Its been almost 3 years since I last drove our family's R8. Since I'm not the primary driver for this car, so I never really touched it.

3 years ago:
It was absolutely wonderful. Back then, the car I actually compared the R8 to in terms of driving experience was the E46 M3. Lots of Torque, Grip compared to the M3 of course. The car was stable and civilized compared to say a F430. I didn't mind the R-Tronic at all, it felt pretty much like the SMG. 420HP felt great back then.

Also the feeling when I'm inside the car made me felt like I'm Ironman. It was way ahead of its times. It really felt like the future of modern sports car.

3 Years later:
After getting the GTR and the 997.2 C4S PDK. I've been spoiled by Dual clutch transmission. Especially after driving newer cars like the TT-RS and 458. I hate to say it, but the R8 is really a huge disappointment. It now feels slow, the R-Tronic is sluggish. It really felt like driving a bigger TT. or a bigger, slightly faster Cayman. In fact the C4S drives better and has more soul in every way!

I won't say that the car is bad. The car still looks awesome, and it drives just like it is 3 years ago. Its just now, I think the car has gone to the point that I just want to use it as a daily driver. It doesn't give me the feeling that driving it is a occasion.

I think I'll give the face-lift R8 another chance, as it will get the dual clutch soon and hopefully more power. I'd say the V10 would be a much better choice next time around.

Anyways, its just my opinion. I still love the presence the car have, I think its the perfect car to go on a date. As far as date car goes, its either this or the SL500! Pulling up to the valet is definitely cooler in the R8 than in a 911! But as far as driving goes, I still heart the Porsches! There is just not substitute!

 

Did I just stumble onto someone's personal blog?

 

Regarding dual clutch, I actually like F1 better. Dual clutch is too smooth for my taste. It's like a really fast automatic.

I am also surprised by your review on GTR. I have not driven it but there is no soul there that I can fathom.

 

fixed

 

I also prefer single clutch F1, but it just doesn't match the characteristic of the R8. In a Gallardo, it will feel fine!

GTR fun comes from the massive acceleration. I got the HKS 600 kit installed and it pulls like no tomorrow. Its just the adrenaline rush that makes me smile with that car.

Sakimano, its actually my sister's car.

 

Yea my GT-R kills the R8 in terms of downright pull, but the 6MT makes the R8 way hotter to me.

 

thanks for the impression ......... balanced in your write up i thought.

 

Am now in the 3rd year of owning mine and have none of those feelings, first mine is a stick and pretty much nothing beats going through the gated shifter. Then after a while when I did find it lacked power I added supercharger. pretty much the perfect car now

 

Crea, your impression of the R8 fits mine (and I also noted Scott's solution). The car felt wonderfully balanced. There is no question this car warrants the modest price tag (V8, the $40k increase for V10 removes that, and even more for the automatic). It does lack a little performance wise, but only when compared to a Z06, Turbo w/PDK, or GT-R. That is pretty stiff competition. The ride just 'felt' better. The looks apparently are definitely subjective, as the wife has not really changed her mind since she first saw the R8 - she thinks it is the best looking car on the road. I don't really disagree with her (for the most part).

We were contemplating waiting for the next gen coming with the DCT (or S-tronic, I think). But looking at the newer prices, and the list of things Audi calls options, I just don't see it happening. I'm currently revisiting used R8's. We might pick one up new, but it will take one hell of deal for me to believe I'm getting something special, worth its money.

 

Thanks for the write up.... Very honest.