Drove an R8 V10 last night. What a blast
Subscribe
I had the opportunity to drive the R8 V10 last evening - what a blast. Although the roads were wet we still had good conditions. My first impressions from a 30 minute drive.
The car is stunning to see. This one was a Sepang Blue with carbon side panels. Curb presence is great.
Getting in the seats are very comfortable but not quite as contoured as my sport seats. Ingress and egress seems easier than in my car as well. Very good to excellent ergonomics with a beautifully appointed cabin, including a gated 6 speed manual shift.
On start up the engine sound is muted compared to Porsches but distinctive. On drive away the clutch actuation is smooth and with progressive engagement. Steering seems to be speed sensitive with increased turns to lock at low speed.
Now for the fun part. What a motor. Killer HP from 2500 to redline. What a sound. Much more intake growl, talk about a go fast pedal. Terrific overall sound with soulful transmission whine, intake growl and exhaust note. The gated shifter is the bees knees, positive, precise throws, hard to miss.
Because the roads were wet we couldn't really try the limits however the AWD and traction control were confidence inspiring without being intrusive. Road noise seemed low in comparison to my car but may have just been due to newer tires.
Overall space in the car is excellent for humans with a wide ****pit however the upper window line is low. Luggage space is substantially less than the 911s.
All in all a terrific car
The car is stunning to see. This one was a Sepang Blue with carbon side panels. Curb presence is great.
Getting in the seats are very comfortable but not quite as contoured as my sport seats. Ingress and egress seems easier than in my car as well. Very good to excellent ergonomics with a beautifully appointed cabin, including a gated 6 speed manual shift.
On start up the engine sound is muted compared to Porsches but distinctive. On drive away the clutch actuation is smooth and with progressive engagement. Steering seems to be speed sensitive with increased turns to lock at low speed.
Now for the fun part. What a motor. Killer HP from 2500 to redline. What a sound. Much more intake growl, talk about a go fast pedal. Terrific overall sound with soulful transmission whine, intake growl and exhaust note. The gated shifter is the bees knees, positive, precise throws, hard to miss.
Because the roads were wet we couldn't really try the limits however the AWD and traction control were confidence inspiring without being intrusive. Road noise seemed low in comparison to my car but may have just been due to newer tires.
Overall space in the car is excellent for humans with a wide ****pit however the upper window line is low. Luggage space is substantially less than the 911s.
All in all a terrific car
Quote:
The car is stunning to see. This one was a Sepang Blue with carbon side panels. Curb presence is great.
Getting in the seats are very comfortable but not quite as contoured as my sport seats. Ingress and egress seems easier than in my car as well. Very good to excellent ergonomics with a beautifully appointed cabin, including a gated 6 speed manual shift.
On start up the engine sound is muted compared to Porsches but distinctive. On drive away the clutch actuation is smooth and with progressive engagement. Steering seems to be speed sensitive with increased turns to lock at low speed.
Now for the fun part. What a motor. Killer HP from 2500 to redline. What a sound. Much more intake growl, talk about a go fast pedal. Terrific overall sound with soulful transmission whine, intake growl and exhaust note. The gated shifter is the bees knees, positive, precise throws, hard to miss.
Because the roads were wet we couldn't really try the limits however the AWD and traction control were confidence inspiring without being intrusive. Road noise seemed low in comparison to my car but may have just been due to newer tires.
Overall space in the car is excellent for humans with a wide ****pit however the upper window line is low. Luggage space is substantially less than the 911s.
All in all a terrific car
I saw it when I did PPI on my car actually. Did not drive it but did sit in it. Originally Posted by spud99
I had the opportunity to drive the R8 V10 last evening - what a blast. Although the roads were wet we still had good conditions. My first impressions from a 30 minute drive.The car is stunning to see. This one was a Sepang Blue with carbon side panels. Curb presence is great.
Getting in the seats are very comfortable but not quite as contoured as my sport seats. Ingress and egress seems easier than in my car as well. Very good to excellent ergonomics with a beautifully appointed cabin, including a gated 6 speed manual shift.
