For those who wonder whether new-fangled hybridized technology can keep up with the pure power from old-school combustion engines, this is the drag race to see. The contenders here are the sleek Acura NSX and the Audi R8 V10 Plus, and, while both feed outputs to all four wheels, what's under the hood couldn't be more different. In this video, these supercars are pitted against each other in three half-mile sprints to establish whether hybrid power actually can trump brute force.

Bringing stunning good looks to the fray, the Acura NSX has more to offer than just a pretty face: a twin-turbo V6 under the hood is assisted by three electric motors to produce a combined 573 horsepower and 476 lb-ft of torque. But, thanks to all this electronic wizardry, this beauty is around 400 pounds heavier than the beast it goes up against, which in this case is one of the best-sounding combustion engines ever. The Audi R8, decked out here in an aggressive Vorsteiner body kit, has a naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V10 waiting to unleash 602 hp, and, with a better power-to-weight ratio, it seems inevitable that it will decimate its rival.

The first run kicks off with a squeal as the cars fight for initial advantage, but it's the R8 that nabs an early lead. A second trial from rolling start gives the NSX a slight lead, but the R8 seems to have no trouble catching up and sailing past. In the final run from a standstill, it's the NSX that launches ahead, benefiting from its direct drive system effectively reducing lag, and - for a moment - it stays a full car's length ahead before the Audi simply roars past.

Although the Audi is the clear winner, the NSX still showcases some impressive numbers, and at just 3.29 seconds to 60 mph from a standstill, the NSX has even the 759-hp Lamborghini SVJ beat. While the NSX is applauded for being a brilliant combination of hybrid tech and supercar looks at an accessible price, it just can't compete with the raucous R8, it's gorgeous soundtrack, and impressive performance. And, with hints of hybridization coming to Audi's sports cars, and more specifically, rumors about a possible all-electric R8, we're left to wonder if the R8 could actually get any better than it already is.