R8 GT opinions or other options?

[Big E 118]

Anyone here owned/driven an R8 GT?

I'm looking for a convertible and considering the usual suspects, Gallardo and F430 and considering a GT as well. I used to have an V10 R8 Coupe but didn't really gel with it and wondering if the GT will be different enough for me.

I had a couple of issues with the standard Coupe, I could not get comfortable in the seats and always felt too high (I'm 6'3) in them which I suspect the buckets in the GT will solve. The standard R8 always felt a bit too safe and planted for me, as a weekend/odd track day and Euro tour car I want something quite raw and lively.

Also how does the GT compare to an early Gallardo Spyder or F430? Will the Italians always have more drama?

The other option is to wait a year or so (I've a 911 GTS) and save some extra cash to enable a Performante purchase.

Budget now is about £90k if anyone has any other ideas? Has to be a convertible, quite raw and special feeling, not a 911.

[Big E 118]

V10vroom said:

Hi

Just bough a V10 Lambo Sypder 2008 - you will not get much more raw or special feeling than this for under £90000... V10 is amazing... it looks amazing! It feels amazing! It is amazing! (But I'm glad I didn't have to spend £165000 like the first owner in 2008!!)

Enjoy!!

Yes, it is a great engine with real character, even more so in the G than the R8! I've been watching the market for a few months and Gallardo Spyders seem to be selling more than most other cars in this price point of the market, well the ones priced correctly. Sounds like your enjoying it!

[Big E 118]

Yes, I wondered if the passive suspension and drop in ride height would have much of an effect on the handling characteristics?

[Big E 118]

MDL111 said:

Can't help on the GT, but would generally go Italian over an Audi for specialness
How about a Boxster Spyder or a 360 Spyder (manual) now and a Performante in a year

I did have a 987 Boxster Spyder and it's the one car I regret selling, really fun and value for money at the £30k price point it was when I had it. I do really like the 981 Spyder but I've got a 997 GTS in the garage already and that will be my Porsche fix for now.

I'm not a fan of the 360 looks now, although the 5 valve per cylinder V8 is a lovely engine.

[Big E 118]

Wow, quite a lot of love for the Gallardo Spyder and I am a big fan. Need to get out and drive one.

Thanks for the other comments and suggestions, Aston V12V are lovely and one day I'll have an Aston but want something mid engined at the moment.

The 348 is a bit too old school for me, I have driven one as a friend has a coupe and they are a good car, much better than the general perception of them.

No R8 GT feedback yet, I know they are fairly limited numbers but there is surprisingly little on the internet about them apart from the usual launch reviews. Even on R8 specific sites.

[Big E 118]

Trev450 said:

Have you asked over on r8talk.com? http://www.r8talk.com/index.php

Not yet but I was a memeber when I had my R8 and have browsed a few threads but there's not a lot to compare it to the G and F430.