Audi R8 sold out "for months"

The Audi R8 has supercar looks and red-hot demand, so if you want to own the stunning German two-seater, you'd best get to the back of the line. Buyers of the mid-engine Audi have picked up every model that will be made for months, which tells us what we already knew: the R8 is a legitimate smash hit. Oddly, Audi isn't specifying how many R8s it has sold since the vehicle's introduction, and it's likely the German automaker won't go out of its way to ramp up production and risk ruining the all-wheel-drive supercar's buzz-factor. It's no surprise that the R8 is so successful on the sales floor, but the downside is that the vehicle's sustained popularity is keeping higher performance editions off the market. If a 420-hp 4.2L powerplant can take you to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, just imagine what a 580-hp twin-turbo V10 will do on dry pavement.

EV race day at Tsukuba circuit in Japan

Today is Children's Day in Japan and that means it's also the day of the annual electric vehicle (EV) races at Tsukuba circuit. Sponsered by the Japan EV club with coordination from Daihatsu Motor Co. (maker of really cool little cars we can't buy in America), the event will feature 30-minute endurance races and 20-lap sprint races with EVs of all stripes including slick open-wheeled racers (like the one pictured above from last year's event). The ever popular electric racing kart (ERK) gymkhana will also be featured. The day begins with at 7 AM with a vehicle inspection and will end after the "commendation ceremony" at three in the afternoon and admission is free. Happy Children's Day!

Inside Line pits Challenger against Challenger in Vanishing Point-inspired road trip

Seems like you can't revive a modern day muscle car these days without having a classic movie tie-in. The Ford Mustang has got Steve McQueen's classic Bullitt, and the Dodge Challenger has got Vanishing Point. In fact, we've already seen one Vanishing Point-inspired Challenger meet its maker on Turn 2 at Road America. Inside Line recently had its first turn behind the wheel of a 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 and also decided to pay its respects to Kowalski's opus. They took the brand new Challenger on a little road trip following the fateful path of Kowalski in the movie from Denver, Colorado to San Francisco, California. Just for kicks, they brought along a vintage 1970 Dodge Challenger that's a near perfect copy of the one used in Vanishing Point. The classic iron was, however, packing a slightly modified motor putting out 607 horsepower, but details, details... The article is definitely worth a read if only to vicariously absorb what it feels like to go 170 mph in a new Challenger, and the Inside Line team was also kind enough to supply us with a few of their spare high-res images for an Autoblog exclusive gallery below.

Artega GT production beginning this summer, convertible version planned

Artega's parent company, Paragon, is getting ready for its assault on the Porsche Cayman this summer, when it finally begins production of the Artega GT. The seductively small coupe will be built in an all-new factory in Westphalian, and Paragon expects two vehicles per day to roll off the assembly line, with a plan that would produce 20 cars per week within two years. The automaker is in the process of setting up a dealer network in the UK, and along with a right-hand-drive model, it intends to offer a convertible version in the future. The Artega GT, originally show in concept form at the Geneva Motor Show in 2007 and followed by the production version earlier this year, is powered by a VW-sourced, 3.6-liter V6, mounted amidships and sending 300 hp to a six-speed, twin-clutch gearbox. Penned by Henrik Fisker, the GT will tip the scales at around 2,400 pounds, thanks to an aluminum spaceframe and carbon fiber body panels. Unfortunately, there's still no word on whether it's coming to the U.S. We wouldn't hold our breath.

CARS, CARS, AND MORE CARS!

Located on the beautiful and rugged North Coast of California, Fortuna is the jewel in the Eel River Valley, and the Redwood AutoXpo is Fortuna's biggest and most well-attended event of the season, a car show fueled by vintage rock 'n' roll, pink poodle skirts, white bobby socks, sunglasses and cool cars that are hot!

Join us for three days of free admission, with cars, cars, and more cars! Experience this great family event and enjoy the Cruise, the Swap Meet, the Arts & Crafts Exhibitors. Check out the Judged Car Show, the Antique Show and the Antique Farm Equipment. The Poker Run! Tractor Pulls! Burnout Contest! Sock Hop! Step right up, folks, for the biggest, baddest, most colorful and chromiest event in Fortuna!

Free Rapid Transit around Fortuna. Food and Refreshments and More! Free Admission to all Events except the Sock Hop.