Insert drool
#1
Audi has incorporated the name and the genes of the five-time Le Mans winner, the Audi R8, into a spectacular sports car. Three years after the unveiling of the Audi Le Mans quattro concept car, the production version will be making its debut at the Paris Motor Show in the guise of the new Audi R8 mid-engined sports model. It is a fascinating driving machine and the sporty pinnacle of the Audi brand. The mid-mounted 420 bhp V8 FSI engine, quattro permanent four-wheel drive and Audi Space Frame aluminium body form the basis for truly outstanding driving dynamics. The Audi R8 will be available to order from 28 September 2006; first deliveries will be made in the first half of 2007.
#3
W O W . . .That is amazing.
...and I'd love to know more about the auto-box- is it a double clutch DSG style unit or is a more like a BMW SMG?
#4
Quote, originally posted by p.r.walker » W O W . . . That is amazing.
...and I'd love to know more about the auto-box- is it a double clutch DSG style unit or is a more like a BMW SMG?
New Tech.....
Quote, originally posted by Audi R8 Press Release » optionally the Audi R tronic sequential-shift gearbox. Here, too, the influence of the motorsport world is clearly evident, with a joystick gear-shift on the centre console and, most especially, the paddles mounted on the steering wheel, which are a long-established ergonomic feature in motorsport. The best illustration of this is once again the Le Mans winning Audi R8, which also enables the driver to change gear on the steering wheel. 'Shift by wire' technology provides for very fast gear-shifting and an outstanding power-to-weight ratio, allied to compact gearbox dimensions. The Sport mode, with its fast shifting, guarantees the absolute maximum in terms of driving fun. An automatic mode can also be selected.
#6
so sexy, i was just lamenting today that ferrari lost it's touch with the F430. I'm glad to see someone still understands eligent and modern sports car design.
#7
Whoa, mama - they knocked the ball out of the park with this one. It looks even better than I thought it would - espeically those headlamps. Beautiful work, indeed.
#8
This thing is mostly hot, but I can't understand why that one area is painted (or unpainted) black. Doesn't seem to fit with the lines, imho. I can't believe they are actually using LED headlights. Very well done. Any idea on the price?
Quote, originally posted by p.r.walker » ...and I'd love to know more about the auto-box- is it a double clutch DSG style unit or is a more like a BMW SMG? I would bet that they took the E-Gear system out of the Gallardo and used that rather then building a new DSG box.
#9
Word on price is somewhere around the $100,000.00 mark.Start saving your pennies ;-)
#10
A hot looking car. Anyone else think it looks like a baby bugatti? Really makes me rethink how bad I NEED a 911.
#11
The main problem I see with this is that it's completely outclassed in the area of performance.It really couldn't have been that much more expensive to make a 500hp engine (the standard for super cars nowadays).
However, if the production version looks this sexy, I'm sure it will sell.
It's just difficult to imagine buying a supercar that can be out-performed by not so few sub-$50k modern production cars.
#12
Quote, originally posted by SchnellFowVay » The main problem I see with this is that it's completely outclassed in the area of performance. It really couldn't have been that much more expensive to make a 500hp engine (the standard for super cars nowadays).
However, if the production version looks this sexy, I'm sure it will sell.
It's just difficult to imagine buying a supercar that can be out-performed by not so few sub-$50k modern production cars.
As soon as the Gallardo is bumped to 550+ hp - Audi will release the 500hp V10 version of the R8. It's not a matter of if but when.
#13
The R8 is not about pure performance - it is about style and technology. Most important, it is a technology showcase for Audi and it is, to date, the pinnacle of Audi's design and engineering themes. The more I photos I look at of this car the more I realize how truly beautiful a design it is. I think many of the design elements - internal and exterior, are going to make their way into the next generation models; specifically the new dashboard design.While the R8 cockpit is far more driver oriented, I think many of those design elements will carry over successfully.
#14
Quote, originally posted by joe@vwvortex » As soon as the Gallardo is bumped to 550+ hp - Audi will release the 500hp V10 version of the R8. It's not a matter of if but when.
When the RS6 comes out with its own RS V10 treatment..
Consider the S4 V8 (344hp) to the RS4 V8 (420hp)
then
Consider the S6 V10 (435hp) to the future RS6 V10 (rumored 500-550hp)I'm sure Audi will build its R8 V10 based on the RS6 motor, same as they did the R8 V8 with the RS4 motor.
Even if it were to have 550hp.. Audi could easily make it "limited", and get away with it because it will sell out immediately. Anybody that didnt get one will have to go buy a Lamborghini Gallardo.
