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Audi R8 Living it up on Rodeo Drive

Agent009 submitted on 11/30/2006 Official Bell & Ross Timestamp: 11:36:46 AM

79 user comments | Category: Spy Shots | Source: | SOURCE: blogs.edmunds.com

Tag Link: Audi R8

Last night, in Beverly Hills, Audi hosted yet another unveiling of its new R8 supercar, this time for dealers, customers and celebrities.

The party took place on Rodeo Drive, the swankiest shopping street in the world. There, directly in front of the Porsche Design store, we sipped bubbly and watched former 90210 star Ian Ziering check out Audi's new supercar. When that got boring we spoke to Johan de Nysschen the head of Audi in North America. Johan is always interesting, and tonight he told us, "There will be more powerful versions of the R8 later. More powerful versions and a convertible." He also said the R8 will cost between $110,000 and $115,000.

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User Comments

I'm sorry, but that car kicks major ass.

I don't even care about a future more powerful version or a convertible. It's fine as is.

I'm also hoping the R8 lights a fire under the butts of the Lexus and Acura designers to make their upcoming exotics just as special.
— answer (View Profile)

Posted on 11/30/2006 12:29:59 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

Has anyone noticed the blue LED lights that shine on the engine while underway? Nice touch.
— Neverfollow (View Profile)

Posted on 11/30/2006 12:34:24 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 6

The blue light is just a reflection of the blue coloured lights from the building, check the pic again, check the roof of the R8 too.
— Auto_Fan (View Profile)

Posted on 11/30/2006 7:51:43 PM | | Votes: 4

NeverFollow and Auto Fan you are both right... in the pic.. it is the reflection of the buildings lights on the car... however the R8 does have an option to have LEDs placed througout the engine bay for the blue lighting effect.... I know this becuase i saw it in person at the Manhattan Release
— KinGofNY (View Profile)

Posted on 12/1/2006 9:24:32 AM | | Votes: 5

Why brag about a more powerful version coming, when you haven't even sold this one yet? The president of Audi just turned this car into the "base" R8. Is that smart?

Porsche built such a following for the 911 that a Turbo version doesn't cut enthusiasm for the regular model. The base Carrera is seen as very cool.

Is Audi there yet, to speed up that process?
— audiot (View Profile)

Posted on 11/30/2006 1:34:27 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

I can tell you my store has a 2 1/2 year list on what you would call the base R8 and by the way there is a base version of almost every car on the market. I was there and can tell you photos do not do the car any justice at all. It is breathtaking to say the least in person. I want one but have to wait until my clients get thiers first. Damn....lol
— ThaR8Don (View Profile)

Posted on 12/1/2006 5:16:42 PM | | Votes: 1

I can tell you my store has a 2 1/2 year list on what you would call the base R8 and by the way there is a base version of almost every car on the market. I was there and can tell you photos do not do the car any justice at all. It is breathtaking to say the least in person. I want one but have to wait until my clients get thiers first. Damn....lol
— ThaR8Don (View Profile)

Posted on 12/1/2006 5:17:21 PM | | Votes: 1

Will there be a wagon?
— bmtrblu (View Profile)

Posted on 11/30/2006 1:35:56 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

best comment ever
— 1995e34 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/1/2006 4:08:50 PM | | Votes: 2

A supercar for 115k? With Cl550's around 140, this is a steal. Must be a blast to drive
— Autoegr525 (View Profile)

Posted on 11/30/2006 2:07:59 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4

cl550? is that the Mercedes new CL you are talking about? I didn't know it was $140K
— 07mcs (View Profile)

Posted on 11/30/2006 2:33:54 PM | | Votes: 2

cl550 isn't 140k the cl600 is. cl550 will run you 100k
— cpm990 (View Profile)

Posted on 11/30/2006 2:46:59 PM | | Votes: 3

This car is too hot to trot. That's a new one!
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 11/30/2006 2:31:10 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

