Had ecurie25's R8 - and it more than lives up to the hype!!!
Discussion
Oh yes. This weekend I had this:
And let me say one thing before I ramble on and on
- its as good as everyone says. No, actually its better...
Lets start with the looks, quite a bone of contention on this forum. Personally i've always loved the looks of the R8, and for me it looks much better in the metal. Low, squat, purposeful, modern. Everything a modern sports car should be. The design details are exquisite, from the fuel cap and the lights, to the engine bay and little OOOO Made in Germany on the brake discs...
So, I was impressed with the way the car looked, then I climbed inside....
Wow. Audi really do have it sorted when it comes to interiors. The R8 interior is amazing, a truly great place to just sit in, let alone drive in. Everything is ergonomically perfect - controls in just the right place, dials clear, satnav intuitive, just brilliant. I could happily spend a day in that interior, its awesome.
Then, or course, you start the engine, and you get a taste of that wonderful V8. Its actually a little more muted than I would like, but still a nice V8 burble. Now we come to the only downside for me about this particular R8. Its the R-Tronic thingumy. Its not actually that bad to be fair, but I would have just preferred a manual. Unfortunately the majority of ecurie25's cars are paddle shifters (including their Vantage Roadster, grrr) because most people prefer them. I do like them, but would still prefer a manual shifter most of the time.
The gearbox in this one though, is definitely the best of its type. Its basically the E-Gear system from Lambo, but remapped for the R8. Its the only paddle shifter i've driven which can handle a full-bore change. The F430, Gallardo etc, all give you whiplash if you try it, but not the R8. Its still smooth as anything.
The handling is sublime as well. I'd actually say its one of the best handling cars i've driven.
There certainly isn't a more perfectly balanced car in my experience - tickling the throttle mid corner, settling the car, then flooring it, its all amazingly smooth and safe. Thats not to say it isn't fun, it can hoon with the best of them. I had it sliding sideways round a wet roundabout with no problems, just drifting sweetly with no intervention by any stupid nanny electronics (you can turn them off...).
This car literally has it all for me (were it to have a manual box, obviously). Its definitely more than a match for the 911 S in my book. I'd take the Audi every time. It takes everything the 911 does, and raises it a notch. Apart from having rear seats, obviously, but that doesn't bother me...
I could ramble on about it for ages, but most people have probably given up by now anyway!!
So here are some more photos, starting with its least flattering angle:
Give them a few years, and at £35k these will be a serious performance bargain....
And let me say one thing before I ramble on and on
- its as good as everyone says. No, actually its better...Lets start with the looks, quite a bone of contention on this forum. Personally i've always loved the looks of the R8, and for me it looks much better in the metal. Low, squat, purposeful, modern. Everything a modern sports car should be. The design details are exquisite, from the fuel cap and the lights, to the engine bay and little OOOO Made in Germany on the brake discs...
So, I was impressed with the way the car looked, then I climbed inside....
Wow. Audi really do have it sorted when it comes to interiors. The R8 interior is amazing, a truly great place to just sit in, let alone drive in. Everything is ergonomically perfect - controls in just the right place, dials clear, satnav intuitive, just brilliant. I could happily spend a day in that interior, its awesome.
Then, or course, you start the engine, and you get a taste of that wonderful V8. Its actually a little more muted than I would like, but still a nice V8 burble. Now we come to the only downside for me about this particular R8. Its the R-Tronic thingumy. Its not actually that bad to be fair, but I would have just preferred a manual. Unfortunately the majority of ecurie25's cars are paddle shifters (including their Vantage Roadster, grrr) because most people prefer them. I do like them, but would still prefer a manual shifter most of the time.
The gearbox in this one though, is definitely the best of its type. Its basically the E-Gear system from Lambo, but remapped for the R8. Its the only paddle shifter i've driven which can handle a full-bore change. The F430, Gallardo etc, all give you whiplash if you try it, but not the R8. Its still smooth as anything.
The handling is sublime as well. I'd actually say its one of the best handling cars i've driven.
There certainly isn't a more perfectly balanced car in my experience - tickling the throttle mid corner, settling the car, then flooring it, its all amazingly smooth and safe. Thats not to say it isn't fun, it can hoon with the best of them. I had it sliding sideways round a wet roundabout with no problems, just drifting sweetly with no intervention by any stupid nanny electronics (you can turn them off...).
This car literally has it all for me (were it to have a manual box, obviously). Its definitely more than a match for the 911 S in my book. I'd take the Audi every time. It takes everything the 911 does, and raises it a notch. Apart from having rear seats, obviously, but that doesn't bother me...
I could ramble on about it for ages, but most people have probably given up by now anyway!!
So here are some more photos, starting with its least flattering angle:
Give them a few years, and at £35k these will be a serious performance bargain....
Beefmeister said:
As for the rest, it looks good from the front, I'm still not taken by the "2 cars joined together look" from the side and I don't overly like the Slatted rear either.
Other than that I'd love a go in one!
