What makes a car beautiful? Is it flowing lines, pleasing proportions, a clear identity, a strong sense of character, exquisite details ? or a mixture of all of the above? Tue, the assessment of beauty ultimately remains in the eye of the beholder, yet its truest manifestations always seem to elicit unanimous praise and approval. We have looked far and wide to choose the most beautiful production cars of the last few years, and agonized over a list of 10 standouts. The fact the most are European will not come as a great surprise?.
AUDI R8 SPYDER
Audi's marvelous midengine supercar deserved to be on this list in original coupe form, but even more so as the recently introduced drop-top R8 Sypder. In place of the coupe's roof and characteristic "slide blades," the Spyder's monochromatic flanks give it a soother profile, with superbly fitting, louvered engine cover and polished aluminum windshield frame that provides just the right contrast. The R8 Spyder is launched first with a 5.2 liter 525-horsepower V10 engine but will soon be offered with a 4.2-liter 430-horsepower V8 as well.
AUDI A5/RS5
The Audi A5 and S5 were launched in 2008, inspired by the striking Nuvolari Quattro concept from the 2003 Geneva Motor Show. A superb blend of muscle and grace, these classic-style coupes immediately vaulted Audi back into the limelight of the grand touring coupe segment. With its black grille, large air inlets, flared fenders, sculpted sills, spoiler and oval exhaust pipes, the recently introduced RS5 version adds a sporting flair, backed by a 4.2-liter 450-horsepower V8 engine, no less