Please explain.

When I went shopping, I found exactly the opposite. I've found that the R8 (among other cars) depreciated more slowly than other sports cars (including the 911).

 

"According to Audi’s market research – and they’re probably the best in the business when it comes to this – the R8 is the least depreciating car in its class, likely to hold around 45 per cent of its value after three years. The worst is the BMW M6, by all accounts, which will be worth just 27 per cent of its original £86k in 36 months’ time. Ouch" - from Autocar

Just had my 2011 v10 spyder with 10,000 miles on it appraised - worth $115K if I trade in on another- I paid $155K new (nicely discounted). Car is worth 66% of what I paid - doesn't seem to be a disaster.

 

My experience here in the PNW was different. Happy you are happy.

Are they still discounting $25K off on new cars?

 

Yes, big discounts still. One guy recently reported buying a new 2012 spyder V10 6 MT for $33K off of list. That would put his car at about $145K, a real bargain. New MT's are getting hard to find - mostly leftover single clutch automatics - and those are routinely going for $20-$25K off MSRP. I'm guessing they'll be very little discounting on the new dual clutch R8 or the 550hp V10 Plus. I'm about to order the Plus, but agonizing over dual clutch or manual.

 

I'm surprised there is that much margin for profit if they take that much off