Phil
Boys and girls I have reserved my build slot for one i was so impressed.(V10)
Sorry slate me if you must but i couldnt hold it in any longer. It's my first ubercar.
Sadly only drove the R Tronic very briefly and have to say i think i will be going for manual. the bonus of that being it will save me about 5g which i can spend on other stuff. Popped by the dealer today to ask a couple questions and was told a couple of customers had already taken their cars to audi and had the blades taken off and painted same colour as the car.
One question for you guys though is what colour. I have seen picks of it in white with black/carbon blades and i think it looks the best but am unsure as the black looks seriously aggresive.
Ps thanks for the tip off about the footwell intrusion must investigate.
Sorry slate me if you must but i couldnt hold it in any longer. It's my first ubercar.
Sadly only drove the R Tronic very briefly and have to say i think i will be going for manual. the bonus of that being it will save me about 5g which i can spend on other stuff. Popped by the dealer today to ask a couple questions and was told a couple of customers had already taken their cars to audi and had the blades taken off and painted same colour as the car.
One question for you guys though is what colour. I have seen picks of it in white with black/carbon blades and i think it looks the best but am unsure as the black looks seriously aggresive.
Ps thanks for the tip off about the footwell intrusion must investigate.
Boys and girls I have reserved my build slot for one i was so impressed.(V10)
Sorry slate me if you must but i couldnt hold it in any longer. It's my first ubercar.
Sadly only drove the R Tronic very briefly and have to say i think i will be going for manual. the bonus of that being it will save me about 5g which i can spend on other stuff. Popped by the dealer today to ask a couple questions and was told a couple of customers had already taken their cars to audi and had the blades taken off and painted same colour as the car.
One question for you guys though is what colour. I have seen picks of it in white with black/carbon blades and i think it looks the best but am unsure as the black looks seriously aggresive.
Ps thanks for the tip off about the footwell intrusion must investigate.
Sorry slate me if you must but i couldnt hold it in any longer. It's my first ubercar.
Sadly only drove the R Tronic very briefly and have to say i think i will be going for manual. the bonus of that being it will save me about 5g which i can spend on other stuff. Popped by the dealer today to ask a couple questions and was told a couple of customers had already taken their cars to audi and had the blades taken off and painted same colour as the car.
One question for you guys though is what colour. I have seen picks of it in white with black/carbon blades and i think it looks the best but am unsure as the black looks seriously aggresive.
Ps thanks for the tip off about the footwell intrusion must investigate.
Hmmm, bear in mind when looking at that photo that the brake pedal on the R-tronic is about 4 inches wide!! Its huge, so i'm sure there's more than enough room for the clutch as well. The accelerator is in the perfect place, so it should be fine.
As for your choice jimmyb, i think dark grey (like the e25 car), with the carbon sideblade, and mustang brown leather would be my perfect combo.
After that it'd be white, carbon sideblade and dark red interior...
As for your choice jimmyb, i think dark grey (like the e25 car), with the carbon sideblade, and mustang brown leather would be my perfect combo.
After that it'd be white, carbon sideblade and dark red interior...
I got the chance to have a good look at one a month or so ago, it changed my opinion for the better, but i'm still not convinced.
This panel
Looks hideous. Although, in real life it is definitely better looking than in pics, the proportions never look right on a screen.
The blade - needs to be a subtle colour, as opposed to the high contrast of white/carbon etc that some buyers have gone for. I dont think this does anything for the looks of the car. It is definitley best in a sublte combo like this one.
Of course, having never driven one, my opinions are purely based on design and aesthetics. Im just not convinced by it all, although it has to be said i'm not a fan of most Audi's. Its a bit too Futuristic/sleek for me.
Great pics though!
This panel
Looks hideous. Although, in real life it is definitely better looking than in pics, the proportions never look right on a screen.
The blade - needs to be a subtle colour, as opposed to the high contrast of white/carbon etc that some buyers have gone for. I dont think this does anything for the looks of the car. It is definitley best in a sublte combo like this one.
Of course, having never driven one, my opinions are purely based on design and aesthetics. Im just not convinced by it all, although it has to be said i'm not a fan of most Audi's. Its a bit too Futuristic/sleek for me.
Great pics though!
Mannginger said:
Beefmeister said:
As for the rest, it looks good from the front, I'm still not taken by the "2 cars joined together look" from the side and I don't overly like the Slatted rear either.
Other than that I'd love a go in one!
Phil
Black is the meanest looking colour combo, but would be a bitch to keep clean, especially with all those slats everywhere!
The grey looks a bit boring in those photos, but it's probably good for resale and not showing dirt though. Maybe it's the background, I think grey always looks a bit out of place in a rural type setting, it looks much better in an urban environment on an overcast day (i.e typical British weather
).
BTW how does the car feel compared to the Gallardo?
The grey looks a bit boring in those photos, but it's probably good for resale and not showing dirt though. Maybe it's the background, I think grey always looks a bit out of place in a rural type setting, it looks much better in an urban environment on an overcast day (i.e typical British weather
). BTW how does the car feel compared to the Gallardo?