#15
Quote, originally posted by SchnellFowVay » The main problem I see with this is that it's completely outclassed in the area of performance. I am betting that this car isn't designed to compete with the Gallardo/F430/Ford GT crowd and is more designed to compete with the 911 C4S and the Aston V8 Vantage, both of which are outclassed in performance by more expensive cars. In the case of the Aston, it's relatively tame performance hasn't stopped it selling like hotcakes. This should hold it's own quite nicely.
#16
That is perfection on 19" wheels.Once again, Audi takes a fantastic concept and somehow makes it better as a production car.
#17
Quote, originally posted by SchnellFowVay » The main problem I see with this is that it's completely outclassed in the area of performance. It really couldn't have been that much more expensive to make a 500hp engine (the standard for super cars nowadays).
However, if the production version looks this sexy, I'm sure it will sell.
It's just difficult to imagine buying a supercar that can be out-performed by not so few sub-$50k modern production cars.
Hmmn, what outclasses it? And what do those cars cost? (yup, the Z06 Vette is insane, but what if it rains?)
This car is meant to be a competitor to the 911.
This car is an everyday sports car/ near super car.RB
#18
And i think Audi is stepping up the exotic sports car class.Just imagine what people will think when they can buy a reliable high end sports car that has nice features and luxuries
Compare a Porsche or Ferrari interior with an Audi
#19
I would like more info on the R Tronic
#20
Seems to be 'e-gear' from Lambo.RB
#21
Quote, originally posted by DBLFRVGNGN » Hmmn, what outclasses it? And what do those cars cost? (yup, the Z06 Vette is insane, but what if it rains?)
This car is meant to be a competitor to the 911.
This car is an everyday sports car/ near super car.RB
FIrst off, if it's $100k+, it competes more directly with a Porsche Turbo then a 911 or even 911S. The Turbo easily outclasses it.
IN the sub-50k range, you have the following cars that are very comparable performance-wise:
-Subaru IMpreza WRX STi
-Z06
-E46 M3
-E90 335xi
-BMW Z4 M Coupe
-BMW z4 M Roadster
-Ford Mustang CobraNo, I obviously understand that this car isn't about raw performance - I made that very clear in my previous post.
But at the same time, if I were in the market, and the competition in the same price range (excluding Aston Marten) were all substantially faster, it would probably dampen my enthusiasm.
The performance bar for true supercars has been raised time and time again in the past decade. 420hp and 0-60 in 4.6 seconds no longer cuts it - both in reality as well as in magazine comparisons.
That said, the car will probably sell well - just not with the exotic performance crowd.
#22
To me, this car should compete against the 9114S. I'm not surprised to see that their manufacturer performance numbers are almost identical. Now, hopefully Audi prices it competitively with the 9114S, and it retails it for around 90k.If its already available for order, shouldn't a price be floating around somewhere?
#23
Yup C4 911S, price one out- easily gets to $115k with out even trying.
Compare that car to the R8 for the same $$$. 420 vs 355Hp, mid engine vs. rear engine, etc. The Turbo is faster, but outclassing? I'm not sure.Of course we cant get away from the fact that SOME of the cars you mentioned can put up some staggeringly good acceleration numbers (and cost quite little), they still arent the car that a 911 or R8 is. (lets also be aware that the R8 can be an everyday/all year long/anyweather machine. so that rules out some other cars)
Also, Audi claims 4.8 to 60 on the RS4, and magazines get 4.3 regularly (i believe). Audi likes to be pretty conservative with acceleration numbers- underclaim and over deliver.
Not that its all that important, i'm thinking the R8 will achieve zip to 60 in 4.1 or better. Not too shabby.Its all good. One thing the R8 has going for it is this- IT'S NOT A PORSCHE! That 911 is so played out!
RB
#24
Quote, originally posted by SchnellFowVay »
IN the sub-50k range, you have the following cars that are very comparable performance-wise:-Subaru IMpreza WRX STi
-Z06
-E46 M3
-E90 335xi
-BMW Z4 M Coupe
-BMW z4 M Roadster
-Ford Mustang CobraLOL - gotta leave it to the car lounge to define performance as manufacturers claimed 0-60 number
Get real. Those shopping for this car wouldn't consider ANY of the cars on that list - except maybe the Z06.
#25
And the new Z06 isnt sub 50K, its 70K w/ as much as 25k of sidesticker currently.RB
#26
The R8 will get to 60 in around 4 seconds. The RS4 @ 4,000 pounds does it in 4.3. The R8 will be around 500 pounds lighter, with better weight distribution.
