RE: Driven: Audi R8 V10 S-Tronic

[CooperS]

anything fast said:

Nors said:

anything fast said:

If a mate rocked up in one and said fancy a drive I would not be fussed either way.

Kind of contradicts your username?

fair play! but i think most people buy one for the looks, badge and image.

its a brilliant car no doubt but I just dont want one in the way I would lust after a Lambo or hot 911.

I'd imagine most buy it for its looks and that it wont cost them the earth to run compared to a F430 or Lambo

[Dagnut]

CooperS said:

I'd imagine most buy it for its looks and that it wont cost them the earth to run compared to a F430 or Lambo

Exactly, this does NOT compete with 458's and Gallardos....they are both up to 50% dearer...this is more of a 911 or Vantage...I'm not really a fan of it myself but it occupies a different market space than the 458, against the 911 and Vantage it matches up really well.

[glazbagun]

I've loved the R8 since I first read about it, back when it won ECOTY. Such a shame I'll almost certainly never afford one.

[James1972]

Great historic fan of Audi's but the current image does nothing for me. But when I see an R8 I double take and think wow now theres a good looking capable fast motor - good choice sir / madam - WANT ! -probably more than the 911.

When I see an A4 TDI S Line on 19"s I think Tr if you liked driving you would have bought the mondeo / 3 series or the superb to have a better riding machine with more equipment for the same price.

[va1o]

James1972 said:

When I see an A4 TDI S Line on 19"s I think Tr if you liked driving you would have bought the mondeo / 3 series or the superb to have a better riding machine with more equipment for the same price.

Its not that simple though, there are many things the A4 does better than mainstream rivals. All models tend to have better residuals, emissions and fuel efficiency plus you also have the options of a 'big' 6-cylinder diesel, Quattro and luxury car equipment (at a price).

[James1972]

va1o said:

Its not that simple though, there are many things the A4 does better than mainstream rivals. All models tend to have better residuals, emissions and fuel efficiency plus you also have the options of a 'big' 6-cylinder diesel, Quattro and luxury car equipment (at a price).

Thinking of the 2.0 ones more than anything -I agree that the perceived value of the Audi badge does a great job at keeping the residuals etc. up but also the costs of buying into it. My point was really that the base car under the gloss often dosn't drive as well for the price as the competition. Not bad cars at all but as dynamic and sporty as the image would suggest? no

[Maldini35]

James1972 said:

va1o said:

Its not that simple though, there are many things the A4 does better than mainstream rivals. All models tend to have better residuals, emissions and fuel efficiency plus you also have the options of a 'big' 6-cylinder diesel, Quattro and luxury car equipment (at a price).

Thinking of the 2.0 ones more than anything -I agree that the perceived value of the Audi badge does a great job at keeping the residuals etc. up but also the costs of buying into it. My point was really that the base car under the gloss often dosn't drive as well for the price as the competition. Not bad cars at all but as dynamic and sporty as the image would suggest? no

Agreed, but the point made was that cars are often bought for reasons other than driving dynamics. If the halo models create a sporty image which makes non enthusiasts driving standard models feel happier inside then where's the harm?

But to return to your original slightly bizarre comment, I certainly don't drive by Mondeo drivers and think "wow you're definitely not a cock - you're clearly a savvy man for buying a car of equivalent price to the an Audi (all be it with a slightly naff interior and lower residuals in the case of the Mondeo or Superb) but better driving dynamics"
Life's too short.

Edited by Maldini35 on Wednesday 20th February 21:06

[J4CKO]

I drove an R8 on a Supercar Experience last Friday and loved it, was the V8 which isnt epically fast, it needs winding up, in fact it is a bit flat low down, enought I suspect to get some diesel repmobile owners thinking they have a chance, once singing its pretty quick, lovely engine and a lovely cabin, the handing is a lot more exploitable and playful than anticipated, I got it sideways a couple of times, far from inert and nannied as I had kind of expected.

The Audi made the Ferrari 360 I also drove feel a bit of a nervous, rattly old thing, driven a couple now and though the wail is intoxicating it understeers a bit but you are under no illusion it is going to spit you off if you take liberties, you can feel the engine moving around behind you, I dont think it is a car I would be happy with trying to exploit on the road, think it is a car for more talented drivers than I.

The R8 is a lovely package, I wanted to dislike it but really can see the point.