Does anyone know the final Spec on the R8

[Bradders]

The big answer I would like to know, is whether it will have a "real" manual paddle gearbox, or a "semi-auto" like the RS6 in manual mode.

The RS6 used to drive me mad when it decided to change gear, when I wanted it to "stay put".

I think the answer to that will sway whether I take delivery or cancel altogether, and stick with the RS4.

Out of interest on the engine front, I think I will definately sway towards the V10 version - as long as it's priced correctly.

[bogie]

Still love to know more about this. Thinking about switching my S4 Avant for an RS4 Avant but the S4 is quick enough day to day, only worth £20k and has lots of life left in it. Therefore an R8 would be good as a high days car but what engine? If its just the RS4 engine and it weighs about the same as an RS4 then what's the point? Hopefully it will be a c480PS V10 and no more than 1600kg to give 300PS/tonne....and no more than 911 C4S money (£75k). Then its worth a look.

Completely agree ! .....theres a wealth of 2 seater GT coupes for that sort of money...I guess the problem is catch 22 though - they cant make it *that* much quicker than an RS4 otherwise it may offer Gallardo levels of performance for nearly 1/2 the price ...and Joe Public with £75K in his pocket is gonna buy a Porker anyway....if you want to track it then get a Noble M15, something esoteric then a TVR...then theres the new Esprit etc ....Aston have managed to get into that niche with (relatively) little performance in the Vantage...but thats on brand/looks/hand built natures I guess ....I think its going to be a tough sell for Audi .....

..dont get me wrong - I like the look of it and the concept..but its got to be sub 1600Kg and 450bhp + to be an interesting alternative to whats available already .....