43 Votes

Is Audi's pricing of the R8 going over the top??

GermanNut submitted on 12/5/2006 Official Bell & Ross Timestamp: 4:38:11 PM

86 user comments | Category: Spy Shots | Source: www.autospies.com

Tag Links: R8, pricing, Porsche, 911, C4S, AM, V8

With the newly launched R8 supercar, Audi is looking to break into the exotic car segment.

Currently, it finds it main competitors (BMW and Mercedes-Benz) without a car in this segment.

Audi has marketed the car as a Porsche 911 competitor. With pricing supposed to be slightly higher than a Porsche 911 C4S, the comparison would be proper. However, Audi executive Johan de Nyschen has announced that for a "nicely-equipped" R8, one should look to pay between $110-115K. A 911 C4S usually sells in the range of $95-105K depending on options, unless one goes ballistic and checks off every option available on the Porsche options list (which is as lengthy as options list get).

This would mean that the R8 at base price would start at around $100K considering the options list would easily be $10K if you include the R-tronic transmission option which itself is around a $5K option. There will probably be an upgraded sound system from Bang & Olufsen, as well as a navigation/technology package.

de Nyschen also confirmed that there will be more powerful versions of the R8 in the near future.

If a V8 R8 will price out at $115K nicely equipped, the more powerful version, most likely featuring a V10, will probably be based at $120K+ with options ticking the price tag north of $135K.

The V10 will undoubtedly offer supercar performance, but the price-tag is creeping awfully close to Ferrari F430 and Lamboghini Gallardo territory.

The image of Ferrari and Lamborghini, many would say is too high for Mercedes-Benz, BMW or Audi to compete with.

About the Author

— GermanNut (View Profile)

User Comments

I don't really know...it seems reasonable and people will be willing to pay for the car anyway, so is it really an issue. However, I guess if I had that money, I'd be more likely to buy the equivalent Ferrari or Lambo....maybe an Aston....maybe a Jag XKR...maybe a Merc CL.....or an M6.....damn, this is complicated.
— Murcielago_LP640 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/5/2006 4:43:38 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

maybe, but why the 911, lamborghini based or not thats way to much for an audi, especially one that one out run the companys own rs4, which is a .1 faster than the $40,000 335i. thats 10,000 more than an m6 with more luxury, more space, more power, and more performance in a lesser brand, is this about as much as a aston v8 vantage, or the porsche 911 gt3 that is also faster than this car, a zo6 40,000 cheaper, sounds like a waste of money to me, a cadillac cts-v should not be as fast as this car an almost full size heavy 5 seater with 20 less horses good job audi....
— bmwdrvr (View Profile)

Posted on 12/5/2006 8:41:26 PM | | Votes: 4

Do people that spent $120,000 on a car actually care whether or not is is $5,000 more expensive?
— Gabriel (View Profile)

Posted on 12/6/2006 3:19:27 PM | | Votes: 2

the point is why pay any premium for a lesser brand car, thats slower, heavier, and just offers less period
— bmwdrvr (View Profile)

Posted on 12/6/2006 6:44:18 PM | | Votes: 2

Its all about brand loyalty. If you got it, get it. If not then hop on the bandwagon.
— BMWreplicat (View Profile)

Posted on 12/5/2006 4:50:43 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

No, the pricing reflects the technology of the car. It shares a number of components with the Lambo, that Porsche doesn't.

— AUDIMAN4 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/5/2006 4:52:21 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

With so many cars with similar price tags in the form of the Aston Martin V8, Porsche 911 Turbo, BMW M6, Mercedes CL63 AMG, the R8 in its most powerful form will have to offer some downright outrageous performance.

I think to be competitive, the R8 in V10 form will have to offer 0-60 times in the range of 3.4-3.7 seconds, 1/4 mile times in the 11.6-11.9 range and Nurburgring lap tipes in the 7:43-7:48 range.

Only if the R8 in V10 accomplishes all these performance feats will it truly be considered on par in performance with the Ferrari F430, Lamborghini Gallardo, Porsche 911 Turbo etc...

If Audi can keep the pricing at around $135K for a "nicely-equipped" R8 w/V10 it will have itself a true supercar in terms of performance for a price that is cheaper than basically all of its competitors except perhaps the 911 Turbo.

