While the real stars of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance are the vintage autos, the Concept Lawn is a special place where future show-stoppers are put on display. While some of the models are actually concepts, many are rare coachbuilt models and a few are full-production cars.

In the concept category there was the luxury convertible plug-in hybrid, the Fisker Sunset, as well as the absolutely stunning Infiniti Essence Concept - a hybrid in it’s own right, making 600hp thanks to a 440hp twin-turbo direct-injection 3.7-liter V6 and a 160hp electric motor.

Included in the list of Coachbuilt creations was the edgy Corvette ZR1-based Stile Bertone Mantide. This is no kit car, however, as the vehicle was designed by Jason Castriota, the man who also penned the Pininfarina P4/5. Plus, it weights 220 lbs less than the ZR1 for even more performance.

Also on display was the Devon GTX (pictured above), arguably the arch-nemesis of the Mantide, as it is based on the Dodge Viper. With a more shapely body than the Mantide, the 650hp GTX is scheduled to attempt to set a new fastest lap time at the Nürburgring. No doubt there’s some ego involved in this announcement as Devon attempted to buy Viper from Chrysler but the deal was never completed.

In the production category cars ranged from the reasonably well priced (Lotus Evora) to the ridiculous (Bugatti Sang Bleu). The four-seater Lotus is scheduled to be released early next year, while the ultra-limited edition Bugatti is based on the convertible Grand Sport model. Other production or near production models included the Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder, V-10 powered Audi R8, the 750hp carbon-chassis Aston Martin One-77, a Morgan, the all-new 510hp 2010 Jaguar XJL Supersport, the Mercedes-McLaren SLR Stirling Moss and the Rolls-Royce EX200, aka, the Ghost. And who could forget the misplaced SMS 570X Dodge Challenger.

GALLERY: Pebble Beach Concept Lawn

While Audi has made no secret that it will be releasing a convertible version of its V10-powered R8 at the Frankfurt Auto Show, the German luxury car maker has kept the car under wraps. Even the test mules spotted lapping the Nürburgring were well-masked.

Now, thanks to the intrepid reporters at U.K.’s AutoExpress we may just have an accurate idea of what the drop-top 2010 Audi R8 Spider/Cabriolet/Roadster will look like. These spy photos photos were taken during shooting of an upcoming sequel to the popular Iron Man movie. 

If you recall from the first flick actor Robert Downey Jr. had an Audi R8 in his stable of cars, and if you look closely at these photos you’ll see Downey behind the wheel.

The car is expected to keep the same 525hp, V10 engine as the new coupe but be slightly slower due to the extra weight added to help stiffen up the roofless chassis. In terms of design changes, we can see that the side blades have been removed, showing a more sculpted side to the car, while the rear clamshell gets some aggressive renting.

The R8 Roadster will be officially unveiled at the Frankfurt Auto Show this September. 

GALLERY: Audi R8 Convertible

[Source: AutoExpress]

Those waiting for a drop-top version of Audi’s R8 won’t have to wait much longer. The car is set to debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show this September and it appears as though Audi is out doing some final testing – as these Nürburgring spy photos show. 

In Frankfurt Audi is expected to debut the 525hp V10-powered version of the four-ringed exotic as well as a 420hp V8 version.

A soft top, and not a hard top, is the top-down route Audi has chosen. Not only will it help keep weight down (always a problem with Audis) but it is better for packaging and cost. Besides, every other Audi convertible has a rag top. 

The only question remains, what will it be called? R8 Spyder? R8 Roadster? Or the R8 Convertible?

[Source: Car & Driver]

[Photo Credit: Car Spionage]

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This is the latest installment in Audi’s brilliant marketing campaign that mocks other car makers and positions the brand as an alternative to traditional luxury vehicles.

For the new 525hp 5.2-liter V-10-powered R8, the setting is Maranello, Italy – the home of Ferrari. When positioning itself as a luxury brand, Audi takes on the Germans (or even the Japanese), but when competing in the exotic car arena there is no place quite like Italy.

