R8

The 2010 Audi R8 V10 is now shipping with an MSRP of $146,000 for the manual-equipped version, while the dual-clutch R tronic transmission bumps the price to $155,100. The standard R8 model with the 4.2L V8 engine will start at $114,200 this year, with the R tronic raising the price to $123,300.

Race Specs for the Audi R8 5.2L V10

• 525hp (386kW)
• 391lb-ft (530Nm) of torque
• 0-62mph (100km/h) time of just 3.9 seconds
• Top speed of 196mph (316km/h)

With the addition of the V10 engine, Audi moves the R8's performance into the supercar category, with 0-60mph ticking past in 3.7 seconds, which is just slightly faster than the 638hp Corvette ZR1.

According to rumors flying around, it seems that the 2012 Lotus Esprit will come equipped with the 200+ mph capable, 4.8-liter 500 horsepower V10 engine from the Lexus LF-A or the 5.0-liter, 417 horsepower V8 from the Lexus IS-F. There's also a rumor that an entry-level model might appear featuring the 300-horsepower direct-injection Toyota V6 engine.

Aside from these rumors, it looks like Lotus is working very closely with Tesla Motors or creating eco-friendly variants of its cars. Would you really care about an electric/hybrid Lotus Esprit when you could buy one with a 500 horsepower engine? Plus, with prices the way they are, both types would probably cost the same.