RE: Audi R8 'too good': Tell Me I'm Wrong
Discussion
Chainsaw Rebuild said:
I think flappy paddle gearboxes, Rev matching and similar are the problem. I want to drive the car, I don't want the car to do it for me.
Someone berated me earlier for daring to suggest the same. In my daily driver I can see the appeal of a DSG but in a supercar which is supposed to thrill? I've not yet driven a car with a DSG box that gave me anywhere near the joy, interaction and feedback of a good stick and 3 pedal setup and I've pretty much tried them all.When it can make even even a mid engined car with a 500bhp+ NA engine feel dull, something is clearly wrong.
toppstuff said:
Daniel-ezc4y said:
It should be brutal, demanding and flawed but wonderful.
Absolutely NO. You do not understand what the R8 is for. You have it all wrong.
Brutal, demanding, flawed and wonderful, is Lamborghini's job.
Daily driver your wife could drive, is Audi's job.
I'd have thought it would be more the daily driver of a man around 40 who's single and thinks he's a bit of a ladies' man. Most married couples with this sort of money available to spend would agree that one would look a bit of a wazzock turning up at a supermarket in an Audi R8. It's the sort of car that woule probably only come out at weekends anyway, unless the owner really wanted to drive it to work - or the sort of saddo who just wants to be seen in it. L
There is infact one such PHer who has a last model R8 Spider in blue who was known for "cruising" Aberdeen city centre. He was spotted casually driving down Aberdeen's Union St either 5 or 7 times in one evening by another PHer who happened to be sat in a bar or resturaunt near the window.
jamieduff1981 said:
toppstuff said:
Daniel-ezc4y said:
It should be brutal, demanding and flawed but wonderful.
Absolutely NO. You do not understand what the R8 is for. You have it all wrong.
Brutal, demanding, flawed and wonderful, is Lamborghini's job.
Daily driver your wife could drive, is Audi's job.
I'd have thought it would be more the daily driver of a man around 40 who's single and thinks he's a bit of a ladies' man. Most married couples with this sort of money available to spend would agree that one would look a bit of a wazzock turning up at a supermarket in an Audi R8. It's the sort of car that woule probably only come out at weekends anyway, unless the owner really wanted to drive it to work - or the sort of saddo who just wants to be seen in it. L
There is infact one such PHer who has a last model R8 Spider in blue who was known for "cruising" Aberdeen city centre. He was spotted casually driving down Aberdeen's Union St either 5 or 7 times in one evening by another PHer who happened to be sat in a bar or resturaunt near the window.
I had an R8 which I drove most days for a couple of years (though I work from home so no driving to work). There are no fancy women around here to try and impress, however there are probably the best roads in the UK - which is why I bought it. My hobby is buying sports cars of different marques, makes and engine sizes, one at a time, and having fun on the roads here.
As for driving to the supermarket - I have other cars for that. A daily drive doesn't mean the only daily drive.
And as stated, with the lighter (slower in a straight line) V8 manual it was an absolute delight to drive. Not a track car, bloody useless for the dogs - but probably the best manual gearbox I've ever driven (and I've been doing it for 40 years on and off track).
Never fancied the 'quicker/heavier' version and wouldn't go near the latest. It was always going to be best when it was manual and a lighter IMO. Got too heavy and fat for the roads round here at ay rate.
The original V8 must be down into the £30's k by now? If so, I'd highly recommend as a daily drive. As long as you don't have dogs.
..and who ever called it a supercar was missing the point. It never was supposed to be.
GetCarter said:
There are no fancy women around here to try and impress, however there are probably the best roads in the UK - which is why I bought it. My hobby is buying sports cars of different marques, makes and engine sizes, one at a time, and having fun on the roads here.
More actual ownership experience and genuine driving enthusiasm : you really don't fit in here. 
krismccloy said:
Just like all fast Audi's within the last 10 years, Great engines, insulated driving dynamics.
Really dislike those sharp edged wheels and that jagged "Grrrrrrr, I'm an Audi" front end.
I personally think the original 2006 R8 is a much better looking car, Much nicer wheels too.
I like that, 'insulated driving dynamics'. Sums it up really, it's the way things are going tbh. Certain manufacturers can still do raw, but at serious £££££. F12 and GT3rs, someone has gone to great effort to keep the mental, GT3rs especially so. Really dislike those sharp edged wheels and that jagged "Grrrrrrr, I'm an Audi" front end.
I personally think the original 2006 R8 is a much better looking car, Much nicer wheels too.
jamieduff1981 said:
I haven't got one, so this isn't a loaded question, but does anyone actually try to use a car like the R8 this way?
Neighbour of ours commutes every day in his 997 C2.Guy who used to work for me had a VX Turbo as his daily driver.
...and there's a fair few US owners who use their NSX's as daily-drivers. I suspect they MAY be in the warmer states...
