2020 Audi R8 Coupe

The most expensive of the R8s is the Decennium limited-edition model that is fundamentally identical to regular R8 models, besides its special wheels and stitching. If you have $214,995, you can try to get one, but all 50 are likely already accounted for and will be auctioned at a profit over the next few years, and who's to say at how much. In terms of available models, the R8 is the starting point, with a base price of $169,900. Stepping up to the R8 Performance will set you back at least $195,900. Fully outfitted with options, this model will exceed $222,000, inclusive of the $1,250 destination charge and $1,300 gas guzzler tax.

The R8's Quattro system is hallowed for its ability to keep a car planted in the corners, regardless of the surface conditions. In their more traditional offerings, that is undone by a heavy nose that causes understeer. However, the R8 is mid-engined and therefore isn't afflicted with this problem. According to R8 product manager Anthony Garbis, you can even slide the car in Sport mode and take advantage of snap throttle oversteer, if you're so inclined. The suspension is compliant and supple, particularly when compared to more traditional supercars like the Lambo. The stability control system is constantly adjusting and ensuring that the car has the maximum grip possible too, but it's not all good news. The optional carbon-ceramic brakes, although outstanding for track work, are far too grabby and bite down too aggressively when all you're after is a smooth stop. These brakes are standard on the Performance model, so perhaps a "normal" R8 is a better choice for daily driving. The steering, on the other hand, is addictively well-weighted and eating up corners is a joy. This is further enhanced by an optional variable-ratio steering system. The car has a sense of rear-wheel-driven bias, and that's not imaginary, as the all-wheel-drive system's Dynamic mode will try to shift as much power as possible to the rear to improve handling. Overall, the R8 is a confidence-building machine that encourages spirited driving but still keeps things contained when your skills run out, and that's what makes it such an attractive offering in the supercar market.

In a world totally obsessed with electrification and alternative sources of power to propel vehicles of the future, a relatively analog and uncompromised supercar with no turbos or energy regeneration systems is a breath of fresh air, even if that air contains carbon monoxide. The R8 provides all-weather traction and phenomenal handling in a package that includes a brilliant soundtrack, both from the standard B&O audio setup and from the Lambo-sourced 5.2-liter V10. Where other cars are muffled and drive themselves, the R8 provides security without putting you to sleep. It demands your respect but allows you to have fun with it. Yes, the Audi R8 does cost a lot, and yes, it's impractical, but what supercar isn't? The R8 is special in that it can thrill and excite, and still take you to work without annoying everyone around you. Not to be forgotten is that this may well be the last generation of naturally-aspirated R8s, so perhaps you can convince your significant other that this is a future classic, and therefore an investment. Whatever it takes to get one in your garage, it's worth it.

Based on the coupe's looks alone, the R8 Performance with its carbon-fiber fixed rear wing is a slightly more attractive option than the already-pretty R8. In addition, you get 40 hp more and a smattering of carbon in the interior and engine bay. 20-inch wheels are also standard on this model. However, if you're a little larger than average, you may want to consider swapping out the tight Performance-spec seats for the ones found in the standard variant. Essentially, the R8 Performance is for the person who wants ultimate performance and is willing to make sacrifices for it. The regular R8 is more comfortable with adaptive dampers, comfy seats, and a phenomenal sound system as standard. For daily use, we'd prefer the regular R8.

If you're after an exotically styled sports car with breathtaking acceleration and all-wheel-drive, you may want to consider the Acura NSX. Its method of propulsion is considerably different to that of the R8, as it uses both turbocharging and electric thrust to provide neck-breaking performance, whereas the raw R8 simply uses displacement and Lamborghini expertise to make noise and power. The 3.5-liter V6 in the NSX is a twin-turbo motor that produces 573 hp, more power than you'll get out of the base R8. It also generates 70 lb-ft more torque. It manages all this despite being cheaper with its MSRP of $157,500 compared to the Audi R8's price of $169,900. Due to hybridization, it's a more economical vehicle too, although the tank is smaller at 15.6 gallons. Although the interior is more conventional than the Audi's, one could well argue that the Acura just feels like a fancy Honda, with a few too many hard plastics dotted around the cabin. Safety-wise, the NSX is similar to the R8 in that there are few aids, and it's just as impractical. At the end of the day, the choice will come down to what you're looking for and what makes you feel the most special. For us, it's the R8's howling V10. No question.

A far less powerful, but still exotic, German offering is BMW's i8. The $147,500 hybrid could well be the car for you if you want to be a baller on a smaller budget. Before we get to the obvious performance deficit with the Bimmer's 1.5-liter inline-three, we need to accept that the i8 is intended to be a unique kind of sports car, albeit an expensive one, and not an out-and-out supercar. The powertrain in the BMW produces a respectable 369 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque, and although that is low compared to the Audi, it's built more as a Porsche 911 rival and makes up for its deficit with impressive handling. A sense of occasion is added with the stunning gullwing doors, and of course, it's hard to ignore how far you can get with the i8, as its combined mpg rating is 27 compared to the R8's 16. The i8 also looks smaller but is actually more than 10 inches longer than the R8, and despite its complex packaging and batteries, has a relatively useful trunk area, with 5.4 cubes of volume. Of course, the i8 will never thrill in the way an R8 can, but it looks amazing and shows your neighbors that you're environmentally conscious while still rubbing your success in their faces. As far as sports cars go, however, the R8 will definitely put a bigger smile on your face.