 5.2 Coupe with the manual went from zero to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds, while the 5.2 Spyder with the manual did it in 3.9 seconds. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 12/19/14 with the manual and 13/19/15 with R tronic.

Audi estimates it'll hit 60 mph in about 3.5 seconds--Standard safety equipment includes antilock disc brakes, stability control, side airbags and knee airbags. Front and rear parking sensors and a rearview camera are available.

The seats are comfortable for long-distance travel and the driving position suits a wide range of people.

The ballsy, blatty Corvette and the sensual, rippling Italia have met their match in the Audi's swelling fenders and roofline, in those spot-on styling parentheses down the Coupe's sides, in its nearly faultless handling. Even if the V-10 option has roots in Italy, it's a perfect fit for the R8's subtle, suave demeanor.
Fuel economy, by supercar standards, is excellent.