Not quite the same, but I ran a DC2 Integra as a daily for 6 years. Actually - two of them across 9 years. Arguably the R8 is an easier car to use this way than the DC2 - 4wd, stability controls, soundproofing, gearing that actually makes sense on motorways (17.8mph/1,000rpm in top :shudder:
, etc. It's just that the R8 is a little more...obvious!If you've not got a big commute, or (as Steve says) if your neighbourhood is loaded with great roads, why the f*** would you buy a diesel saloon?!? Life's too short...
havoc said:
Neighbour of ours commutes every day in his 997 C2.
Guy who used to work for me had a VX Turbo as his daily driver.
...and there's a fair few US owners who use their NSX's as daily-drivers. I suspect they MAY be in the warmer states...
Not quite the same, but I ran a DC2 Integra as a daily for 6 years. Actually - two of them across 9 years. Arguably the R8 is an easier car to use this way than the DC2 - 4wd, stability controls, soundproofing, gearing that actually makes sense on motorways (17.8mph/1,000rpm in top :shudder:, etc. It's just that the R8 is a little more...obvious!
If you've not got a big commute, or (as Steve says) if your neighbourhood is loaded with great roads, why the f*** would you buy a diesel saloon?!? Life's too short...
I have a manual V10, its my only car, and I literally use it everyday (Unless dry and bright, then a motorcycle) and have been doing so for over a year, it has never misbehaved, regularly achieves 18-21 mpg (If driven sensibly) and does not cost the earth to service once a year. Would recommend one as a DD if you don't have kids (Or they are grown up, like mine)Guy who used to work for me had a VX Turbo as his daily driver.
...and there's a fair few US owners who use their NSX's as daily-drivers. I suspect they MAY be in the warmer states...
Not quite the same, but I ran a DC2 Integra as a daily for 6 years. Actually - two of them across 9 years. Arguably the R8 is an easier car to use this way than the DC2 - 4wd, stability controls, soundproofing, gearing that actually makes sense on motorways (17.8mph/1,000rpm in top :shudder:
, etc. It's just that the R8 is a little more...obvious!If you've not got a big commute, or (as Steve says) if your neighbourhood is loaded with great roads, why the f*** would you buy a diesel saloon?!? Life's too short...
unpc said:
You're confusing beautiful with striking. I don't think many would call the R8 beautiful but it is striking. Deffo Spec Savers for you 
No confusion here, I honestly think the R8 is beautiful, one of the few cars I think that looks great from every angle. There are many great looking cars, but quite often have a certain angle where the look is challenged a little, but for me, R8's look stunning no matter where I stand. Beauty is in the eye and all that !! :-)jamieduff1981 said:
I haven't got one, so this isn't a loaded question, but does anyone actually try to use a car like the R8 this way?
I'd have thought it would be more the daily driver of a man around 40 who's single and thinks he's a bit of a ladies' man. Most married couples with this sort of money available to spend would agree that one would look a bit of a wazzock turning up at a supermarket in an Audi R8. It's the sort of car that woule probably only come out at weekends anyway, unless the owner really wanted to drive it to work - or the sort of saddo who just wants to be seen in it. L
I'd have thought it would be more the daily driver of a man around 40 who's single and thinks he's a bit of a ladies' man. Most married couples with this sort of money available to spend would agree that one would look a bit of a wazzock turning up at a supermarket in an Audi R8. It's the sort of car that woule probably only come out at weekends anyway, unless the owner really wanted to drive it to work - or the sort of saddo who just wants to be seen in it. L
Well, I'm married and my wife and I regularly turn up to the supermarket in our R8. Do we look like wazzocks? I doubt it, but I won't lose any sleep over it.
Bought it new in January, it's already got over 6k on the clock as either the wife or I use it for work everyday and it's been to on a skiing trip to Switzerland. It's a fabulous daily driver; great technology, superb build quality, comfy and refined when in Comfort mode, sharp as almost anything you'd care to mention when in any of the Performance modes.
As far as I see it, it's a more subtle Lambo with better tech, better build and arguably better dynamics...and a comparative bargain. For what I use it for, I want it to be perfect and I need it to work as flawlessly as a top-flight executive car. Apart from a (far less dramatic) 911 Turbo there's really nothing to touch it as a definitive all-rounder.
Agree with one thing in the article though; the pathetic (plastic) transmission paddles are poorly executed and in my view, the only weak link in the whole car.
Excuse for a sneaky picture I think....
Guvernator said:
Chainsaw Rebuild said:
I think flappy paddle gearboxes, Rev matching and similar are the problem. I want to drive the car, I don't want the car to do it for me.