On start up the engine sound is muted compared to Porsches but distinctive. On drive away the clutch actuation is smooth and with progressive engagement. Steering seems to be speed sensitive with increased turns to lock at low speed.
Now for the fun part. What a motor. Killer HP from 2500 to redline. What a sound. Much more intake growl, talk about a go fast pedal. Terrific overall sound with soulful transmission whine, intake growl and exhaust note. The gated shifter is the bees knees, positive, precise throws, hard to miss.
Because the roads were wet we couldn't really try the limits however the AWD and traction control were confidence inspiring without being intrusive. Road noise seemed low in comparison to my car but may have just been due to newer tires.
Overall space in the car is excellent for humans with a wide ****pit however the upper window line is low. Luggage space is substantially less than the 911s.
All in all a terrific car
It wasn`t as comfortable inside as 911 IMHO. Nice car overall but both I and a seller who sold me my car agreed that it is a 'poor man`s Ferrari', same stigma I guess as for Nissan Z to be 'poor man`s Porsche'.
If you`re really for such sort of car perhaps there is little reason to substitute Ferrari with Audi. Just my 2c.
PS. Nice to know that it actually can drive well. Not if it would be much of interest for me, but, still, nice to know.
Thanks for posting your experience with the car. I love the R8.
Never heard of it referred to as a "poor man's Ferrari" - I certainly don't view it that way.
To me the R8 is more of an everyday supercar.
You don't need to be rich to buy a Ferrari these days since 360s are available for well under $100K now (although you do have to have enough $$$ to maintain one
)
Never heard of it referred to as a "poor man's Ferrari" - I certainly don't view it that way.
To me the R8 is more of an everyday supercar.
You don't need to be rich to buy a Ferrari these days since 360s are available for well under $100K now (although you do have to have enough $$$ to maintain one
)
I think the term is better stated as the "reliable exotic". 5k miles later on the r8 that I happen to have a little key in my pocket to , i can say its one of the BEST all around cars PERIOD and that IMHO, no car that even remotely strikes the same awe factor can do what the r8 can. Its the most amazing synthesis of luxury and performance I have seen in a car for years...I enjoyed driving the r8 more than my late s8 even just based on comfort...its that good...
, i can say its one of the BEST all around cars PERIOD and that IMHO, no car that even remotely strikes the same awe factor can do what the r8 can. Its the most amazing synthesis of luxury and performance I have seen in a car for years...I enjoyed driving the r8 more than my late s8 even just based on comfort...its that good...
wow would love to drive one myself. The thing that strikes me the most is the gated shifter. Obviously Ferrari style, but have always wanted to own a car with a gated shifter. Probably the kid in me from ditching class to play at the arcade! Just adds an extra sense of excitement.
Quote:
I never have any interest in the R8, but I'm glad that you like it.Originally Posted by sechsgang
i can say its one of the BEST all around cars PERIOD and that IMHO, no car that even remotely strikes the same awe factor can do what the r8 can.
When you said no car strikes you the same, does that include the current GT3 and GT2? I cannot imagine that the R8 will be better than these two cars. I know that the R8 in V8 is not better than my 997X51 for my use.
Quote:
Never heard of it referred to as a "poor man's Ferrari" - I certainly don't view it that way.
To me the R8 is more of an everyday supercar.
You don't need to be rich to buy a Ferrari these days since 360s are available for well under $100K now (although you do have to have enough $$$ to maintain one )
$1 per mile. Ouch. Originally Posted by lig
Thanks for posting your experience with the car. I love the R8.Never heard of it referred to as a "poor man's Ferrari" - I certainly don't view it that way.
To me the R8 is more of an everyday supercar.
You don't need to be rich to buy a Ferrari these days since 360s are available for well under $100K now (although you do have to have enough $$$ to maintain one
)
R8 is my dd, have the v10 on order. Fabulous car.
Quote:
When you said no car strikes you the same, does that include the current GT3 and GT2? I cannot imagine that the R8 will be better than these two cars. I know that the R8 in V8 is not better than my 997X51 for my use.
