RE: Facelifted Audi R8 - details
Discussion
Don't normally join these endless debates but having put some serious w/e miles in in a gallardo and an F430 and owned an R8 for 15000 miles I cannot believe anyone could seriously rate the Italians as useable cars. They are toys folks and after the whoopee whoopee first half an hour you just wonder why after all these years they cannot get the driving position / seating / gearchange / balance between the various controls right so they can be driven to the extent their engines make possible. After 2hrs in a car like this the shine wears off. Suspect you Italian buyers are in the end just trying to justify a purchase that didn't quite live up to expectation, human nature I guess and probably why so many of these cars have such laughably low mileage
I don't get the Italian thing either, just too fragile for me. I drove to the ring in my 996 turbo and r8 aprox 10 times, faultless. A mate of mine tried to come in his gallardo, twice, and broke down twice, once in germany and once in holland. Flaming thing had 13k on the clock, my turbo? 70k!!! I like to use my toys for what they are built for, you just can't do that in anything Italian. Happy to be proved wrong.
VonSenger said:
I don't get the Italian thing either, just too fragile for me. I drove to the ring in my 996 turbo and r8 aprox 10 times, faultless. A mate of mine tried to come in his gallardo, twice, and broke down twice, once in germany and once in holland. Flaming thing had 13k on the clock, my turbo? 70k!!! I like to use my toys for what they are built for, you just can't do that in anything Italian. Happy to be proved wrong.
Same engine? Why the big difference in reliability? Nice to see that there are others who appreciate that this car is useable in the real world; school/work run or ring, it gets you there (and back), unlike some of the Italian options. Good point you make MallettP...!
Also agree with VonSenger, once you have got to grips with it, it does feel like it could handle more speed, but still fun up to the point it runs out of puff, particularly the predictable handling and immense grip. As someone else mentioned, I don't enjoy driving hard while sweating over which ditch has my name on it..
Equally pleased that facelift is minimal as it doesn't affect current owners as badly.
Nice to see an upgrade to the R Tronic though. Definitely needed.
Also agree with VonSenger, once you have got to grips with it, it does feel like it could handle more speed, but still fun up to the point it runs out of puff, particularly the predictable handling and immense grip. As someone else mentioned, I don't enjoy driving hard while sweating over which ditch has my name on it..
Equally pleased that facelift is minimal as it doesn't affect current owners as badly.
Nice to see an upgrade to the R Tronic though. Definitely needed.
I'm not that bothered about the R8, in general Audi's "fast" options do little for me, and the R8 is no exception. It's good at what it does, but it's not a spine-tingler like some other supercars, or even some 911s to me.
I don't like the round exhaust tips though, they look totally at odds with the rest of the design. Very Japanese, where nothing else on the car is.
I don't like the round exhaust tips though, they look totally at odds with the rest of the design. Very Japanese, where nothing else on the car is.
Mullah said:
Same engine? Why the big difference in reliability?
You know, Im not sure. But it was an absolute dog, endless problems. The second time it conked out in holland, it was the auxillery drive belt, completely tore it to shreds and it was less than 6 months old. Time before that, valve rattle, sounded like it had pebbles in the sump and not oil.On another occasion, I went on a hoon to Bedford with a few 911 turbos and one f430. Needless to say the 430 started running on 7 cylinders half way through the "spirited" hoon! That would just get on my t1ts! Id love a scuderia and contemplated one on many occasions, but I just couldnt cope with not being able to drive the car properly on a regular basis. In terms of real world use, im not that fussed, fezza's and lambos etc are not really intended for that, they are a toy, but for crying out loud you'd want to use your toy properly.
abbotsmike said:
Pistonheads must be the only place where a coupe with 500+bhp and 4WD can be called dull. I've been a passenger in an RS4, and if the R8 is apparently like that, but 'more' then I can't see the problem with it!