One could argue that the Audi would offer the same brilliant handling and driving dynamics with a more exotic look to it than the Turbo or even GT3 for that matter.
— GermanNut (View Profile)

Posted on 12/5/2006 4:52:22 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -6

I think it's fair. It will come with much more standard equipment than the C4s. The most important factor is how it drives/handles. If the preformance is there, the buyers will be too. Expect it to do well.
— iown1 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/5/2006 4:57:10 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5

porsche have like no styandard equipment anyway. aren't electric seats an option?
porsche would make windows an option if they could.
— Rupert (View Profile)

Posted on 12/5/2006 5:22:41 PM | | Votes: 4

The option list is incredibly long and yes electric seats are an option. The more expensive the model the more options that are included but no where near similarly priced cars. The base model 911 doesn't even have self-dimming mirrors as standard!
— iown1 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/5/2006 5:57:46 PM | | Votes: 2

Yes. I was surprised when I built my Carrera Cabriolet for fun online. $98K, and that's with options such as xenons, heated power front seats, full leather interior (ridiculously priced, at that- you can't get heated seats without it), navigation system, high-end stereo with six disc CD player (I probably don't need this), etc...
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 12/5/2006 8:07:56 PM | | Votes: 1

As a consumer I look at it this way. For $120K I can buy an R8, Porsche 911GT3, Porsche 911 C4S, I would choose the Porsche anyday. Porsche represents history, cache and performance. Audi might have the performance, but not the same history Porsche offers or the exclusivity that the brand represents. Key here Represents, because If I was gonna spend my money on a sports car, I would not buy the Boxter or the Cayman. Only the 911 will do.

— 07mcs (View Profile)

Posted on 12/5/2006 5:07:38 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

sorry, meant to say $115K
— 07mcs (View Profile)

Posted on 12/5/2006 5:09:35 PM | | Votes: 1

Actually that is not correct.
Audi has more History and racing history than Porsche does...
Audi was the first manufacturer to introduce a mid engine race car and the first in 1937 to break the 250 mph mark!!!
Porsche did not have its first car until the late 40's early 50's.
The R8 is named after the most dominant race car in motorsport history...THAT is heritage and cache to me.
The R8 will be also a whole lot more exclusive than the 911!!
— AlexTx (View Profile)

Posted on 12/5/2006 6:04:24 PM | | Votes: 1

porsche was invented by ferdinand, who invented the beetle. the 356 and beetle are very similar cars i believe.
auto union has been around longer.
— Rupert (View Profile)

Posted on 12/5/2006 6:32:33 PM | | Votes: 1

I agree- which is why I'm still going to get a 911 over this.

But...

"...or the exclusivity that the brand represents."

The R8 will be far more exclusive than the 911 is.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 12/5/2006 8:08:58 PM | | Votes: 1

OK, I knew you guys would crucify me for not really being specific and say that "yes, Audi has been longer" What I meant by History of the brand, is that Porsche is a lot more well known for it motorsports history, due to its success with the 911 model from the 60's until present in the many series that they race in.

and Caltrans you get a clue as to the marque that has won the most races in motorsport history.
To the General Public, If you tell them I drive an Audi, they will say OK, but i bet you tell them you have a Porsche they will go wow, which one, can I see it and so on. That is what the Porsche name brand brings in terms of exclusivity.

Yes, I agree the R8 will be more exclusive, The 911 was first produced in 1963, obviously there will be a lot more of them on the road.

Regardless of you Audi Supporters. Everyone is entitled to their opinions and I much rather buy a 911. Not bashing on Audi. For Sedans they offer a really nice one in the A8, but for a sports cars I prefer Porsche, simple as that
— 07mcs (View Profile)

Posted on 12/6/2006 11:25:45 AM | | Votes: 2

S4Cabriofoxone:

R8 might be more exclusive than the 911, But Audi and Porsche as a brand, PORSCHE is more exclusive.
— 07mcs (View Profile)

Posted on 12/6/2006 12:30:03 PM | | Votes: 2

"R8 might be more exclusive than the 911, But Audi and Porsche as a brand, PORSCHE is more exclusive."

True. And like I've said, I'm still getting the Porsche!

