Audi R8 might not be the newest, fastest, or most expensive supercar on the market. However, that doesn’t mean people are not still interested in it. In fact, people seem to be more interested in the R8 than any other supercar out there. Based on an analysis of Google search data from the past 12 months Confused.com (interesting domain name for a site doing data analysis) found that the Audi R8 was searched for more than any other supercar. Over 22.5 million Google searches were performed on the sportiest Audi. That is 2.5 million more than the second place Lamborghini Urus.
Perhaps it is nostalgia that has so many people searching on the R8. As we know the lovely mid-engine supercar is coming to an end. Maybe it comes back as an EV but the thrilling V10 is a thing of the past. Or maybe people have been searching for it so much simply because it is still a terrific supercar. It has the looks and performance to put it on par with the best in the world and people still like to read about it. It is also somewhat of a bargain in the supercar space, and everyone loves a bargain. Starting at about $150K for a 562 horsepower V10 with a top speed of over 200 mph the Audi does offer good value.
F1 legend Ayrton Senna’s nephew, Bruno, has become one of the first drivers to lap the brand-new Miami GP circuit at the wheel of the all-new McLaren Artura ‘High-Performance Hybrid’.
The drive comes 21 years on from Ayrton’s final US Grand Prix victory driving for McLaren at the Phoenix street circuit in Arizona.
The laps around the new 5.41km (3.36-mile) purpose-built Miami International Autodrome, with the iconic Hard Rock Stadium at its heart, marked the dynamic debut of the McLaren Artura in North America, which is set to become the largest market for the ‘HPH’ supercar when customer deliveries begin in July.
With its 19 corners and three straights including elevation changes over an exit ramp and under various flyovers, together with three DRS zones, the circuit provided Bruno with plenty of opportunities to fully exploit the handling and performance of the Artura which, as McLaren’s first ever series-production hybrid supercar, delivers both torque in-fill to maximise acceleration and full EV driving capability.
“It was truly amazing to be able to push the McLaren Artura around this dynamic and free-flowing new Grand Prix circuit in the heart of Miami,” said McLaren Ambassador and racing driver, Bruno.
“The Artura is a car that keeps on giving, especially on a track; it’s smooth and refined but with an aggressive edge that is just waiting to be discovered as you utilise the E-motor combined with the powerful V6 engine. It’s predictable and fun – the perfect ride for a Grand Prix weekend.”
Built on the all-new McLaren Carbon Lightweight Architecture, which is uniquely optimised for HPH models and produced in-house at the McLaren Composites Technology Centre in the Sheffield region of the UK, the Artura features an all-new hybrid powertrain that comprises a twin-turbocharged 3.0 litre V6 engine, axial flux E-motor and energy-dense battery pack, which in combination with McLaren’s super-lightweight engineering philosophy delivers electrification without compromise.
With power and torque outputs of 680PS (671bhp) and 720Nm (531lb ft) respectively, the Artura can accelerate from 0-60mph in 3.0 seconds and has a maximum speed of 330km/h (205mph). An all-new lightweight eight-speed transmission combined with a new rear suspension design, uprated electro-hydraulic steering and Proactive Damping Control enhance the traditional agility, stability and dynamic performance for which McLaren road cars have become renowned.
The stunning all-electric Battista has won the coveted Design Award at the exclusive Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in Lake Como, Italy.
Automobili Pininfarina’s new hyper GT made its European public debut in production-ready form at the prestigious event, finished in Verde Paradiso exterior paintwork with a luxurious tan leather interior.
The annual show, which takes place on the shores of Lake Como, is just a few hours’ drive from the Battista’s Cambiano production facility.
“We took a unique Battista to Villa d’Este to showcase the diverse colour and material choices that our discerning clients can choose from when personalising their vehicle,” said Luca Borgogno, Automobili Pininfarina Chief Design Officer.
“To win the Design Award is a fantastic way for us to begin the countdown to making our first customer deliveries later this year.
“It’s always exciting for us to show new bespoke combinations of the Battista in different parts of the world, but especially so in our home country alongside other legendary classic Pininfarina-designed masterpieces.”
The Battista’s other trophies include GQ’s Electric Hypercar of the Year award and the Electric Dream award, from Electrifying.com.
Needles to say, the Battista is blistering quick with a 0-62mph time of less than two seconds and a top speed of 217mph, while its 120kWh battery delivers a range of 311 miles and can be charged at speeds of up to 180kW.
It might not be a tennis player adjusting her behind, but the Lamborghini Countach has been crowned the all-time favourite pin-up poster car among followers of The British Motor Show.
The striking Marcello Gandini masterpiece was the most popular poster car of the show’s Facebook followers, closely pursued by the Ferrari Testarossa and Porsche 959 – and who (of a certain age) doesn’t remember flicking through them on the rails in the poster shops?
“Of course, this was just a bit of fun, but it seems that around one in five car fans have had a Countach Blu-Tacked above their bed, and it’s that love of cars that really drives the passion behind The British Motor Show,” said The British Motor Show CEO, Andy Entwistle.
The organisers of The British Motor Show (August 19-22) say it promises to be the brightest, most engaging and most interactive automotive event of 2021, offering terrific value at just £18.50 a ticket, or £37 for a family of four.
Gareth is a versatile journalist, copywriter and digital editor who’s worked across the media in newspapers, magazines, TV, teletext, radio and online. After long stints at the BBC, GMTV and ITV, he now specialises in motoring.
