Audi R8 605bhp. WOW quick is an understatement

[LeeH]

Got to have a quick play in this brand new R8 yesterday. Mate of mine has just started work at the Audi dealership, so I cheekily said go and grab the keys and let's go for a spin. So he did.

WOW it was quick, like light speed quick. But even in manual mode it still took over your down changes, which meant a 6th to 2nd gear drop whilst joining the motorway went rather quicker than anticipated.
Great fun and a well screwed together car that sounded awesome. That 5.2 V10 and 605bhp does sound nice under full throttle.

The dash was like something out of a play station game and the rest was just, well Audi!!!

It was fun and at £149,950 well out of my grasp, but I was actually happier getting back in my GS afterwards. There is just no getting away from the soul these Maserati's have

 

[Contigo]

Awesome car, drove the V8 when it first came out and it felt underpowered tbh but the V10 is a totally different car.

 

[alfatwo]

You should have tried 500 bhp in something that weighed in at old school 750 kilos....
It defiantly got your attention!

Dave

 

[ChrisQP09]

Transmission and power plant are the same as the Huracan. BUT when all is said and done, park her up get up the next morning, still an Audi for Ferrari money!

 

[D Walker]

Anyone had a V8 model, say 2008, 2009 ish?

 

[Contigo]

Anyone had a V8 model, say 2008, 2009 ish?

Nope driven one though, compared to the 4200 you will feel it has much less torque and the engine really needs to be revved to get the best out of it. The manual cars have a lovely gated gear stick although some prefer the later S Tronic dual-clutch transmission. Later 2010 cars had 10 bhp more. Coking engine issues need to be looked out for, RS4 I had suffered the same (same block) and some cars were really down on power. Shock absorbers (DRC) and AC issues are the big ones to worry about.

Nice package but for the same money I'd prefer a Maser and plus you get the extra seats. Like for like a GTS is much better value and a better car imo.

 

[D Walker]

Thanks Phil,
Options, but feeling restricted on availability,
Let's see what market is like in spring!
DW

 

[iainw]

Transmission and power plant are the same as the Huracan. BUT when all is said and done, park her up get up the next morning, still an Audi for Ferrari money!

Agreed. Just like the Porsche’s. Well engineered but clinical and dull.
I took out a McLaren and a vanquish our earlier this week. I was surprised at eh outcome!

 

[iainw]

Thanks Phil,
Options, but feeling restricted on availability,
Let's see what market is like in spring!
DW

You would be nuts to get an old R8 over a GTs Dave. Agree with Phil. The GTs looks and sounds better

 

[rockits]

Agreed. Just like the Porsche's. Well engineered but clinical and dull.
I took out a McLaren and a vanquish our earlier this week. I was surprised at eh outcome!

Outcome was?

 

[iainw]

Outcome was?

I had never really thought about a Maclaren before but was quite taken with the styling, the drive and the general feel of it.
The Aston was drop dead gorgeous and I was desperate to want it.
The back seats make the California feel look like a Bentley.
I was disappointed by the drive- but it was only the 6 speed I drove so can’t comment on the 8 speed.
The interior was sumptuous and I spent the first couple
Of minutes wondering how many cows had died in the process.. and how much alcantara and carbon could be in one place at the same time. It would look amazing parked up but I wouldn’t be excited to get in it. Whereas I am planning my next trip to McLaren Bristol. I need to test drive the 458 and I hope it
Helps me decide. I didn’t get chance to drive the V12 Vantage S - but would like to try before I take the plunge.

 

[rockits]

Interesting to know and it seems many are now starting to get the Maclaren's much more than the original MP4-12C's. Way out of my league but certainly something I would look at if circumstances changed. Don't knock it until you try it I guess.

The AM is a strange one and not sure why they bother with 2+2's as the back seats always seem pointless. Just let it be a 2 seater with a bit of storage. Even the Rapide's are pretty pointless in the back.

The V12 Vantage S has to be a strong contender for me. The Vantage V12 for me is the ideal thing. Great size/package with an AM V12....what's not to like?

 

[hashluck]

The AM is a strange one and not sure why they bother with 2+2's as the back seats always seem pointless. Just let it be a 2 seater with a bit of storage?

You can buy it as a 2+0 in Coupe form though not in the Volante for some reason. I agree makes more sense.

 

[Andyk]

Anyone had a V8 model, say 2008, 2009 ish?

Got to say the very early ones look good value these days.....Audi or not they cut a dash.

I like threw one....the small style updates suit it. Chris Harris had a yellow one on loan to test and was driving it around Chepstow.bit sound good and turned many heads. I know that it's Ferrari money as mentioned but it's very different as its a car you can use everyday as yes it's an Audi and that's a big selling point for some over the Ferrari and the like.

 

[Andyk]

I had never really thought about a Maclaren before but was quite taken with the styling, the drive and the general feel of it.
The Aston was drop dead gorgeous and I was desperate to want it.
The back seats make the California feel look like a Bentley.
I was disappointed by the drive- but it was only the 6 speed I drove so can’t comment on the 8 speed.
The interior was sumptuous and I spent the first couple
Of minutes wondering how many cows had died in the process.. and how much alcantara and carbon could be in one place at the same time. It would look amazing parked up but I wouldn’t be excited to get in it. Whereas I am planning my next trip to McLaren Bristol. I need to test drive the 458 and I hope it
Helps me decide. I didn’t get chance to drive the V12 Vantage S - but would like to try before I take the plunge.

Great choice to have Iain.......What Mclaren are you looking at.......?

For me it would be McLaren or V12 Vantage S but then you know I have a thing for the V12. I found the Vantage N430 more engaging and more fun than the 458. Yes the Ferrari was loads quicker but never really warmed to it. The McLaren 12c I drove was the quickest car I've ever driven and never found it sterile and clinical that some have said. The Aston paddle shift was never great but the Sportshift 111 was much better than the 11 but if you do drive the Vantage S try and drive the later manual as its so much more engaging and old school which is a good thing but will cost you more money as they are sought after and only a few years old....If you want company going to Bristol I would love to join you...I'm not working so free when ever. Have fun deciding buddy.

Ps...Had a feeling you were thinking McLaren as you had been dropping odd hint in your posts over the last few months. For me I think McLaren are starting to leave Ferrari behind with the cars they are producing but that's just me when I look at them.

 

[iainw]

Thanks Andy. Had a chat with a few forum sages and all have good advice.
John’s vanquish is just bloody stunning- especially with that interior.
I am quite excited about driving the V12 vantage S SS - I think I will know straight away then.
I am slightly moving away from the 458 even though I have managed to get some good figures on some.
It’s quite ‘look at me’ compared
To the AM and mclaren. Just need to find the right balance of drivers engagement and looks. Practicality has gone out of the window now

 

[Andyk]

Well you have a practical car so why not......Two seats, smaller....lots of fun...

 

[iainw]

Well you have a practical car so why not......Two seats, smaller....lots of fun...

The Evoque is going. I need a car like Dave W purchased as a run about now!

 

[D Walker]

The Evoque is going. I need a car like Dave W purchased as a run about now!

Go everywhere in mine now,
Really comfortable, couple of bits to sort when I get it serviced, well put together, no shakes or rattles.
I'd have another Golf, happily.

 

[rockits]

I've always fancied a 5 Door Golf GTi but the moons have never aligned. Looked at a GTi Edition 30 & they are silly money on top of a stock GTi.