Then again, I don't see how going round a corner wondering if the car is going to spit you off the road for fun is 'exciting' I find going fast in a controlled, predictable way fun, not clenching wondering what's coming next!
Agree with every word, this about sums up the Thread!Then again, I don't see how going round a corner wondering if the car is going to spit you off the road for fun is 'exciting' I find going fast in a controlled, predictable way fun, not clenching wondering what's coming next!
Some of the terms used like, Dull, Boring & Ugly escape me. If it's not your cup of tea, fair enough, but these statements just sound crazy, coming from so called petrolheads.
Ijust cant seem to get excited by it.
VAG have about 1,000 models, for maybe 100 different types of cars, it seems. By all means try and hit different niches, but they have gone overboard.
In any case, this car "looks" like a jumped up TTRS, and I dont really give it a second look.
As for the various models, why would you buy the big banger, when you could get the entry car, put a free flowing exhaust and twin turbo on it, and belt the big brother every which way from sunday?
As for the fragility of other cars, I wonder how much of these comments are R8 owners self-justifying? There is a 355 owner in Melbourne who twin turbod his car, with no changes to the internals, and the car has been running strong down the dragstrip for years. Have a search on Ferrari-chat if you want to know more.
At this price point, there are a host of pretty amazing cars to choose from. I think its laughable that they were charging big money for a car that had a gearbox which would change at odd, uncalled for, and undesirable times.
As to saloon car versus sports car versus supercar, who really cares? At this money, owners will probably have multiple cars to fulfill these roles.
I'd still rather a GTR though. Quicker, far less money, and better carrying capacity, not to mention an aftermarket thats bursting with possibilities, at REALISTIC prices. Try adding a few options from VAG, and see how much they cost you.
VAG have about 1,000 models, for maybe 100 different types of cars, it seems. By all means try and hit different niches, but they have gone overboard.
In any case, this car "looks" like a jumped up TTRS, and I dont really give it a second look.
As for the various models, why would you buy the big banger, when you could get the entry car, put a free flowing exhaust and twin turbo on it, and belt the big brother every which way from sunday?
As for the fragility of other cars, I wonder how much of these comments are R8 owners self-justifying? There is a 355 owner in Melbourne who twin turbod his car, with no changes to the internals, and the car has been running strong down the dragstrip for years. Have a search on Ferrari-chat if you want to know more.
At this price point, there are a host of pretty amazing cars to choose from. I think its laughable that they were charging big money for a car that had a gearbox which would change at odd, uncalled for, and undesirable times.
As to saloon car versus sports car versus supercar, who really cares? At this money, owners will probably have multiple cars to fulfill these roles.
I'd still rather a GTR though. Quicker, far less money, and better carrying capacity, not to mention an aftermarket thats bursting with possibilities, at REALISTIC prices. Try adding a few options from VAG, and see how much they cost you.
V8ALV said:
No ones knowledge can go beyond their experience.
I own an R8 V8 Spyder manual and for last week it's been in dock having the roof skin replaced due to some annoying permanent creases. My dealer organised and R8 V8 Coupe R Tronic loaner which I have been driving for the past week.
In the real world this is an absolutely awesome car in either configuration, however, my preference is for the manual as you get the chance to choose the gear more accurately and blip when you feel like it. Agreed the R Tronic is clunky if you get it wrong and it has a mind of it's own in auto, but it's still leagues ahead of the Vantage S. I tried the V12 manual as well and while it looks and sounds gorgeous you could never make use of the power in the way you can with the four wheel drive in the go-kart like R8.
All this c***p about it being a saloon car and not a supercar is ridiculous. As some have written, the real beauty of this car is a combination of the following;
It is a sexy looking car (to the majority) and gets admired wherever it goes, especially the Spyder, with people always commenting on how good it looks! I agree its better without the blades and these are not as noticeable in a Spyder anyway, particularly if this area is colour matched.