I don't know but for my money, I will rather buy a 997 Carrera S. should be about the same in performance 0-60mph in 4.6sec (mfg. data), and I love the classic lines of the venerable 911.
— 07mcs (View Profile)

Posted on 11/30/2006 2:36:26 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

with your money you will stick with used Ford Escorts :)
— IamEvilHomer (View Profile)

Posted on 11/30/2006 5:02:17 PM | | Votes: -4

Oh I get it :)
— IamEvilHomer (View Profile)

Posted on 12/1/2006 4:31:35 PM | | Votes: -1

Very nice car and I am sure a very nice event.
— chewy (View Profile)

Posted on 11/30/2006 3:40:41 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

evilhomer:

is that what you drive? sorry but I don't drive any american crap like the escort.

Try E320 & E500. Soon 2007 X5
— 07mcs (View Profile)

Posted on 11/30/2006 5:32:27 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

byusu - so you drive Chrisler I meen Dimler
— IamEvilHomer (View Profile)

Posted on 12/1/2006 12:53:25 PM | | Votes: 0

If that is what you want to call a Mercedes. Don't know what you have against them.
— 07mcs (View Profile)

Posted on 12/1/2006 1:06:12 PM | | Votes: 2

crap. get the bimmer, you cheapskates. this gets funnier everyday.
— AmazingBimmer (View Profile)

Posted on 11/30/2006 6:38:04 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -11

You know you want it. JEALOUSY...

logical at least ADMITTED that he wanted the R8- and that was before the camo was pulled off. Now, you're just lying. (I'm sorry MDalle, but...) The M6 can't touch this. It's too heavy, too expensive and too much of a GT cruiser.

If it had the R8's engine, it wouldn't even be a comparison. But it has an advantage in the form of the V10- and I guarantee you, even without the V10, the R8 will drive better.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 11/30/2006 8:23:36 PM | | Votes: 3

001 didn't you boot Logical? He is back under this screenname
— IamEvilHomer (View Profile)

Posted on 12/1/2006 12:54:38 PM | | Votes: -1

Yes, MDalle, I don't think it's a fair comparison, either. I saw the M6 at the dealer-beautiful! Don't worry, you made a great choice. But it's not fair for AmazingBimmer to embarrass himself and compare the M6 to this.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 12/1/2006 6:43:30 PM | | Votes: 2

AmazingBimmer, you obviously lack any commonsense.

LEARN ELEMENTARY MATH YOU MORON.

An Audi R8 "nicely equipped" runs in the $110-115K range.

A BMW M6 "fully loaded" is $109K.

This means that a fully loaded Audi R8 is MORE expensive than a BMW M6.

BMW M6 is crap. Such a heavy car, such poor Nurburgring lap times and such a ridiculous price for something that CAN NOT PERFORM in the twisties, which is the definition of a PURE driver's car.
— GermanNut (View Profile)

Posted on 11/30/2006 7:00:06 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

You sound like you're making a shopping list at Costco. "The R8 nicely equipped is so much less than...."

That's the problem with Audi. It's for saving money. Buy your shiny new R8 and save a few bucks. LOL.
— audiot (View Profile)

Posted on 12/1/2006 11:30:13 AM | | Votes: 0

You don't hear Porsche Turbo driver's saying they are worried that the BMW M5 or M6 can almost chase them down in the straights because we know in the twisties the Turbo rips those two Bimmers alive.

The Turbo is a true, pure driver's car.
— GermanNut (View Profile)

Posted on 11/30/2006 7:01:23 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

Sorry, a BMW M6 fully loaded is only $101,595.

Damn BMW cheapstakes, get the Audi R8 because when it comes time to track-times and pure driver's car bragging rights.....the Audi wins.
— GermanNut (View Profile)

Posted on 11/30/2006 7:08:40 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

the m6 is a GT car. NOT A SUPERCAR. the R8 is a SUPERCAR. they are in different leagues!!!! Don't compare cars that ought not to be compared! If BMW built a "Z10" or whatever, that would compete with the R8.
— synx (View Profile)

Posted on 12/1/2006 4:18:34 PM | | Votes: 3

I'll play GermanNut game.

Audi boys..the csl Nurburgring lap times was better then any audi. and the M6 0-60 was at 4.1

and wait for the new M3, it will crash the RS4..

AT lest BMW M cars changes after 6 to 7 years. unlike AMG and RS..they change every 2 to 3 years.

The E55 To E63 in 3 years.

and Audi needed a V8 to beat the M3. so when the M3 beat the RS4, audi will need a V10 to beat it

— 528i (View Profile)

Posted on 11/30/2006 9:27:36 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

Wait wait ... Audi need a V8 to beat an M3.... is that why BMW is responding with a V8 in the next M3.... your reasoning is off... BMW had no choice but to put a V8 into into its next M3 to make it competitive... I stress ...HAD NO CHOICE....
— KinGofNY (View Profile)

Posted on 12/1/2006 9:34:10 AM | | Votes: 0

Your opinion is irrelevent. Keep trashtalking with your eight year old, USED 528i.
— AUDIMAN4 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/1/2006 12:21:27 PM | | Votes: 0

528i - when the M3 comes out the RS4 production will be near the end. We will be talking about the new S4/ RS4 by then. BMW a day late and a dollar short
— IamEvilHomer (View Profile)

Posted on 12/1/2006 12:57:24 PM | | Votes: 0

Actually the new M3's Audi competitor will be the RS 5, not the next gen RS 4.

The RS 5 will be a coupe (instead of a the S4's sedan body type). Power will come from a new higher displacement V8 (with FSI and ValveLift) rated somewhere between 450 and 500hp.

— Anim8or (View Profile)

Posted on 12/1/2006 6:14:05 PM | | Votes: 2

back to the topic,

the R8 is sexy car. I can't wait for the V10.
— 528i (View Profile)

Posted on 11/30/2006 9:29:03 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

Good that will make BMW one day throw a V10 into the M3.

AmazingBimmer has already said that he likes the R8 in MANY of his previous posts throughout this forum, S4CabrioFox.

There is no denying it, the Audi R8 has effectively gone away from the vanilla design philosophy that is apparent in most Audis of old and new. Secondly, the R8 has created the mid-engine exotic category for a not so exotic price.

This means BMW and Mercedes-Benz will most probably join this segment and we will have two or three additional supercars for a fraction of the Lamborghini Gallardo and Ferrari F430 price.
— GermanNut (View Profile)

Posted on 11/30/2006 9:38:19 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

R8 aka. Non-Audi engineered > M6 all day...The m6 is a fing tank..And the R8 is teh SEX...nicer than the gallardo, but Igive no credit to audi, except on the exterior design.
— BMWreplicat (View Profile)

Posted on 11/30/2006 9:43:58 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2

By the time that BMW makes something that can challange the R8 Audi will have a much more powerful version ready to go. That is if BMW will even attempt at competing with Audi in this segment.
— chewy (View Profile)

Posted on 11/30/2006 11:16:20 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

Caltrans..thanks..and a good place to start will be the latest EVO or TOP GEAR. The R8 just touches all your senses in the right way, and for those who can't read, click on the link below for the launch in NYC. There were gasps of awe when the car pulled into visible range. Amazing!! Only a real car can stir the emotions in such a fashion from just looking at it. As we speak, some of the usual suspects are sitting in their basic appliances watching their mpg readings, and calculating the $2 they save which each fill up!!

FYI..Audi has created a new segment that BMW and Benz will be aiming to occupy in the next few years. Watch and enjoy....
http://www.youtube.com/watchv=g5qY3GAm134&mode=related&search=
— TheGenius (View Profile)

Posted on 11/30/2006 11:29:39 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

BMW and MB finally realize that Audi is gaining some serious ground in the performance sector. We saw it first with the previous RS6, now we're beginning to see performance models (RS4, R8) trump BMW and MB models.

