New Audi R8 takes buyers to six figures in a hurry

Fast, spectacular-looking cars with racing genes don't come cheap.

The new Audi R8 is no exception. Audi Canada has announced that the starting price for the R8 sports car will be $139,000 for the mid-engined, quattro all-wheel drive equipped aluminum machine.

Audi says it has incorporated the name and genes of the five-time 24 Hours of LeMans winner into the mid-engined sports car.

The 4.2-litre V8 engine delivers 420 horsepower at 7,800 r.p.m. and 317 lb.-ft. of torque between 4,500 r.p.m. and 6,000 r.p.m.

The R8 accelerates from a standstill to 10 km/h in 4.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 301 km/h.

Among the design features of the R8 is the side blade which is available in three different styles and allows for greater personalization.

Canadian customers will be able to choose a wide array of Audi R8 branded merchandise and luxury goods, including a specially fitted R8 luggage set, a unique R8 watch and more. The first Canadian R8 owners should be driving their cars in September.

autos.canada.com