Big question is, will it be a daily driver? I can't imagine DD the R8. Assuming it's not a DD, I have mix feeling. Sometimes I see one and it's WOW, LOVE IT. Other times, I think it's plain ugly. Aesthetics aside, the other thing to consider is the R8 is due for a new redesign soon. So the current new R8 will be old soon. Some people don't like not having the latest (myself included). The 991 is still the new/current platform for a few more years. I'd probably get the 991S now, wait for the new R8 platform.

 

My 2010 V10 R8 was $880/year with State Farm. You think that's expensive?

 

My 2011 R8 was more expensive to insure than my 991S and my 991 TTS, but not prohibitively so, about 100-150 per year more. Some of the insurance companies (and finance companies for that matter) have some trouble pulling up accurate info on the R8 due to the relatively low production numbers, and it is true that back when I was getting quotes a couple of the insurers told me point blank that the R8 was the most expensive car to insure for their company (Farmer's, and I think USAA).

 

R8 V10 Plus insurance = 991TTS insurance here in NJ. About $1800 with $2000 deductible, in either case.

 

I drove the R8 and the 911 and I was strongly considering the former, but after talking with R8 owners I decided that I didn't want nor need the attention. I bought (ordered) the 911 and haven't regretted it once. OK, once: when I got my property tax bill in the mail.

 

There is what I consider to be a significant design flaw in the R8. The main transmission housing is essentially directly behind the metal bar that is the actual bumper (covered by the plastic outer skin). A rear end collision even at slow speeds can easily force that bar into the transmission. How do I know? Happened to me <10 mph rear end collision to my R8 spyder cost $25K to fix because a new transmission was needed. Add in the diminished value that the insurance co. paid, that fender bender cost the company nearly $50K.

 

Audi's styling across its product line has become so generic/boring that I fear that the new R8 will be a visual disappointment when compared to the impact of the first generation car. OTOH, if the rumors are correct (600hp V10), I could get past less dramatic/iconic styling.

 

I agree with this ^^^ completely. That said, I test drove a new R8 with v10+ back in March and, frankly, I was underwhelmed. I know others who love their R8s with great passion, so to each his own. Drive them all and determine what is best for *you* as these discussions always boil down to personal preference.

 

Wait for the facelift that is overdue on the R8 and you will probably then be in a better position to determine which one you like the most

the current generation R8 is comparable to the 997 so wait it out and in the meantime get a 991S to bridge the gap ....

 

Fascinating reading on this thread.

May I use that? It's great.

 

+1 That's my thinking as I read the replies to my question

 

My local dealer had an unbelievable deal on a loaded V10 R8. I ordered the Carrera 2S instead. The main reason was based on what Beemer Guy mentioned...the Audi attracts a lot of attention. The dealer told me that was the reason the owner was selling it after only a year. People kept stopping him to ask for photos and one family asked if they could rent it for a wedding. At work I caught a LOT of grief when I bought my first 911. This car was going to make my life miserable. Hard to believe it but the 911 is a "sleeper" by comparison.

 

One thing to consider about R8: if you intend on tracking the car, the standard steel brakes are not very good at all. Also, as a DD, the Porsche will be immeasurably better.