A main reason would be that I know the 911 is perfection in engineering- I don't know about the R8 yet. The 911 also comes in convertible, which I need, and an R8 Spyder (if it comes out) would probably be too much $$$.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 12/6/2006 6:12:35 PM | | Votes: 2

The price point for the R8 is very fair. It is the most unique car to come out in some time. Comparing it to a 911 isn't fair as the R8 is much more of an exotic.

When compared to a Ferrari (which I think is fair to do) you get a car with much more daily-drivability for much less money.
— answer (View Profile)

Posted on 12/5/2006 5:30:12 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Well, by daily-drivability I meant this: I could spend that kind of money on an R8, drive it to work every day if I wanted to, and not have to worry about it too much in parking lots.

Call me crazy, but I like to drive the cars I own. I don't buy them to impress the valet guys (which the R8 will regardless).

MDalle, please leave your judgemental crap elsewhere. Being fond of this R8 doesn't mean I don't love Ferraris too. Being of fan of Lexus doesn't mean I am not a fan of BMW. Grow up a little and open your mind.
— answer (View Profile)

Posted on 12/5/2006 5:48:35 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

r8 over f430, no way, unless sheeps fly.
— sewingmachine (View Profile)

Posted on 12/5/2006 8:08:49 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2

No your not taking crazy pills. That would be lexusis350. What people are refering to is the price range. The R8 will be much more accessible than the Mclaren.

— iown1 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/5/2006 6:08:59 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

iown1-
So what exactly do you own. My guess is a Chevy Corsica. And I'm not on crazy pills. Can you look in the past and show me when Audiwagen has ever gotten an award for being reliable cars? No. Why, because they aren't good cars. The only people who won't admit that is Audiwagen's fanboys.
— lexusis350 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/5/2006 6:14:28 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3

I have a 2004 A8L. And no I'm not a badge whore. Actually when my lease is up in about 6mths. I plan on test driving a Merc S class again (I want the CL but they don't usually let you test drive those, the new LS and a Quattroporte. I really don't care about what are essentially useless awards and quality surveys. I have had two Audis with zero (0) problems, so you see what ever quality issues they may have, have yet to effect me. Therefore, I would consider buying another one.

What struck me about your post, however, is that you, who are obviously a Lexus fan, have the audacity to point the finger at VW/Audi for rebadging. And that, my friend, is why I still think your on crazy pills.
— iown1 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/5/2006 6:26:55 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4

lexusis350, can you please act like a gentleman once in a while?
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/5/2006 7:33:02 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

>>"Currently, it finds it main competitors (BMW and Mercedes-Benz) without a car in this segment."

Soo.. Am I taking crazy pills or is the Mercedes Mclaren SLR not a super car?
<<

MB SLR is indeed a supercar, but "supercar" has subclassifications.

The R8, even in V10 trim is not in the same class as the SLR or a Carrera GT, both of which are $450k plus. The R8 makes a good “entry level” supercar and I think it’s priced about right. Mercedes and BMW do have cars in this segment – the M6 or Z8 for BMW and the CL65 and SL64 AMG are comparable in performance and exclusivity. BMW stopped production on the Z8, so maybe that’s off the table for comparison. The advantage the Audi R8 has here is that the R8 is “borrowed down” from the Gallardo (engine, chassis), which will irritate some Gallardo owners, while the M6, CL65 and SL65 are “borrowed up” from lower end models that cost half as much, which make their styling less exclusive and unique.
— indoctrin8ed (View Profile)

Posted on 12/5/2006 8:01:52 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

The R8 doe NOT borrow the engine and chassis of the Gallardo.
The Gallardo doesn't have a V8 and the R8 uses an all new designed ASF. So not the chassis of the Gallardo.
— Heyhuub (View Profile)

Posted on 12/6/2006 3:11:14 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

iown1-
"And no I'm not a badge whore."