10 Pence Short said:
coog said:
Is it just me, or does that interior look incredibly bland and generic.
I was thinking the same. I'd expect the photos don't do the materials justice, as it looks from those as if Audi shotgunned random plastics through the window.One thing that is very trick is the reverse system they've got, not essential but brilliant all the same, as is the little R8 logo in the headlights.
The car certainly doesn't lend itself to photographs particularly well, even still having had a good poke around one I wasn't taken by them at all. Just felt a little sterile and souless to me.
I'm sure they're great to drive though
Beefie,
I hear you on the drivability of the R8 and cannot comment there given that i have never driven one....
But looks wise this is such a marmite car, i just cannot bring myself to like the looks of it at all ... from any angle, to my eyes it is Fugly ... and yes i have seen it for real too!!
Funny old world isn't it
As ever, great write-up though ... are E25 going to give you a discount on next year's membership for all the advertising you keep giving them
I hear you on the drivability of the R8 and cannot comment there given that i have never driven one....
But looks wise this is such a marmite car, i just cannot bring myself to like the looks of it at all ... from any angle, to my eyes it is Fugly ... and yes i have seen it for real too!!
Funny old world isn't it
As ever, great write-up though ... are E25 going to give you a discount on next year's membership for all the advertising you keep giving them
Thanks Beefmeister for another great review... always look forward to these.
As I commented on another thread, I saw one the other day on the road and it's much more coherent in daylight - that side panel looks less like an afterthought and more of a bold statement... and basically it's gorgeous.
Seeing as I work in the City it probably won't be long until I see a few more, can't wait to hear those engines...
As I commented on another thread, I saw one the other day on the road and it's much more coherent in daylight - that side panel looks less like an afterthought and more of a bold statement... and basically it's gorgeous.
Seeing as I work in the City it probably won't be long until I see a few more, can't wait to hear those engines...
Beefmeister: I have nothing but respect for your reports and always read them with interest.
However, it appears you have lost the plot on this one a little.
Read your gushing report on the interior again.
Now take another look at it.
It is a very ordinary Audi interior. At best average but arguably bland. I would just about be content to see that in an s4.
Theres nothing actually wrong with it, but to gush about it is a little OTT don't you think?
However, it appears you have lost the plot on this one a little.
Read your gushing report on the interior again.
Now take another look at it.
It is a very ordinary Audi interior. At best average but arguably bland. I would just about be content to see that in an s4.
Theres nothing actually wrong with it, but to gush about it is a little OTT don't you think?
great write up beefmeister, I did one myself on a Dutch car forum by a dealer in hengelo, a very nice interior almost all alcantara which gave the car a real coming home feeling, and i thought...ships...I want one that interior was really amazing, sadly no pictures of that but the car was amazing, the foot-well and pedals in LHD is good! so buy a LHD anyway it needs a bit more power minimum 460hp to make it more a killer or going a bit faster through the gears...so a SC or the V10 would be very very interesting, and euh don;'t order on in red! on the Nurburgring there was a red car but then the lines work wrong! here my Dutch link, ow and beefmeister, nice picture's specially those from the rear
GTRene
http://www.driving-fun.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5...
that interior was really amazing, sadly no pictures of that but the car was amazing, the foot-well and pedals in LHD is good! so buy a LHD anyway it needs a bit more power minimum 460hp to make it more a killer or going a bit faster through the gears...so a SC or the V10 would be very very interesting, and euh don;'t order on in red! on the Nurburgring there was a red car but then the lines work wrong! here my Dutch link, ow and beefmeister, nice picture's specially those from the rearGTRene
http://www.driving-fun.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5...
blindswelledrat said:
Beefmeister: I have nothing but respect for your reports and always read them with interest.
However, it appears you have lost the plot on this one a little.
Read your gushing report on the interior again.
Now take another look at it.
It is a very ordinary Audi interior. At best average but arguably bland. I would just about be content to see that in an s4.
Theres nothing actually wrong with it, but to gush about it is a little OTT don't you think?
Completely agree. Acres of high quality but bland, grey plastic. Very Audi, high production values etc. etc. but no 'event' to sit in. Same with engine bay - what a missed opportunity. Can't help comparing with my current car - F430 - yes I know there's a price difference but the bit people always stare at is the Fezza's engine bay which is a work of art. Wouldn't have cost anymore for Audi to be more creative with both the interior and engine bay IMO. Also drives like an Audi - very good, fast and hugely competent but no soul. IMO the 'sensible' choice - but I'd want more than just 'very good' for my money I'm afraid.However, it appears you have lost the plot on this one a little.
Read your gushing report on the interior again.
Now take another look at it.
It is a very ordinary Audi interior. At best average but arguably bland. I would just about be content to see that in an s4.
Theres nothing actually wrong with it, but to gush about it is a little OTT don't you think?
Enjoy the write ups all the same Mr B - and hey it's all personal taste, no one's 'right' or 'wrong'.
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