It's not dated, the overhangs may be long at the front but they clear speed humps easily. My sons Z4 3.5i hits them on our road all the time. It's not a Golf but drives as easy and it is a true Supercar - even if it falls short of the 200 mph barrier that some twerp thinks is the demarkation line.
I will do almost 10,000 miles a year in mine. Try that on your Haemorrhoids in a Ferrari. It poodles along in traffic and screams like a banshee at 8500 rpm and I have to wipe the drool off the seat when I pull up! Apart from fuel it is the most wallet friendly way to ownership of this type of car.
Why would you buy a Porsche and blend in with all the others on the road. There is no doubt they are great cars, but the Audi is different and far rarer.
Most people do not have the balls to extract anywhere near the potential that these cars offer in 99% of their driving time so the silly comparisons of BHP and VMax don't equate in daily driving. Sorry, had to get that off my chest. I think it's a true useable sexy SUPERCAR...!
Hate you ...I own an R8 V8 Spyder manual and for last week it's been in dock having the roof skin replaced due to some annoying permanent creases. My dealer organised and R8 V8 Coupe R Tronic loaner which I have been driving for the past week.
In the real world this is an absolutely awesome car in either configuration, however, my preference is for the manual as you get the chance to choose the gear more accurately and blip when you feel like it. Agreed the R Tronic is clunky if you get it wrong and it has a mind of it's own in auto, but it's still leagues ahead of the Vantage S. I tried the V12 manual as well and while it looks and sounds gorgeous you could never make use of the power in the way you can with the four wheel drive in the go-kart like R8.
All this c***p about it being a saloon car and not a supercar is ridiculous. As some have written, the real beauty of this car is a combination of the following;
It is a sexy looking car (to the majority) and gets admired wherever it goes, especially the Spyder, with people always commenting on how good it looks! I agree its better without the blades and these are not as noticeable in a Spyder anyway, particularly if this area is colour matched.
It's not dated, the overhangs may be long at the front but they clear speed humps easily. My sons Z4 3.5i hits them on our road all the time. It's not a Golf but drives as easy and it is a true Supercar - even if it falls short of the 200 mph barrier that some twerp thinks is the demarkation line.
I will do almost 10,000 miles a year in mine. Try that on your Haemorrhoids in a Ferrari. It poodles along in traffic and screams like a banshee at 8500 rpm and I have to wipe the drool off the seat when I pull up! Apart from fuel it is the most wallet friendly way to ownership of this type of car.
Why would you buy a Porsche and blend in with all the others on the road. There is no doubt they are great cars, but the Audi is different and far rarer.
Most people do not have the balls to extract anywhere near the potential that these cars offer in 99% of their driving time so the silly comparisons of BHP and VMax don't equate in daily driving. Sorry, had to get that off my chest. I think it's a true useable sexy SUPERCAR...!
I put 1000 miles on a V8 R8 sypder over the BH weekend, and what a car, bloody fantastic in every way, and the NOISE!!!
The car seams to make so many people happy, even as you drive past them
I want one so much
Nors said:
abbotsmike said:
Pistonheads must be the only place where a coupe with 500+bhp and 4WD can be called dull. I've been a passenger in an RS4, and if the R8 is apparently like that, but 'more' then I can't see the problem with it!
Then again, I don't see how going round a corner wondering if the car is going to spit you off the road for fun is 'exciting' I find going fast in a controlled, predictable way fun, not clenching wondering what's coming next!
Agree with every word, this about sums up the Thread!Then again, I don't see how going round a corner wondering if the car is going to spit you off the road for fun is 'exciting' I find going fast in a controlled, predictable way fun, not clenching wondering what's coming next!
Some of the terms used like, Dull, Boring & Ugly escape me. If it's not your cup of tea, fair enough, but these statements just sound crazy, coming from so called petrolheads.
thewheelman said:
Take a track day, try the R8 then a Gallardo & a 430. Then we'll talk.