So you're just a regular whore then?
— lexusis350 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/7/2006 12:01:27 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

In my opinion, Volkswagen (sometimes known as Audi) are all overpriced pieces of dog crap. They are good-for-nothing cars.
— lexusis350 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/5/2006 6:02:57 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -10

And Lexus (aka Toyota in the rest of the world) are all relabeled and overpriced Toyota. Some comes with self-parking systems that doesn't even work correctly.
— monkeyrun (View Profile)

Posted on 12/5/2006 6:52:28 PM | | Votes: 3

lexusis350, go on down to the Audi dealer and I'll bet you act like a kid in a candy store.
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/5/2006 7:34:43 PM | | Votes: 3

good, you will be the only one with that opinion after people drive the R8, lexusis350.
— GermanNut (View Profile)

Posted on 12/5/2006 6:22:38 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

Wow.. the R8 is already being compared to Ferrari and Porsche.
Most people dont buy the above for Performance numbers but for what the brands represent.
Ferrari is a vital part of Formula1 with a history of racing. You dont just buy a an italian car you buy the prancing horse that represent people like Enzo Ferrai , Juan Fangio and Michael Schumacher etc.
Porsche has built its rep in GT racing. They make some of the best racing cars available. I think its was in a GT300 class in Japan that the team owner for a nissan car was saying that one day a japanese manufacturer will make race cars like Porsche as every single component has been calibrated to last a set number of race hours.
— izfuney (View Profile)

Posted on 12/5/2006 6:55:44 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

I agree with you, Audi is a longer established name, but Porsche has probably won the most races in history in the many different racing categories that they have entered the 911 and its derivatives into.

— 07mcs (View Profile)

Posted on 12/6/2006 12:56:04 PM | | Votes: 2

It's a great thing. Finally, Audi has received the recognition it has deserved for a long time.

Audi is being mentioned with the likes of Ferrari, Porsche, Aston Martin etc....

Yet, it is a poor man's BMW. I love the BMW supporters.
— GermanNut (View Profile)

Posted on 12/5/2006 7:00:54 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

"
I hate to agree it" but Audi had pretty much created a master piece with it R8. When the R8 V10 come out and if it had the same performance as the F430 and Gallardo it pretty scary. Everyone has their favorite brand, personally with the price of the R8 I go with Aston Martin V8 Vantage. And with the price of the R10, I go with the Gallardo. All the car I had mention is definitly a great achievement for the auto designing and engineering department.

Hopefully when Lexus come out with it Lexus LF-A it has super exotic car performance like the Gallardo and Ferrari. I know..I know... this an Audi thread but come on....I'm a Lexus fan after all remember? LOL:)

Lexus
— Lexus (View Profile)

Posted on 12/5/2006 7:01:05 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

If you seriously would purchase an AUDI R8 over a FERRARI F430 then we have way to many audi lovers here and some serious problems. The F430 is an evolved machine the R8 is like a first attempt by a company that makes girly cars to shake the king of performance, porsche. Please don't compare any Ferrari to an Audi. It's funny when there's bickering among the big three (Audi, BMW, & Merc) but it's just plain stupid when you put audi on the same level as Ferrari.
— MBKing (View Profile)

Posted on 12/5/2006 7:26:16 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Don't reach a little deeper for the Gallard, because the gallardo is an uncivilized version of the R8.

Your supposed to drive the R8 to work everyday and not feel the harsh ride.

The Gallardo i supposed to be your weekend track ride with a very unforgiving suspension.
— GermanNut (View Profile)

Posted on 12/5/2006 7:27:41 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

The R8 is sure to have excellent performance. It looks like a true exotic. It has a truly luxury interior. Only 500 copies will come here each year most likely. The combination of all that together easily justifies the price asked.
— chewy (View Profile)

Posted on 12/5/2006 7:35:19 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

Sell/trade in your Lexus and upgrade to an Audi today.
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/5/2006 7:37:02 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Like I said before, and I'm probably gunna get negative boosted....Audi is the Poorman's BMW/M-Benz (As much as I hate M-Benz)....and also...one word....Lexus LF-A
— blueice4589 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/5/2006 7:44:14 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -5

Wrong again,

There is noting like the Q7 by the other German companies.

Drive the S8 and get back to me about poor people not avording an MB or BMW.

As for that Lexus LF-A, that car will never come out.
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/5/2006 7:48:29 PM | | Votes: 1

why u think that way? Have u ever driven an Audi or Benz? u Idiot.... ? Can u afford a MB?

So Acura equal to poorman's Lexus???
I don't get it, get a life go to postsecondary school plz....
— hkaudi (View Profile)

Posted on 12/6/2006 2:28:01 AM | | Votes: 3

of course Audi is the Poorman's BMW.

