OUR TAKE: This is a stunning machine. The exterior design is absolutely fantastic. When stopped at a red light, a pristine, black Porsche Cayman S came screaming up from behind in the next lane. The driver simply rolled down his window and said, "That's beautiful." Absolutely right.

The interior is nearly as impressive. The front seats are some of the best sport buckets available. We were also duly pleased with the way Audi's MMI system interfaced with an iPod: intuitive and easy to use. Overall, one of the best interior designs in the world.

This latest Audi platform, with the engine finally mounted behind the front-axle line, is a big improvement. With this version of quattro, you can hang the tail out some, and there's far less understeer than before. The engine sounds and performs great, the gearbox is incredibly positive in feel and a cinch to bang through. We'd prefer more steering weight and feedback, but that was a minor point.

The car doesn't have quite the potency of our long-term S6, but it doesn't have all that weight, either. And with just two doors, it looks so much sportier. But don't even think about using the back seat--there is no leg space there at all. But as the driver, who cares about that?


As-tested price: $58,490
Drivetrain: 4.2-liter V8; awd, six-speed manual
Output: 354 hp @ 6800 rpm, 325 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Curb weight: 3594 lb
Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 17/15.2 mpg
Options: Navigation with driver info display and music interface ($2,390); technology package, including rear parking system and rearview camera, adaptive headlights, advanced key ($1,700); premium sound ($850); wood inlays ($500); red interior ($475)


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This is about as desireable coupe as you can get right now below 100K.

M