#27
Audi itself said the R8 is a 911 competitor and will be priced accordingly. Period. Any arguments claiming that it will compete (and be 'outclassed) with cars in a higher model range are incorrect. I think Audi knows a thing or two about market positioning.The R8 is a superb new entry in its class. With a real-world 0-60 time in the low 4 second range, it will also be amongst the fastest (if not THE fastest) in its segment. Throw in Audi's superior build quality and interior/exterior design, and you have a hit on your hands.
Also, plans are already in motion for a V10FSI and eventual deisel V12 that will position the car into exotc supercar territory.
#28
Quote, originally posted by Mr Radio » To me, this car should compete against the 9114S. I'm not surprised to see that their manufacturer performance numbers are almost identical. Now, hopefully Audi prices it competitively with the 9114S, and it retails it for around 90k. If its already available for order, shouldn't a price be floating around somewhere?
Its available for order in Germany, noit the US. It wont come to the US till fall of 07.
And please people, for the love of god, don't convert Euro pricing to US dollars again!!!
We have all seen now that AoA prices Audi WAY cheaper here than they would be if you did a direct conversion. RS 4s in europe sellf for arounf $85K if you were to do a direct conversion.
The R8 starts at 104,000 Euros. It would reason to believe it'll cost about the same, if not less, than that in the US in dolars.
#29
Quote, originally posted by joe@vwvortex » LOL - gotta leave it to the car lounge to define performance as manufacturers claimed 0-60 number
Get real. Those shopping for this car wouldn't consider ANY of the cars on that list - except maybe the Z06.
Hang on there spanky.
The majority of buyers, badge whores, etc..., buy the car on image. For the non-enthusiast, 0-60 times and magazine comparisons are what rank the supercars.
All I was saying, and I'll say it yet again, is that the car's powertrain, to me, is unimpressive.
And I know damn well people won't cross shop a Mustang Cobra and an R8 - I never once said that. I was using them as illustrations of the unimpressiveness of the drive train.
Let me reiterate - th car is beautiful. I think it will be a success.
But that's not what I'm talking about here.
#30
Highly dubious claim ahead warning
Quote, originally posted by SchnellFowVay »
For the non-enthusiast, 0-60 times and magazine comparisons are what rank the supercars.
#31
Quote, originally posted by liquid stereo » Highly dubious claim ahead warning Oh I'm sorry. I must be wrong.
Apparently non-enthusiasts are concerned with the car's ability to lap the Nurburghring, or if the car's pedals are optimally aligned for heel-toing?
give me a break.
Why is it sooooo unbelievable that I'm no longer impressed with a 420hp V8 in a $100,000 supercar?
That's all I'm saying.
#32
Quote, originally posted by SchnellFowVay » Oh I'm sorry. I must be wrong. Apparently non-enthusiasts are concerned with the car's ability to lap the Nurburghring, or if the car's pedals are optimally aligned for heel-toing?
give me a break.
Why is it sooooo unbelievable that I'm no longer impressed with a 420hp V8 in a $100,000 supercar?
That's all I'm saying.
Are you impressed by a 290hp $70k Cayman S? Because that is the cost of that car with a few options that most cars in the $30k come with.
The problem is that it's the whole of the car - not just the amount of hp it has. For that matter 100hp per liter is pretty impressive in it's own right.
When the AVERAGE cost of a car is over $30k - $100k isn't all that much anymore.
#33
Quote, originally posted by joe@vwvortex » Are you impressed by a 290hp $70k Cayman S? Because that is the cost of that car with a few options that most cars in the $30k come with.
The problem is that it's the whole of the car - not just the amount of hp it has. For that matter 100hp per liter is pretty impressive in it's own right.
When the AVERAGE cost of a car is over $30k - $100k isn't all that much anymore.
truuuuueeeee but when you label something a "supercar" I think needs something "super" for an engine.
#34
All I'm saying is compare this to, for example, the new M5.How f'n more awesome would this car be with an F1-inspired V10 producing 500hp and peaking at 9k rpms?
All I'm saying is that the car gets me going. It looks super-modern, super-hot, and basically like a Veyron and a Gallardo had a magnificent baby. Why not make the engine something to write home about too?
#35
Quote, originally posted by joe@vwvortex » Are you impressed by a 290hp $70k Cayman S? Because that is the cost of that car with a few options that most cars in the $30k come with.
The problem is that it's the whole of the car - not just the amount of hp it has. For that matter 100hp per liter is pretty impressive in it's own right.
When the AVERAGE cost of a car is over $30k - $100k isn't all that much anymore.
The answer is generally yes.
The Cayman is lightweight mid-engine roadster with a hard top. It's not supposed to be a supercar. It does what it does, and it does it well.
This, however, is a "supercar" with less horsepower than the cheaper and more sedate S6.
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