Elton John Helps Auction First U.S. Audi R8

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — The first 420-horsepower 2008 Audi R8 bound for the United States will be auctioned off on February 24 at the 15th Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation party to celebrate the Academy Awards. Bidding starts at $100,000 for the highly anticipated two-seater, with the winner set to take delivery in July — well in advance of the car's launch in the fall.

Audi of America has yet to announce pricing on the R8, but the company has noted on its Web site that the car is expected to retail between $130,000 and $150,000. The R8 is equipped with a 4.2-liter V8 and a six-speed manual transmission or R tronic sequential gearbox. It sprints from zero to 62 mph in 4.6 seconds and is equipped with Quattro all-wheel drive.

Bids for the car can be placed at eBay Live Auctions.

Last year, two Audi Q7s fetched a total of $280,000 at the Elton John event.

No word on which Elton John soundtrack will accompany the auction, but anything from Rare Masters would be appropriate.

See also:
First Drive: 2008 Audi R8