During Conan O'Brien's days at NBC, he would often make jokes about him having an old Ford Taurus as his main ride.  Obviously the Taurus isn't his main ride but he still owns the very same Taurus he bought when he started working for NBC in the early 1990s.  Conan takes CBS's 60 minutes host, Steve Kroft, for a ride.

Audi is ready to take on the Porsche 911 GT3 RS & GT2, Ferrari 458 Italia and Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera with this, the R8 GT.  The R8 GT is essentially a stripped down and steroided up version of the R8 V10, meaning that it now comes with 560 hp from its 5.2l V10 engine, 42 hp more than the standard V10. Torque is rated at 398 lb ft @ 6800 rpm.

If the engine specs look familiar, it is because the engine is the same unit as the Lamborghini Superleggera's, only the engine in the R8 GT gets a different exhaust system.  Power is still channeled through an all-wheel drive system, with power being distributed 15/85 front to rear as standard, but that figure can change to 30/70 if ever the front end requires more grip as a result of slip.  The gearbox is a strengthened version of the R8's six speed robotised R-tronic manual, while a mechanical locking diff is fitted as standard on the rear axle. 0-60 mph is done within 3.6 seconds while the top speed is 199 mph.

Together with an increase in power, the R8 GT weighs some 95kg less than the standard car.  The weight savings comes as a result of using a carbonfibre liftback, less sound deading from the engine bay, a fixed rear wing, better brakes, and a lightweight windscreen.  A revised chassis and suspension system is also included in the R8 GT.

It will be easy to distinguish the R8 GT from the other R8 models, thanks to a new front splitter, carbonfibre winglets, and that fixed rear wing. But the interior also gets unique features as well, such as a greater use of alcantara, a uniquely designed intrument panel, different gear selctor lever, and unique door sills. 

Only 333 R8 GT are to be made, and are expected to be sold for around 142,000 GBP, making it a lot more expensive than the 103,000 GBP standard V10.  Customers will be able to order the R8 GT starting this summer while deliveries will be made early next year.

Source: www.autocar.co.uk