And in a move that is almost blasphemous, the R8 is painted bright red. Needless to say the Italians are not amused and promptly chase the German exotic out of town.

The very first Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI was auctioned off at the Boca Raton Concours d’Elegance yesterday for a cool half a million dollars, with all of the proceeds going to the Boys & Girls Clubs. With a retail value of $180,000, the 535hp exotic fetched more than double its value.

“This was an opportunity to be crowned the first owner in the United States of a stunning Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI quattro,” said Rick Case, Founder of the Boca Raton Concours d’ Elegance. “The winning bidder even received an official certificate of authenticity verifying that this particular 2010 Audi R8 V10 is the first in the country.”

“The live and silent auctions at the Gala always feature amazing items,” said James E. McDonnell IV, Boca Raton Concours d’ Elegance Event Chairman. “But this year we have truly topped the charts. In fact, the auction line-up has made a mark in history by offering one of the most sought after vehicles in the country to guests.”

Audi of America R8 Product Manager Chas Murphy was so impressed with the bidding that he immediately offered a second R8 V10, which also sold that evening.

Impressively, the R8 fetched significant more than a Ferrari California that was auctioned off as well. The California, retailing for $225,000, fetched $350,000. Stuart Hayim, owner of Ferrari-Maserati of Fort Lauderdale arranged for the California to be auctioned off with proceeds from that sale also benefitting the Boys & Girls Clubs.

Other auction items included a dinner for four with David Letterman and Bobby Rahal, which fetched $100,000. Dinner with Roger Penske, his family and driving team, to take place at the Indianapolis 500, was also auction off. Howie Mandel was even on hand, providing the entertainment.

Official release after the jump:

2009 BOCA RATON CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE
RAISED OVER A MILLION DOLLARS FOR THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS – FIRST AUDI R8 V10 IN THE UNITED STATES AUCTIONED FOR CHARITY BRINGS HALF A MILLION DOLLARS
Boca event Auctions 2010 Audi R8 V10 and 2010 Ferrari California
The Gala Featured Performance by Howie Mandel and Honored Automotive Icon, Bobby Rahal