Someone berated me earlier for daring to suggest the same. In my daily driver I can see the appeal of a DSG but in a supercar which is supposed to thrill? I've not yet driven a car with a DSG box that gave me anywhere near the joy, interaction and feedback of a good stick and 3 pedal setup and I've pretty much tried them all.When it can make even even a mid engined car with a 500bhp+ NA engine feel dull, something is clearly wrong.
havoc said:
jamieduff1981 said:
I haven't got one, so this isn't a loaded question, but does anyone actually try to use a car like the R8 this way?
Neighbour of ours commutes every day in his 997 C2.Guy who used to work for me had a VX Turbo as his daily driver.
...and there's a fair few US owners who use their NSX's as daily-drivers. I suspect they MAY be in the warmer states...
Not quite the same, but I ran a DC2 Integra as a daily for 6 years. Actually - two of them across 9 years. Arguably the R8 is an easier car to use this way than the DC2 - 4wd, stability controls, soundproofing, gearing that actually makes sense on motorways (17.8mph/1,000rpm in top :shudder:
, etc. It's just that the R8 is a little more...obvious!If you've not got a big commute, or (as Steve says) if your neighbourhood is loaded with great roads, why the f*** would you buy a diesel saloon?!? Life's too short...
I will be commuting to work in a 30 year old MR2 again soon
I have the previous R8 V10 Plus and like the chap above I am married, aged 49 and have used it to go down the shops in, though if someone feels they can judge me on the fact I take it shopping then who gives a f
k. Everyone has an opinion, most of them worthless to me so they can fill their boots, I'll just carry on doing what I do without a second thought.
I borrowed the new one a couple of weekends back as I was considering the upgrade. The new one is quicker, has some nice toys over mine but frankly I felt it has lost a chunk of its appeal. The steering though sharper is robbed of feel and I HATE the variable steering geo. The ride is leagues ahead and the trick dampers are, well, trick, but again I would spec without these as I feel the more fixed set up just suits the car better. I was happy to get back into mine and though there is no question the new one is faster with better traction it has lost some of its appeal.
Might be better down the shops though, but I hear some bloke thinks you're a gimp in it so that would really worry me....
k. Everyone has an opinion, most of them worthless to me so they can fill their boots, I'll just carry on doing what I do without a second thought.I borrowed the new one a couple of weekends back as I was considering the upgrade. The new one is quicker, has some nice toys over mine but frankly I felt it has lost a chunk of its appeal. The steering though sharper is robbed of feel and I HATE the variable steering geo. The ride is leagues ahead and the trick dampers are, well, trick, but again I would spec without these as I feel the more fixed set up just suits the car better. I was happy to get back into mine and though there is no question the new one is faster with better traction it has lost some of its appeal.
Might be better down the shops though, but I hear some bloke thinks you're a gimp in it so that would really worry me....
jamieduff1981 said:
Most married couples with this sort of money available to spend would agree that one would look a bit of a wazzock turning up at a supermarket in an Audi R8.
You clearly frequent the lower end of the supermarket spectrum ? I would be cautious of parking an R8 (if I had one) next to a 17 year old Vauxhall Astra with more chips on the doors than sawmill but that's not going to stop me using it.My local Sainsbury's is often enlightened by a McLaren, a couple of Ferraris and any number of Porsche's (a bit common these days
) and that's just the odd times I go these, so I suggest you move house to be closer to a nicer supermarket before you criticise others for wanting to use a nice car to brighten a mundane task.George111 said:
You clearly frequent the lower end of the supermarket spectrum ? I would be cautious of parking an R8 (if I had one) next to a 17 year old Vauxhall Astra with more chips on the doors than sawmill but that's not going to stop me using it.
My local Sainsbury's is often enlightened by a McLaren, a couple of Ferraris and any number of Porsche's (a bit common these days ) and that's just the odd times I go these, so I suggest you move house to be closer to a nicer supermarket before you criticise others for wanting to use a nice car to brighten a mundane task.
Sainsbury's? How chav. My local Sainsbury's is often enlightened by a McLaren, a couple of Ferraris and any number of Porsche's (a bit common these days
) and that's just the odd times I go these, so I suggest you move house to be closer to a nicer supermarket before you criticise others for wanting to use a nice car to brighten a mundane task.Baryonyx said:
George111 said:
You clearly frequent the lower end of the supermarket spectrum ? I would be cautious of parking an R8 (if I had one) next to a 17 year old Vauxhall Astra with more chips on the doors than sawmill but that's not going to stop me using it.
My local Sainsbury's is often enlightened by a McLaren, a couple of Ferraris and any number of Porsche's (a bit common these days ) and that's just the odd times I go these, so I suggest you move house to be closer to a nicer supermarket before you criticise others for wanting to use a nice car to brighten a mundane task.
Sainsbury's? How chav. My local Sainsbury's is often enlightened by a McLaren, a couple of Ferraris and any number of Porsche's (a bit common these days
) and that's just the odd times I go these, so I suggest you move house to be closer to a nicer supermarket before you criticise others for wanting to use a nice car to brighten a mundane task.Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff