008 gets behind the wheel of the R8

Agent008 submitted on 10/24/2007 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 12:19 PM
from: www.autospies.com

Tags: audi, r8

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audi

008 gets behind the wheel of the R8

The Spies have found their new favorite "super car" in the form of the Audi R8. It is a deliciously powerful, exceptionaly sexy all wheel drive rocket! The roads around Napa just can't do it justice, and luckily we had this baby out on the track at Infineon Raceway. Stay tuned for some great in-car video of our laps (watch out Michael Schumacher)! Full review to come shorlty, but suffice it to say that this car both looks and performs phenomenonally!

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Audi4Life - 10/24/2007 2:59:59 PM

+5 Boost

this is what lexus will never achieve "It is a deliciously powerful, exceptionaly sexy all wheel drive rocket!"

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DaHarder - 10/24/2007 3:09:53 PM

+3 Boost

If the LF-A is an accurate representation of the production Lexus 'super car', then I agree with everything but the 'exceptionally sexy' part.

Of course I'm certain that there are those for whom 'Anime Aesthetics' are appealing... I'm just not one of them.

The AUDI, on the other hand, is a Masterpiece!

DaHarder - 10/24/2007 3:15:58 PM

+3 Boost

Question:

How could anyone possibly justify buying a Gallardo (as much as I love that vehicle) over this?

Image/ego/over-compensation for other misgivings maybe?

Audi has really 'knocked one out of the park' with this one!

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nybimmer - 10/24/2007 3:58:13 PM

+2 Boost

009...if you're still there, pls ask the Audi folks when the r8's you flogged will be for sale as 'CPO's' thru www.audiusa.com

Its pretty lavish that they brought so many for you press people to flog around. Nice life!

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IamEvilHomer - 10/24/2007 7:17:24 PM

+2 Boost

most are not sellable
they will be taken apart and used to reserch

some probably don't even have vins

indifferent - 10/24/2007 3:59:55 PM

-1 Boost

i saw one of these at South Coast. it looked good exept for the side. The carbon fiber actully looks like someone patched up the car. Its a nice car, but if i could, i would rather go with a SL65 or base Ferrari... something like that

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Rupert - 10/24/2007 5:01:21 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

An SL65 is about twice as much as one of these...

indifferent - 10/24/2007 5:45:24 PM

0 Boost

really, well then disregard everything i just said

S4cabriofoxone - 10/24/2007 6:38:35 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

And it doesn't handle nearly as well, nor does it look nearly as good. You realize that you can get the side panel in body color, carbon, aluminum OR a contrasting paint?

IamEvilHomer - 10/24/2007 7:19:11 PM

+2 Boost

the carbon is some of the best carbon out there

Audi dosen't even offer the carbon side blade right now

daytonaviolet - 10/25/2007 9:05:10 AM

+3 Boost

I love the carbon side blade!

Chip - 10/24/2007 4:09:16 PM

+3 Boost

I dont usually care for Audi's, but this thing is sex on wheels.

What a beast, a beautiful one too.

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GermanNut - 10/24/2007 5:04:19 PM

+3 Boost

Hey 008, I'm glad you got the chance to see what Audi's R8 is truly capable of.

If you think its deliciously powerful, exceptionally sexy and an AWD road rocket now..... Wait for the V10 version to be released in 2008.

The V10 has been caught testing around the Nurburgring. That car will likely feature simplified grill work both front and rear, wider side scoops to provide greater cooling, massive ceramic brakes as standard and either a twin-turbocharged V8, or more likely a naturally aspirated 5.2 liter V10 developing a whopping 500 - 520 horsepower.

The whole deliciously powerful, exceptionally sexy and awd roadrocket description will be taken to whole new level.

I'm glad to see Audi further developing the R8, but we all knew this was coming from the start considering how much Research and Design Audi put into the R8.

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Agent008 - 10/24/2007 5:09:15 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

Also, given that Audi has now set up shop at Infineon (garages, performance driving center), expect them to continue to refine the race-like performance and handling characteristics of this and other performance models.

M53R - 10/24/2007 5:16:03 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

But how can the performance model of the R8 have less power than the new RS6? Isnt it supposed to be their supercar?!

Thats why I think they might use the same engine in the RS6, or even get more power out of it. (LeMans concept had 600+ hp)

S4cabriofoxone - 10/24/2007 6:39:36 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

Yeah, you're right, but it doesn't need more power because it weighs so much less. It will still be quicker and more fun, obviously.

M53R - 10/25/2007 7:56:20 AMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

I know, but usually the supercar has more hp than the rest of the line-up, thats all.

atomicbri - 10/24/2007 5:29:03 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

Awesome! I am jealous!! I want to try one out sooooo bad!

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Porschinator - 10/24/2007 5:37:19 PM

+3 Boost

Why the hell do people have to constantly bring LEXUS into each german car thread...re-tard-ed!!! Good or bad stick to the subject. R8 is not a dragster but an overall synergistic master piece!

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GermanNut - 10/24/2007 5:56:22 PM

+3 Boost

M53R, Audi's RS6 has more horsepower than the Audi R8 flagship supercar because the RS6 is designed to be a family/grocery hauler in avant form. The car weighs a lot more and was never designed to be a nimble, lightweight, dynamic master like the R8.

The R8 will be plenty fast with a 5.0 liter 500 horsepower V10, considering the current 4.2 liter, 420 horsepower, V8 has been clocked by Motortrend Magazine doing a 0-60 mph time of 3.9 seconds.

The R8 with V10 will easily break into the 3.6-3.8 second range. That is truly supercar performance rivaling Porsche's 911 Turbo.

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S4cabriofoxone - 10/24/2007 6:40:14 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

I think this is it. Really. The best car in the world. I'm just putting that out there. It does EVERYTHING so damn well.

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DaHarder - 10/25/2007 12:25:35 AM

-2 Boost

The Best Car In The World can really only be determined by what's best for a particular driver/owner.

Are you sure that your obvious like for Audi (as a brand) isn't influencing your opinion?

S4cabriofoxone - 10/25/2007 7:41:55 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

NO. Read ilikeautos's comment. The car does absolutely everything with such perfection. I was definitely not expecting a car this good to come from my favorite brand; I was content with their alternative image, beautiful interiors, sleek styling and great engines. But this takes it to a new level. I have a new, very deep respect for Audi that I didn't have before. This car is better than a BMW, it's better than a Porsche, it's better than an Aston Martin. It's right up there with the Lambos and Ferraris, for half the price--and it spanks them when it comes to everyday usability.

Before, I had no idea what the best car in the world really was for most people. But now, it is clear. This car's endless, raving reviews are obvious. The majority of those on Earth want the Audi R8...

mini22 - 10/24/2007 6:54:29 PM

0 Boost

It's a nice car. I must say though I'm preferable to the Porsche GT3. They are similar money and similar performance. The Audi has the security of AWD where as the GT3 is an animal. I've always been an animal lover.

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S4cabriofoxone - 10/24/2007 7:49:20 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

The GT3 is not something you would want to drive every day. It's more of a toy for the weekends. The R8 on the other hand is an all-in-one. That's why it's such an achievement.

gsh23 - 10/24/2007 8:12:05 PM

-1 Boost

too expensive

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S4cabriofoxone - 10/24/2007 9:08:45 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

Compared to what???

gsh23 - 10/24/2007 11:07:17 PM

0 Boost

its about 10k just shy of a 977 turbo. and the turbo comes with 2 extra seats. i dunno...

S4cabriofoxone - 10/24/2007 11:28:17 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

No, it doesn't, believe me. When I went to the Porsche dealer to drive the Cayenne S (for the wife) a few weeks back, my son, who is 5'9", volunteered to try the back seat. He sits quite comfortably in the rear of the S4 Cabriolet, but the Porsche was crushing him when the seat was halfway back. They're pretend seats, to keep the insurance costs down.

I love the Turbo, too, but with options it's a lot more money than the R8. The R8 (which is $23K less than the Turbo, BTW) is more comparable to a well-equipped C4S coupe, but the C4S isn't even close to loaded at $110K, either.

S4cabriofoxone - 10/24/2007 11:29:15 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

*He tried the back seat of a Carrera S convertible, forgot to put that in there. He was scared to try the Turbo coupe that was also there because of the roofline... but the interior of that Turbo is gorgeous with the full-leather package.

DaHarder - 10/25/2007 12:28:47 AM

+1 Boost

The back seats in the 911-Series are barely accommodating enough for a decent-sized brief case, let alone an actual human being... LOL!

Rupert - 10/25/2007 8:20:36 AMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

Lack of rear seat space reminds a lot of the old SL we had...I did a 4 hour journey sitting sideways on those rock hard benches in the back.
I brought extra pillows the next time.

GermanNut - 10/24/2007 8:14:00 PM

+4 Boost

Yes, it maybe slightly more expensive than your Porschee 911C4S or GT3, but the R8 will be an extremely rare car to see and own. Only 20 will be built per day.

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delan - 10/24/2007 9:28:38 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

I have delightful day dream sequences about this beauty.

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EL34 - 10/24/2007 10:11:04 PM

+2 Boost

When I go to my Audi dealer in Newport Beach I will purchase the R8 in silver.

The R8 looks great in silver ;)

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gsh23 - 10/24/2007 11:07:56 PM

+2 Boost

metallic grey is better

mini22 - 10/25/2007 1:11:05 AM

+1 Boost

The R8 certainly would be more drivable when the weather turns bad do to its AWD. Other than that It is not any more practicle then a GT3.A GT3 from what I've read has a firm but decent ride,has A/C,PASM etc.It's not in anyway a stripped out Porsche.The shape of the R8 is good.I'm just not in love with some of the details. That side sill that comes with the car is not an element I've ever been happy with.Those front grills under the headlights don't send me either.The interior dash is too much like other Audi sedans. Finally I've heard both engines on Utube and watched videos on the move. To me the engine sound in a GT3 is nicer then Audis V8.The A8 is a well engineered car but it's one I respect rather then lust after.The GT3 is the one I would have.

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S4cabriofoxone - 10/25/2007 1:24:51 AMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

I feel opposite. I respect the GT3 for its performance... but its bland interior design (if you think the R8's is bland, what about that one???) and the 997's popularity are off-putting. The R8 is downright sexy. I take it you've never seen one--the little details are lost in what is just an amazing-looking vehicle overall. I've seen 2. I've seen one 1 GT3, in white, and I love the looks but it's not sexy.

Matthew1 - 10/25/2007 4:57:44 AM

+5 Boost

nicad,

I've said it before, you speak utter bollocks at the best of times.

Kinger - 10/25/2007 5:38:44 AM

+2 Boost

nicad, Audi's interior's are widely regarded as the best in the industry. Lexus interiors are nice but they're over-hyped in my opinion.

Rupert - 10/25/2007 8:24:08 AMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

So how come you've seen the LF-A gauges even though no one else has?
Concept car gauges aren't usually followed through into final production...

And as for bashing Audi interiors, that just further cements your position as resident loon of Autospies.
Nicad, I have a late 90's 3 series dash, and they look about as similar as Arnold Schwarzenegger and Pamela Anderson. They curve to the driver (the dashboards, not Arnie or Pam), and that's the only similarity.

S4cabriofoxone - 10/25/2007 7:44:49 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

I think he IS talking about the E36.

Oh wow, they have similar air vents. If that's the only thing you can think to pick at in the R8, it's an amazing car.

Rupert - 10/25/2007 8:59:56 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

Don't even try to call me stupid nicad, I am talking about the E36. When I say I have an E36, I mean it. A 1997 3er convertible.

I know you can't see my face right now, but listen:

The E36 dash looks nothing like the R8's.

And the LF-A gauges...the fact they're neon blue, float in nothing and are quite hard to read indicates to me that they won't make it.

mini22 - 10/26/2007 6:19:54 PM

+1 Boost

S4-Thats the thing I've always liked the interior of the original 911.It was never flashy.Rather basic. The dash gave you all the info you ever really needed.You never got the sense it was there for flash or asthetics. It was there because it was necessary. In fact everything about the 911 since it's inception in 1963 was on the car because it's had a specific function. Everything about it that was developed for it to make it a better drivers car has been developed through racing. There is nothing extra that it needs if it's not functional.So that boring interior that you say the 911 has actually has always appealed to me. There is no bullshit about it.If it's not necessary the car doesn't have it.The GT3 to me is the ultimate development so far of the 911. The GT2 from what I've read is scarrier then shit because it's too much engine for a rear engined RWD car. Don't get me wrong the R8 is a great accomplishment from Audi. However from photos it so far does not do it for me.The Audi V8 just like the V8 in the M3 to me does not sound as nice as a Porsche flat six or even the inline 6 of the M3. Of course I've not seen an R8 in the flesh where I've sat in all Porsche models other then the Carrera GT.Soon Porsche is going to own Audi. It will be interesting to see what happens to the R8.

EL34 - 10/25/2007 3:22:10 PM

+1 Boost

I'm allowed on any track in any car.

That's was a fast Metro ;)

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Jag_xfr - 10/25/2007 5:59:40 AM

-1 Boost

Looks like a TT with stupid bands stuck to it's sides...

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	Agent008 Anything less than 6 cylinders is just plain silly
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