No comparison between this and the M6. The 6 is average at best in its regular form, not to mention the interior.
— AUDIMAN4 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/1/2006 4:07:24 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

the R8 is damn good looking, and I have to give it up to audi cause they are slowly starting to really compete with the big dogs. As far as being a Porsche killer, no way cause porsche's don't get beat, and thats fact. And for the money i'd still get a Porsche or the AM V8 Vantage over the audi, cause in the end it's still an audi and you just don't get the same street cred with an audi.
— MBKing (View Profile)

Posted on 12/1/2006 4:47:02 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

I don't know about the street cred, but in my country Audi's are up there with BMW and MB, but I agree with you, I would chose a Porsche over the Audi.
— 07mcs (View Profile)

Posted on 12/1/2006 12:21:39 PM | | Votes: 3

I agree too, which is why I still want a Porsche!

The 911 is unbeatable. If it hasn't been beaten in over 45 years, it won't be beaten now!

But, like EVO magazine said, the R8 is the biggest threat to the 911's dominance we've ever seen. We'll see how it plays out.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 12/1/2006 6:50:08 PM | | Votes: 2

If I cared about what someone like you on the side of the street thought I'd get a boxster, because hell it's a porsche right? I care about the badge right? So let me get a boxster so people think i'm cool. No, rookie, learn a little bit more about cars and take pride in their heritage and their generations of development before you talk ish.
— MBKing (View Profile)

Posted on 12/2/2006 1:33:18 PM | | Votes: 3

P.S. dont compare a crappy M6 to a work of art... the R8 is so sexy... so stricking... the 6 series exterior is some what fresh... but at the same time very odd-ballish... it just looks weird... the M6 might be quick in a straight line, but it can be out handled twisties by a 350z.. a car 25% of the M6... now that is embarrassing... how would anyone with commonsense think that the M6 would ever give the R8 a run...

I would never buy a M6... even if i won a free one... Ill take a check, fork up the difference and get myself a R8.. no question.
— KinGofNY (View Profile)

Posted on 12/1/2006 9:48:36 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

For $110K I think the Porsche GT3 offers more performance. It is also a limited production car, even though the overall shape is similar to the 997, which I know some will argue that is why the R8 is such a bargain, exotic looks and performance. But everyone has his own opinion. And I like the Porsche shape better. Just my opinion.
— 07mcs (View Profile)

Posted on 12/1/2006 12:19:17 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Agreed. Audi has a LONG way to go before this iRobot car is considered a Porsche-killer. The thing isn't even out yet.
— audiot (View Profile)

Posted on 12/1/2006 12:59:23 PM | | Votes: -1

audiot, I'm not even replying. You've turned yourself into a complete Audi-basher.

And on the GT3- it's amazing, but completely different. The GT3 is so stripped down compared to the R8. It's like comparing a Lotus Elise to a BMW M3. Of course the Elise will be the better performance car, but the M3 offers a better all-around package. It's the same with GT3 vs. R8. The R8's closest 911 competitor is the C4S, and the V-10 version's competitor will be the Turbo.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 12/1/2006 6:52:29 PM | | Votes: 4

Reviews say it is the best competition to ever go up against the 911.
— GermanNut (View Profile)

Posted on 12/1/2006 2:55:07 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

Yes, max of 15 per day will be built. So 4,000 and change at the most. The price is very reasonable for such performance, looks, and exclusivity.
— chewy (View Profile)

Posted on 12/1/2006 9:14:49 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

In real estate I compare homes that are similar to figure out the price and the same is true with cars.

Can't really compare the R8 with the M6, now can we?
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/1/2006 11:24:36 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

One review said that it handles better than a Ferrari F430!!!
— chewy (View Profile)

Posted on 12/1/2006 7:01:07 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

audi suxs, germannut how fast does your Audi A3 go 0 to 60. even through the R8 is on rodeo drive, let me remind you audi fans is the ninth ranked prestige brand in largest auto market in the U.S. ( See last month's autospies post) maybe you can get a VW version of the Gallado.
— Larry (View Profile)

Posted on 12/1/2006 7:55:59 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2

My Audi A3 2.0T DSG goes from 0-60mph in 6.1 seconds. It's quicker than a BMW 330i with an automatic.