Thats the point though, try a Gallardo or a 430 on a track day and they are great fun - and likely to make a much bigger impression than a R8.The R8's charms are longer term, using it every day just as you would a VW Polo.
On a track day I would think that something silly, noisy and Italian ( preferably painted in one of the colours from a bag of starburst) is just what you want. I may be less keen to take it home however.
In my view, most of the other cars mentioned in this thread (lambo, ferrari etc...) are second or even third cars for there owners, and for those that can afford that luxury it's fantastic.
But the R8 can be almost as much fun but can also be used as your only car and still be fantastic.
Also servicing and other costs seem to be much more reasonable than for the other supercars around. When I had my Maserati, each year it would be at least £1500 for a service, my last service for the R8 was £800.
However if I did have the money, I would buy a Mclaran MP12 like a shot.
- Pete
But the R8 can be almost as much fun but can also be used as your only car and still be fantastic.
Also servicing and other costs seem to be much more reasonable than for the other supercars around. When I had my Maserati, each year it would be at least £1500 for a service, my last service for the R8 was £800.
However if I did have the money, I would buy a Mclaran MP12 like a shot.
- Pete
As much as I thought the R8 revolutionary for Audi when it was launched, I couldn't even consider one if I was looking for a two seat sports car. I'd have a Cayman R and 535d for the same money. Failing that, on a one for one basis, there's no real comparison between an R8 and a 997.2 GT3.
Edited by CJP80 on Thursday 26th July 13:25
Edited by CJP80 on Thursday 26th July 13:25
CJP80 said:
there's no real comparison between an R8 and a 997.2 GT3.
The R8 is much, much more comfortable and less tiring for a regular drive than the 997 GT3. Which is I suppose the intention...Edited by CJP80 on Thursday 26th July 13:25
Edited by CJP80 on Thursday 26th July 13:25
Edited by toppstuff on Thursday 26th July 14:13
thewheelman said:
Nors said:
abbotsmike said:
Pistonheads must be the only place where a coupe with 500+bhp and 4WD can be called dull. I've been a passenger in an RS4, and if the R8 is apparently like that, but 'more' then I can't see the problem with it!
Then again, I don't see how going round a corner wondering if the car is going to spit you off the road for fun is 'exciting' I find going fast in a controlled, predictable way fun, not clenching wondering what's coming next!
Agree with every word, this about sums up the Thread!Then again, I don't see how going round a corner wondering if the car is going to spit you off the road for fun is 'exciting' I find going fast in a controlled, predictable way fun, not clenching wondering what's coming next!
Some of the terms used like, Dull, Boring & Ugly escape me. If it's not your cup of tea, fair enough, but these statements just sound crazy, coming from so called petrolheads.
Bottom line is no one really thinks the R8 is a bad car, it's difficult to buy an out and out bad car these days. Basically most people know that subjectively it's a very good car, but for a lot of people it just doesn't stir their emotions or desires. Simple as that. No amount of others saying it's better as a daily driver than this or that will change their mind. If I was in the market for a R8/Lambo type car I wouldn't want to drive it every day, anymore than I'd want to eat in my favourite restaurant every evening... I'd want the moments to remain special... no I'm not talking about keeping the mileage down.
The R8 to me is like Jennifer Anniston, great looking, lovely, nice... It's all there but some how just doesn't do it for me.
The R8 to me is like Jennifer Anniston, great looking, lovely, nice... It's all there but some how just doesn't do it for me.
HighwayStar said:
a R8/Lambo type car
I think this is the thing - you shouldn't put the R8 and the Lamborghini together IMO. They aren't the same type car.This is why VAG own both. Because they don't really compete.
If you don't want to drive it every day so it feels " special" then VAG will sell you a Lamborghini. If you want to drive a V8/V10 car every day and get it serviced by your local dealer down the road , drive it in all weathers, eat fish and chips in it, generally treat it as an every day car, then VAG have the R8.
Simple.
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