The NEW gt3 is absolutely the best driving sports car I have ever driven on the road...that being said, it doesnt touch the usability of the r8 on a day to day basis. Between the mmi, the b&o soundsystem, valcona leather seats and amount of room on the interior (oh, the 8250 redline v8 isnt bad either), the car is just an incredible...well...car. As for the awe factor of the gt3 and gt2 etc...they "just" look like porsches with a big wing and other than the cgt, I have never thought porsches were particularly artistic cars so that awe factor is kinda out of it for me. The car has completely enchanted me...Originally Posted by Targa Tim
I never have any interest in the R8, but I'm glad that you like it.When you said no car strikes you the same, does that include the current GT3 and GT2? I cannot imagine that the R8 will be better than these two cars. I know that the R8 in V8 is not better than my 997X51 for my use.
(That said, im buying the new gt3 as soon as I finish with my work project
)
The R8 is an amazing car, I love the design... I never heard of the term "Poor Man's Ferrari", I completely disagree! It has an amazing performance and sound! It also is a Daily Drivable car unlike the Frerrari...
No need to be ****y Ferrari drivers...
No need to be ****y Ferrari drivers...
I've also never heard of the R8 being described as the poor man's Ferrari. It's a great car in its own right, I'd love one in either V8 or V10 form. I've seen a few on the road around here, the road presence is tremendous and the sound is phenomenal. Throw in some Audi reliability and you really can't go wrong. A real everyday supercar.
Audi Hit a home run with this car.... even in the v8.... stepped it up with the v10.... this will be my next sports car most likely in v8. Coughing up 150K for a ferrari is an easy buck for many car people but its the maintenance, dealer availability, service etc that makes such a purchase (Ferrari, Masarti, Lambo, AM's, etc...) to frustrating. When Kia can make a clutch to last 100K miles but a Ferrari's will last about 12K gotta make you scratch your head. And please don't reply by telling me the Ferrari clutch needs to handle xx horse power as we all know 95% of Ferrari's are driven around town and rarely taken to their limit. Love Ferrari's and such just the head aches that come along with such a purchase are not for me.... with a garage full of high HP personal watercraft, modded scooters, 4x4's, Bikes, my 997 etc etc...just no way I could deal with the time and aggravation involed with owning any standard supercar until the R8 came along....I believe the R8 is what the market needed; a reliable, amazingly styled (in and out), great handling, fast supercar without all the head aches.
just my 2 cents....
just my 2 cents....
Quote:
just my 2 cents....
+1 I agree with you 100%...Originally Posted by mickfluff
Audi Hit a home run with this car.... even in the v8.... stepped it up with the v10.... this will be my next sports car most likely in v8. Coughing up 150K for a ferrari is an easy buck for many car people but its the maintenance, dealer availability, service etc that makes such a purchase (Ferrari, Masarti, Lambo, AM's, etc...) to frustrating. When Kia can make a clutch to last 100K miles but a Ferrari's will last about 12K gotta make you scratch your head. And please don't reply by telling me the Ferrari clutch needs to handle xx horse power as we all know 95% of Ferrari's are driven around town and rarely taken to their limit. Love Ferrari's and such just the head aches that come along with such a purchase are not for me.... with a garage full of high HP personal watercraft, modded scooters, 4x4's, Bikes, my 997 etc etc...just no way I could deal with the time and aggravation involed with owning any standard supercar until the R8 came along....I believe the R8 is what the market needed; a reliable, amazingly styled (in and out), great handling, fast supercar without all the head aches. just my 2 cents....
Maintenance on other Supercars are way too expensive... It is not the purchase price, but all the small stuff that make it such a pain to own. Also the fact that Ferraris can't be used as a daily drive sucks!
Quote:
Actually R8 is pretty much the same as a 911 S equipped with X51 package in terms of acceleration... And on the track the R8 might even take a 911 S with X51 due to the AWD and mid-engine factor Originally Posted by Targa Tim
I know that the R8 in V8 is not better than my 997X51 for my use.
It truly is a phenomenal car...They are really head to head. The C4S in the video is equipped with X51 (Tiff says the car has Power package). Here's the link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJW3mbROXJQ