R8 - My first look

[jonp]

Audi UK were kind enough to invite me up to Blakelands on Thursday to take a look at the R8 they have up there (well, for a couple of days).

In black, with the Carbon Fibre side panel, she does look stunning, but again in black, those massive vents seem to get a little lost, and maybe a lighter grey or silver may do the car's lines more justice. The wheels are available as two types, and unfortunately, in my opinion, this one has the wosrt set - the better looking set are those very similar to the RS4 B7.

Brakes up front look identical to the RS4, whereas the rears are larger, to account for the now greater weight up rear because of the engine. Panel fit, as you would expect is perfect. Inside, it has a very similar feel tot he RS4, with alsomst the same seats (a problem for wider people), yet cabin space is good.

A nice gear-change gate, and a better Steering wheel thatn the RS, as its has lost the aluminium bottow, and is now all leather - first it won't be so cold in the morning, and secondly, you will be able to steer more easily with your knew, as it will now grip the wheel!

Pedals are RS4, nice aluminium capped items, with R8 logos on the key instruments - however not on the front brake calipers.

Engine is basically the same as the RS4, the V8 4.2 420ps version, which to be honest looks a little lost in the pre-production car's engine bay, as it doesn't have all the fancy carbon-fibre adorning it - although I believe it is available as an upgrade - and if you want to look flashy in the carpark, then I guess is a 'must'. It is now unrestricted to 178mph.

At £78,000 for the 4.2, plus say £4,000 for sat-nav and other goodies, you are into £30,000 more than an RS4 - so is it worth it?

Same engine, pedals, brakes, seats, wheels... 2 less seats, hardly any luggage space...?

I guess its going to be a very individual call. For me, its a stunning car - in fact if you think avoiding the plod in your RS4 is hard, try being invisible in an R8 - no chance! However, when I personally look at the practicallity issues, today the RS4 infinitely more practical, with almost identical technical specification.

I am guessing, and from 'Car Magazines' report, it will of course be more agile than an RS4, due to weight, C of G and balance. Car Audi build a supercar? - most definately - form the R10 Le Mans, to the RS4 and now the R8, Audi are very likely to have full order books for the near future.

Jon P

[simple1]

Would that be this one?
Went to Silverstone to have a look at it, and to play with some other toys....... nice day out.

[jonp]

..Not sure, but its been in the UK for a few days. The guys at Audi UK had just pulled it apart, then put it back together before I saw it. It's all about training, I believe

Its a pre-production model. LHD, so will be crushed or used for crash testing after it's done the rounds

JonP

[jonp]

No - I don't think its this one - the seats were a darker beige and the wheels were to not-so good looking ones

Jon P

[Merlot]

The seats are different to the RS4 as they have side airbags built in but I'm interested in what you say about the space they offer - I found the RS4 buckets too tight around the thigh.

I can't decide about the R8 - it will be a big hit or a flop, but which. Once I've paid £82k for my manual car (prob six months into RHD production run) I'm not sure whether I'm getting something which will be worth £40k or £60k after two years. Any thoughts on future values?

[simple1]

I sat in the car, and was relieved to find they are 'normal' recaros, no high sided buckets and very comfortable........ my faith is restored. The interior is lovely.

[simple1]

This should look very rude when full of V10

[Merlot]

I sat in the car, and was relieved to find they are 'normal' recaros, no high sided buckets and very comfortable........ my faith is restored. The interior is lovely.

On a cold November morning that cheers me up! They must realise that the average age of R8 buyers will be older than RS4 ones.

[simple1]

I think they might, hence the vast price difference from RS4....... I suspect they are heading for the Mid life crisis brigade...... I should fit that bracket nicely

[Merlot]

Ditto.

[JohnW]

lmao, so have you guys placed orders for one yet ?

I'm tempted but would have to clear the toy cupboard to do so at present, and I'm still not sure if its worth the money.
I've yet to drive or crawl all over one yet though.

[simple1]

Drove a V8 for a day and have to say I was impressed, but not to the point that I would get rid of the 996. Have a V10 on order but have the option to bail out and recover my deposit as they have not come straight out and declared power output or price.