all due respect back, check out the latest issue of EVO magazine. the R8 destroyed the GT3's time around their test track (oh, and maybe the Car & Driver guys don't know how to drive, but EVO? )

in fact, to their surprise, the R8 was faster than a 700HP Koenigsegg, and just slightly slower than an Enzo.

the GT3 and R8 were run on different days, fair enough. But the Audi's time was sufficiently faster to be able to safely say that on any given day on many tracks around the world, the R8 is likely to be on equal footing with a GT3.

Would I swap my GT3 for the Audi? Maybe not, but it wouldn't be an automatic "no way". That's my personal, subjective choice.

Is the R8 a match for the Turbo/GT3 on a real world track... the objective evidence is starting to pour in, and it looks like the answer is YES.

I'm just waiting for the Sport Auto supertest for the car (are they out yet?). Nurburgring and Hockenheim, in the hands of Horst Von Saurma or some other hotshoe should be fairly conclusive...

(flamesuit on)

 

Very interesting and impressive to say the least, i would love to drive an R8.. The year waiting list + and 125k for the V8 model isnt so appealing though!

 

im very surprised by it. i would like to see the 'ring' times and hockenheim as well. either way, whether its a competitor or not, as it looks as if it is now, on a track anyway, its still one overpriced ugly a$$ car. i would like to see what walter rohl could do. i bet him (the best porsche driver) behind the wheels o the GT3 and the best audi driver behind the wheel of the r8, and the GT3 wins.

 

The 996 GT3/GT3 RS number can't be compared to that of the R8 and 997 GT3/Turbo because one corner of the Bedford circuit was modified after the 996 GT3 was tested. EVO used the same track profile to test the R8 and 997 GT3/Turbo though.


~Henjie

 

Nah, 7:46 for the 996 GT2. Or maybe you're talking about Chevy's time for the Z06 (always thought that was a bit optimistic).


~Henjie

 

I thought the same thing, until in another discussion it actually had another best recorded time of 7:42 Mighty impressive!

 

that was me. it did run a 7:42.

here

http://www.motortrend.com/features/c...ck/index1.html

 

yes it was you, and just came across the thread to, you the man

 

thats what she said! yea, i am!

 

The C6 Z06 'Ring time of 7:42.9 has always been a subject of speculation ever since it was reported by Chevy. I for one am glad that Sport Auto finally did a Z06 Supertest because a definitive time is much better than manufacturers' claims (Chevy, Porsche, whatever, I don't trust them all, haha).


~Henjie

 

When is the next time you will be out here?? I apologize about a few weeks ago How far is the ride for you? JW

 

seems the EVO guys were pretty surprised too (or what is it the Brits like to say? "gobsmacked"? ). 'Ring times are always the acid test... though to be honest, the smaller tracks-- whether Bedford or Willow or Tsukuba-- used in most other tests are much closer to the type of circuits that the majority of owners are going to use their cars on. That's why I like the Sport Auto super tests best-- not only do they employ drivers whose credentials are beyond reproach-- but they use BOTH the Nordschleife AND the Hockenheim short track.

I wasn't aware R8's were commanding such huge dealer premiums.

Whether you like the car or not however, you can't take away from Audi that they seem to have hit this one clear out of the park on their very first try. How many manufacturers have tried-- and failed-- to create a 911 beater.

If they've succeeded ("success" defined as a combination of real world performance, how it does in the marketplace, and the car's place in history) is an empirical question we can only ask in a few years' time.

But for a FIRST effort from a manufacturer known for mainstream automobiles, you gotta give props!

 

i doubt the r8 will be around long or as successful as the 911. it still hasnt proven to be as fast in terms of street racing. while it may be nimble and good on a track it doesnt stand up in the straight line. its weird because someone mentioned that in one test it barely edged out a C4S around a track, thats what makes me skeptical about what its doing against the gt3 and turbo. can we say 'ringer'?

 

yea man whats up with that! nah, im jk. it woulda been cool to meet up. its like 2.5-3 hours. im there a few times a year. a good buddy of mine lives in port jeff, but is moving to LA this week, so i dunno when the next time ill be there. ill let you know.

 

Got that info from a first hand Porsche/Audi dealer.. They said 1+ year wait and looking at around 125k

Was working all day, then gym Port Jeff is pretty cool during the summer, but damn nice move to LA. We need to meet up and go on a drive ASAP, i feel like a bum, negelecting my driving and car so much hah!