Audi R8

The heart of the R8 is a high-revving 4.2-liter engine that delivers 430 horsepower at 7,900 rpm. Peak torque is 316 lb-ft from 4,500 to 6,000 rpm, with no less than 90 per cent of output maintained from 3,500 all the way to 7,600 rpm. A gated six-speed manual that clacks its way through the gears like a glorious vintage Italian sports car is available, but maximum performance times are achieved with the standard seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

With the dual-clutch fitted, the R8 is capable of hitting 60 mph from a standstill in just 4.2 seconds. Top speed is quoted at 186 mph.