JBRipps

Hi all,

Hit the truway on my home from work today....as soon as I got to the end of the ramp to speed up.....I noticed an odd looking car in the left lane. I sped up hoping to catch what it was....within 30 seconds, I approached the car....had absolutely no idea what it was. When I got a bit closer, I could see the audi rings on the rear.....and then I realized it was an R8.

He politely moved over for me, I must say it is a beautiful car. The venting in the front and back is very aggressive and different looking. Anyhow, when I went by, I gave him the "OK" sign....he returned the gesture.....he had a huge smile on his face.

Anyhow, I got a slow person in front of me, and he pulled away some.....then I merged behind him. After about 15 seconds....the road cleared ahead, and he laid on the pedal. So I followed. I didn't want to pass him....was a neat car to watch.

Soon....there was no one in the left for a while, and heard that engine roar some....but it wasn't as loud as it looked like it should have been. Anyhow, I kept up every burst.....and for just a second I think we flirted with a buck thirty or so......after a few more miles....I had to exit....I gave thim the flash and a wave, he waved back.

I must say the car is very very impressive looking, and it took off nicely. Not sure how hard he was hitting the pedal, but there was no issue on keeping up....I could have passed a few times, but like I said....was a great car to look at. Serious wide *** on that thing....and soooo different from others on the road.

So, what's the deal with this car? Stats?? I don't think I could ever get one though....my kids would hate not being able to tag along with me.

Anyone else have some fun with that car?

J

Wellardmac

Cool! I didn't realize that it had been released over here yet.

Ray S

420 hp V8

A few car mags have tested it against the 997S and the 997TT and it has taken them both at the track. However, the 997 GT3 laid down a better track time than the R8 in the latest C&D.

It should be more than a match for any 996 short of a GT3 or a TT w/mods.

TheSpeedDemon

Without further ado, here's the quick rundown on the specifics:

All-aluminum body
4.2L 420-horsepowermid-mounted V8
320 lb-ft peak torque from 4,500 to 6,000 RPM. 90% of max available from 3500 rpm and up
0-62 mph in 4.6 seconds
Top speed of 187 mph
All headlight functions available as LEDs
Typically excellent Audi interior
Automatically-extending rear spoiler
Two transmissions available: 6-speed manual and Audi R Tronic sequential shift gearbox
R Tronic can be shifted vis console stick or wheel-mounted paddles
Quattro all-wheel-drive
Available magnetic ride system
18" wheels standard, 19" optional
First time the Audi rings are on the hood instead of the vehicle grille
Clear engine cover
3 colors available for the side trim panel

JimB

You forgot 3600 lbs. I hate this trend of making cars heavier and heavier. The only car more embarassed in the Car & Driver VIR test was the porky 997 turbo. They were both beat by the Exige S and the standard Corvette.

TheSpeedDemon

Wow 3,600 lbs.
BTW...my post was a copy and paste from another website

JBRipps

Thanks Steven.....what does it cost? My first thought was to get my phone out to snap a picture, but then thought twice....lol. I thought of this board, and couldn't wait to post. It was silver, just like the picture above....not sure on the specifics though. Funny b/c I've never even seen a picture of the car in the reviews, so it was all new to me....only heard of the car before today.

J

TheSpeedDemon

More info I grabbbed from another site:

VEHICLE TYPE: mid-engine, 4-wheel-drive, 2-passenger, 2-door coupe

ESTIMATED BASE PRICE: $100,000

ENGINE: DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection

Displacement: 254 cu in, 4163cc
Power (SAE net): 420 bhp @ 7800 rpm
Torque (SAE net): 317 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm

TRANSMISSIONS: 6-speed manual, 6-speed manual with automated shifting and clutch

DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 104.3 in
Length: 174.4 in
Width: 74.8 in
Height: 49.2 in
Curb weight: 3450 lb

PERFORMANCE (MFR’S EST):
Zero to 62 mph: 4.6 sec
Top speed (drag limited): 187 mph

PROJECTED FUEL ECONOMY (C/D EST):
EPA city driving: 16 mpg
EPA highway driving: 20 mpg

TheSpeedDemon

IMHO I do not find the look of the vehicle very appealing...actually rather ugly especially from the front.

Mr. C4

TT on steriods = ugly

JBRipps

I think the pix look kinda weird and bulky too.....it really does look amazing when it's rolling. At least in the rear for sure. You'll see what I mean when there are more on the road. Looks way better than the pictures. It has a nice stance. I am in no way an Audi fan BTW.

J

Porsche_Smile

i would love to take a test drive before i come to any conclusion.... but it is exclusive....... for now.......

Ray S

I've only seen it in pictures, but from the shots I have seen of the car I think it is stunning.

Wellardmac

I saw one in May in Nuremberg and it's even better in person. A very nice looking car, although I wouldn't touch it at the price tag that they're putting on it.

Mr. C4

Why buy the R8 when there is something called Gallardo