Hooning a R8 on UK "B" roads
Discussion
Dr G said:
They are indeed a tiny bit too wide and a tiny bit too low for narrow, poorly sighted roads but when the road opens out even a tiny bit they're fantastic fun. The V8 is a lovely engine to put through its paces and the way its character changes as revs rise and fall is very addictive.
They're firm but quite compliant and feel very planted, the suspension only ever seems to run out of ideas on really big, harsh bumps. The normal jittery stuff and cracks don't worry it. I've driven them with and without mag ride, both flow well down a country lane but the mag ride car feels slightly better isolated from vibration and harsh road surfaces. Steering is direct and well weighted, placing the car is easy. I don't like the Pirellis a lot came on but the Michelin equivalent is excellent.
The manual box is initially tricky to finesse but incredibly rewarding once you've nailed it; for a big engine there's less inertia than you might expect so it's easy to over-rev when matching for down changes. Going down to second the gate needs less effort than you might expect as well. After a few miles in them though you'll find yourself running up and down the box just for the hell of it. R-Tronic is nowhere near as bad as internet BS would have you believe, it's crap for manoeuvring and tight spaces but on the move is actually pretty good fun. It isn't a conventional auto and needs to be driven more like a manual to get the best from it.
Compared to a 996 turbo the performance isn't as easy but it is very rewarding and engaging. You give up nothing in usability either. Plenty of people use R8s daily.
Thanks for all your replies, I'm now leaning towards the V10 manual .....They're firm but quite compliant and feel very planted, the suspension only ever seems to run out of ideas on really big, harsh bumps. The normal jittery stuff and cracks don't worry it. I've driven them with and without mag ride, both flow well down a country lane but the mag ride car feels slightly better isolated from vibration and harsh road surfaces. Steering is direct and well weighted, placing the car is easy. I don't like the Pirellis a lot came on but the Michelin equivalent is excellent.
The manual box is initially tricky to finesse but incredibly rewarding once you've nailed it; for a big engine there's less inertia than you might expect so it's easy to over-rev when matching for down changes. Going down to second the gate needs less effort than you might expect as well. After a few miles in them though you'll find yourself running up and down the box just for the hell of it. R-Tronic is nowhere near as bad as internet BS would have you believe, it's crap for manoeuvring and tight spaces but on the move is actually pretty good fun. It isn't a conventional auto and needs to be driven more like a manual to get the best from it.
Compared to a 996 turbo the performance isn't as easy but it is very rewarding and engaging. You give up nothing in usability either. Plenty of people use R8s daily.
Turbofun said:
Dr G said:
They are indeed a tiny bit too wide and a tiny bit too low for narrow, poorly sighted roads but when the road opens out even a tiny bit they're fantastic fun. The V8 is a lovely engine to put through its paces and the way its character changes as revs rise and fall is very addictive.
They're firm but quite compliant and feel very planted, the suspension only ever seems to run out of ideas on really big, harsh bumps. The normal jittery stuff and cracks don't worry it. I've driven them with and without mag ride, both flow well down a country lane but the mag ride car feels slightly better isolated from vibration and harsh road surfaces. Steering is direct and well weighted, placing the car is easy. I don't like the Pirellis a lot came on but the Michelin equivalent is excellent.
The manual box is initially tricky to finesse but incredibly rewarding once you've nailed it; for a big engine there's less inertia than you might expect so it's easy to over-rev when matching for down changes. Going down to second the gate needs less effort than you might expect as well. After a few miles in them though you'll find yourself running up and down the box just for the hell of it. R-Tronic is nowhere near as bad as internet BS would have you believe, it's crap for manoeuvring and tight spaces but on the move is actually pretty good fun. It isn't a conventional auto and needs to be driven more like a manual to get the best from it.
Compared to a 996 turbo the performance isn't as easy but it is very rewarding and engaging. You give up nothing in usability either. Plenty of people use R8s daily.
Thanks for all your replies, I'm now leaning towards the V10 manual .....They're firm but quite compliant and feel very planted, the suspension only ever seems to run out of ideas on really big, harsh bumps. The normal jittery stuff and cracks don't worry it. I've driven them with and without mag ride, both flow well down a country lane but the mag ride car feels slightly better isolated from vibration and harsh road surfaces. Steering is direct and well weighted, placing the car is easy. I don't like the Pirellis a lot came on but the Michelin equivalent is excellent.
The manual box is initially tricky to finesse but incredibly rewarding once you've nailed it; for a big engine there's less inertia than you might expect so it's easy to over-rev when matching for down changes. Going down to second the gate needs less effort than you might expect as well. After a few miles in them though you'll find yourself running up and down the box just for the hell of it. R-Tronic is nowhere near as bad as internet BS would have you believe, it's crap for manoeuvring and tight spaces but on the move is actually pretty good fun. It isn't a conventional auto and needs to be driven more like a manual to get the best from it.
Compared to a 996 turbo the performance isn't as easy but it is very rewarding and engaging. You give up nothing in usability either. Plenty of people use R8s daily.
I picked up a Red V10 Manual on Saturday and then crawled around the M25 home. Sunday took it for a good local drive and found the car is intoxicating. The drive-ability is great and pleasantly very different form the Turbo which after driving them for 8 years its a great change.
I dont feel it as a big car at all... seems to wrap its self around you, the ride is very compliant on "normal" which is great around the locals road.
Then there's the engine which sounds amazing, revs very easily and the clunk-click of the gear box just all adds up to a wonderful experience.
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