GermanNut doesn't have an A3.

And don't worry, my S4 is much faster than the A3... but I enjoy driving both.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 12/1/2006 8:05:26 PM | | Votes: 3

Larry, The Volkswagen version of the Gallardo can still eat alive any BMW on the Ring. We know the V10 is confirmed at a price most likely north of $125K considering a "nicely equipped" V8 comes in at $110-115K.

I know you simply can't accept the fact that Audi, yes Audi, the brand that is ranked ninth in prestige in the largest auto market in the U.S. is creating a car with exotic looks, a high-price tag and the track credentials to match.

You are drooling at the fact that the V10 is now confirmed and Audi has said that Lamborghini has no bearing at all on the performance of its cars.

Understand that the V10 R8 will mean business. If the V8 can go 0-62 in 4.6 or 0-60 in 4.3 and will likely be faster than that...I know you realize what the V10 is capable of.

Larry you are jealousy in its most pure form.

We know MORE powerful versions are confirmed and Audi had stated that it as a brand and its image is all together different than the brand and image of Lamborghini.

The Lamborghini is more of an uncivilized car for daily use, meanwhile the R8 is meant to be a more civilized and easier to live with version of the Gallardo.
— GermanNut (View Profile)

Posted on 12/1/2006 9:54:28 PM | | Votes: 1

Ninth under one very unscientific survey with only 500 limited responses. Audi ranks much higher among real money and the general population.
— AUDIMAN4 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/1/2006 10:34:33 PM | | Votes: 1

Oh gosh, Caltrans is one of those arrogant middle aged assholes on a high horse...

No sense in arguing BMW > Audi all day. Thats why people aspire to MB and BMW...not Audi...

The same reason that BMW techs (me) Make nearly double of what Audi techs make.
— BMWreplicat (View Profile)

Posted on 12/1/2006 10:12:08 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2

So BMW is superior because it has a better image? Stupid logic. Audi is engineering some of the most advanced technologies and now starting to kick BMW's ass in the performance arena.

This kind of arrogant attitude at BMW is exactly what prompted Audi to release the RS4. Keep it up, slowly but surely Audi's product assault will knock you off your high horse.
— AUDIMAN4 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/1/2006 10:37:07 PM | | Votes: 1

Your right...every secretary I know aspires to have a 3-series or a C-class so she can get some di** and find a rich man.
— Occarnut (View Profile)

Posted on 12/2/2006 8:08:14 AM | | Votes: 1

Looks like the R8's so good that even Sanders can't help but ditch his Corvette for it.

This car has already really grown on me...Pictures don't really do the R8 justification considering how low it sits.
— MunichRob (View Profile)

Posted on 12/2/2006 5:43:51 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4

Wow... I didn't click on the article until today. That other picture is so beautiful... God it's up there with the AM V8 in my book! I didn't know they could create something so stunning!

Chewy-

Is that you on Straightline? "chewym"?
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 12/2/2006 8:12:50 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

Yes.
— chewy (View Profile)

Posted on 12/3/2006 2:09:22 AM | | Votes: 0

Larry, people are oohing and aahing over this car.

Look at how blown away Automobile Magazine was in their preview:

Significance: Simply put, the R8 is one of the sexiest machines we've ever seen. It it were human, we would sell a kidney on the black market to buy it a wedding ring. We're sure it will be great to drive, but that hardly even matters.

Your jealously is sickening.
— GermanNut (View Profile)

Posted on 12/2/2006 9:20:04 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

^ ^
I hope they don't mean one of my Bimmers kidneys! ;)
— MunichRob (View Profile)

Posted on 12/3/2006 7:46:17 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

This is a true exotic unlike the M6 or the MB SL55AMG. Definately worth the price of admission.
— chewy (View Profile)

Posted on 12/4/2006 1:59:31 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

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Audi R8 Living it up on Rodeo Drive

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