2016 R8 Configurator now live

[doodlebug]

Good point. Merc GT worth a look.

I think they'll sell less. Starting price puts it in a different place to the last model and it's now in the midst of a lot of competition.

[Miami42]

i'm guessing the strategy is sell less, higher price point, residuals will be high on used cars.
raises the brand equity/premium so they can sell more A3's
I spoke to my dealer he said he doesn't expect a V8 at all.
maybe there's an R9 or something more extreme on the way.

[doodlebug]

I can't see it, VAG has those bases covered.

I'm not sure it guarantees high residuals either as there's more competition at the price point.

[Graeme4130]

i'm guessing the strategy is sell less, higher price point, residuals will be high on used cars.
raises the brand equity/premium so they can sell more A3's
I spoke to my dealer he said he doesn't expect a V8 at all.
maybe there's an R9 or something more extreme on the way.

Audi UK had told me also that there wouldn't be a V8, and that the range would remain V10, V10+ and Electric version, although not to rule out a V10 Hybrid monster someway down the line as a technological showcase - I seem to recall Lamborghini were planning on using a similar engine on their off-road coupe thingy

[Miami42]

The R8 has held its value really well, if the new car is very good then that will continue, I can't see why it wouldn't?
However the new car is going to have to be very good.

If they where after volume they'd make a V8 and pitch it around the 85k mark, just by releasing the V10 they are chasing a different market.
Unless the profit on a V10 far outstrips a V8 based car.

I wonder what pre orders/sales are like already? The out going car had great reviews even at the end of the last year but I know west London Audi only sold a handful of cars in the past 12 months despite this.

[HYFR]

B&O + Mag Ride are options ?

but were std on original V10 ?

[Graeme4130]

B&O + Mag Ride are options ?

but were std on original V10 ?

Yeah, I noticed that too
Good to see that they've not included variable steering in the sports pack, but neither have they included sports exhaust

[Graeme4130]

I heard today from a 'reasonable' source in Audi that the R8 would be later coming with a V6 twin Electric Turbo engine that will be shared with the next RS4 priced around 85k, and at the same time they'd release a spider version
Whether it's true or not, who knows...

[HYFR]

i really struggle with the looks and price vs. a 2013 £85k 550PS V10 S-Tronic Plus


yes the V6 is coming.

[Ian_C]

I'd was led to believe it would be the V10 with additional hybrid. That would be mega.

[doodlebug]

Preview invites have appeared. Alas to look and not drive. Four locations to chose from.

[classba]

Preview invites have appeared. Alas to look and not drive. Four locations to chose from.

I've been invited.

[Miami42]

No invite yet.

I know the launch date has been pushed back and the A4 brought forward.

[Graeme4130]

No invite yet.

I know the launch date has been pushed back and the A4 brought forward.

No invite for me either
But then I have cancelled my early provisional order and taken back my deposit (which they've still not credited to my bank account, I might add !)
After seeing the car at Goodwood, I really liked it, but not enough to put quite so much money into it just yet - I wanted it to blow me away, and it didn't.
Plus, the wife has ideas of us all moving house early next year, so that might eat my budget somewhat too

[Miami42]

Might chase my guy and see what he says.
its much better in the flesh, but i agree it doesn't blow you away yet, i think it will be a grower.

I think the convertible looks good, i agree it looks better than the coupe.

Drove an Aston DBS at the weekend, very pleasurable it was too. DB11 out next year, might be worth a look.