BOCA RATON, FL (February 24, 2009) – The third annual 2009 Boca Raton Concours d’ Elegance gala raised more than one million dollars for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County during the live auction that featured the first in the United States 2010 Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI quattro, which sold for $500,000 and one of the first 2010 Ferrari California which sold for $350,000. Additionally automotive icon, Bobby Rahal, was honored with the Automotive Lifetime Achievement Award during the gala on February 21st at the Boca Raton Resort & Club in Boca Raton, FL.
“The live and silent auctions at the Gala always feature amazing items,” said James E. McDonnell IV, Boca Raton Concours d’ Elegance Event Chairman. “But this year we have truly topped the charts. In fact, the auction line-up has made a mark in history by offering one of the most sought after vehicles in the country to guests.” Rick Case, Auto Dealer and Founder of the Boca Raton Concours d’ Elegance adds, “This was an opportunity to be crowned the first owner in the United States of a stunning Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI quattro. The winning bidder even received an official certificate of authenticity verifying that this particular 2010 Audi R8 V10 is the first in the country.”
The Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI quattro is first of the series in the United States, and will be built this year, during the 100th anniversary of the Audi brand itself. The R8 V8 already has an established reputation at the forefront of high-end sports cars, winning two “World Car of the Year Awards” in 2008, and now Audi presents the more powerful R8 V10 5.2 FSI with a 5.2 liter, ten-cylinder engine and 525 horsepower. With superior technologies such as quattro all-wheel drive and a lightweight aluminum body, the Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI promises a breathtaking performance. With an MSRP estimated to be about $180,000 the engine in the new Audi R8 V10 is so impressive, that guests can expect to see it on racetracks around the world, as Audi is developing a new racing car with similar mechanics for customer teams. In fact, the Audi R8 V10 features the same engine as the GT3 racecar. On the non-race roadways, the Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI proves itself going from zero to 62.14mph in 3.9 seconds. The Audi R8 V10 delivers not only in performance, but in style as well.
Equally impressive, is that Chas Murphy from Audi of America, the R8 Product Manager, was at the Concours d’ Elegance to auction off the R8 – a true treat for guests. In fact, Audi of America was so impressed with the bidding that the car provoked, they offered a second Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI quattro which also sold that evening. Also auctioned off that evening was the first of an all new 2010 Ferrari California. While the new Ferrari California has an estimated MSRP of $225,000 it was sold to a lucky bidder for $350,000. The new owner can attribute this once in a lifetime chance to bid on the Ferrari California to Stuart Hayim, owner of Ferrari-Maserati of Fort Lauderdale, who made the arrangement with Ferrari to provide the all new California for the Boys & Girls Clubs. The owner can expect a new 7-speed dual-clutch transmission which lends itself to quick, optimum shifting in either automatic or manual modes – which can be switched by a push of a button. The California does zero to 60mph in less than 4 seconds. Aside from astonishing mechanics such as a 4.3 liter V8, the California also offers comfortable seating and a stunning interior featuring fine Italian leatherwork.
The California is a direct-injection V8 convertible sports car, with a retractable, aluminum-paneled hard top. It was designed for coastal roads rather than the speed way, but when put to the test the California still earns its Ferrari title with a 454 horsepower engine that is beyond sufficient to the car’s 3,857 lb. curb weight. Designed for leisure, but built for speed – the 2010 Ferrari California sure pleased the bidders at the Boca Raton Concours d’ Elegance.
Another highlight of the evening included the Automotive Lifetime Achievement Award being presented to one of America’s automotive legends, Bobby Rahal. Rahal, known for his sterling auto racing reputation as team owner and former driver, and his success with 16 automobile dealerships, was honored for his dedication to the automobile world, relentless enthusiasm to auto racing, and his automotive business endeavors. If the sight of Bobby Rahal and the excitement behind Audi and Ferrari weren’t enough to rev guests’ engines, they also had the opportunity to bid on several other luxurious auction items such as a private dinner for four with David Letterman and Bobby Rahal, which raised $100,000. In addition there was a Roger Penske Race Package which included dinner with Roger Penske, his family and drivers of the Penske Team at the 2009 Indianapolis 500. Guests also bid on a chance for eight people to travel with Drag Racing team owner Roger Burgess on his Legacy 600 jet to the 10th Annual Summit Racing.com NHRA Nationals at Las Vegas Motor Speedway for the weekend.
The Boca Raton Concours d’ Elegance festivities began Friday, February 20th with the duPont Registry Live! welcome reception at Boca Raton Airport Hangar, where guests viewed a fine selection of exotic and classic airplanes, boats, motorcycles and automobiles. The gala followed on Saturday, February 21st presented by Rothstein Rosenfeldt Adler, Attorneys at Law (RRA), one of the fastest growing law firms in the country, with more than 60 attorneys and 22 practice groups, which also featured a live performance by Howie Mandel.
The Concours d’ Elegance Automobile and Motorcycle exhibition took place on Sunday, February 22nd. Car enthusiasts from around the world experienced an automobile exposition that spanned all eras. An expert panel of judges selected the finest vintage, antique, classic and exotic automobiles based on period, presentation and cleanliness. The Boca Raton Concours d’ Elegance also featured antique motorcycles and vendors tents including the J.R. Dunn Jewelers display.
Boca Raton’s Concours d’ Elegance brings together car enthusiasts from around the world to experience an automobile exposition that spans all eras.  In the years to come, the Boca Raton Concours d’ Elegance will take its rightful place along with Pebble Beach, Amelia Island and Meadow Brook as one of the top four Concours’ in the country.  For more information on the Boca Raton Concours d’ Elegance please visit www.bocaratonconcours.com.

What can we say other than… we can’t wait.

With 525 hp and a 0-60 time is 3.9 seconds… we’re sure you’ll enjoy this little clip of the new V10-powered R8 on the race track. We’re not sure where the video was shot but it does kind of look like Ascari.