The Audi R8 with V10 is only going to have a higher base price than any BMW ever produced.
— GermanNut (View Profile)

Posted on 12/5/2006 7:47:26 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

And now it will be the poor man's Lamborghini as well.
— indoctrin8ed (View Profile)

Posted on 12/5/2006 8:04:57 PM | | Votes: 3

Also the Audi A8L 6.0 W12 has a higher base price than the BMW 760Li and can be optioned to a higher price tag as well.

With that in mind, Audi must be for people who CAN'T afford a BMW, even though there are Audi owners out there, who for the amount they paid for their Audi, could afford to buy any single BMW model ever produced.

That must make those Audi owners poorer than BMW owners, even though they paid more for their Audi than any BMW owner paid for their BMW.
— GermanNut (View Profile)

Posted on 12/5/2006 7:49:35 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

"As for that Lexus LF-A, that car will never come out."

Unless you are a Toyota Exec from Japan, I wouldnt even make that remark. Toyota/Lexus are very very quiet about what products are in dev.
While Audi's super car is all nice, it will be stretch to say that it will have the catchet of Ferrari/Porsche or even the bling bling cars like Aston Martiin/Lambo..
Other then that I wish them the best of luck .. Though i never quite figured what the hell the VW group is up to .... Audi / Lambo / Bentley all eating from the same pot and even VW with its Phaeton pretensions.
sigh !!
Audi would do so much better if they came out with a smaller crossover based on the A4 or developed a coupe line or more engine options. The 3 series is the bread earner for the BMW group .. cant quite say the same for Audi.. While the Audi A4 2.0 FSI is a nice engine/car its also a FWD 4 banger that dosent quite fit into the image of premium tier 1 car. More like a german Acura TSX
— izfuney (View Profile)

Posted on 12/5/2006 8:10:21 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

I don't think it's overpriced at all.

It has higher levels of performance than a C4S, miles more style (though I love them both), and a lot more exclusivity. You have to pay the price to get something that noone else has.

Both are some of the world's best cars IMO. I'd own either!
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 12/5/2006 8:12:29 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Yeah, but at the same time izfuney, the R8 is being compared in every single post to Porsche, Aston Martin, Ferrari, and of course Lamborghini.

Audi has both realms of the price range.

I wouldn't call a BMW 328i or whatever the hell the base model is now as being close to tier I either. The thing is a complete disaster in terms of acceleration
— GermanNut (View Profile)

Posted on 12/5/2006 8:21:05 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

Over here the base model is the 318i, with 129HP and a 0-60 time of 10,5 seconds.
— Heyhuub (View Profile)

Posted on 12/6/2006 3:16:02 AM | | Votes: 1

with hubcaps, cloth seats and not much else.
bmw are so for rich people....
— Rupert (View Profile)

Posted on 12/6/2006 3:05:20 PM | | Votes: 0

for the money, i would buy a different car.
— Sauceboy01 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/5/2006 8:41:26 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

Like what?

911 C4S isn't as fast, nor as exotic.

Most other cars are in a completely different class (SL, CL, M6).

Ferrari, Lambo, even Porsche's own 911 Turbo- all more expensive.

The R8 is in a class of its own.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 12/5/2006 10:51:43 PM | | Votes: 1

I agree, the SL, CL or the M6 are also not true exotics like the R8 is. The R8 beats the 911 on performance/looks/exotic factor.
— chewy (View Profile)

Posted on 12/5/2006 11:18:14 PM | | Votes: 1

The Audi execs are smart in the product pricing of the R8. It is positioned above the base porsche 911 and its in no way comparable to the price of a Gallardo or an F430. It is atleast >50,000 in price differences between these two.

With that being said. The price of the R8 is in AMG and M territory of their flagship models. As being the only subjected sports car amongst what bmw and benz has to offer from the moment since they're mostly GTs. The R8 will find its customer base without a hitch because it is a completely different product. The audi execs definately knew of this before and put the R8 in its place interms of pricing. Even the v10 R8 will still be cheaper than gallardo or F430, as their options trump it in price differences.
— rom64 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/5/2006 11:36:53 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

A car with such appeal, might have a higher sticker price. I predict the price of the R8 will be above 125,000 dollars, unless it turns out to be all show but no go.
— Auto_Fan (View Profile)

Posted on 12/5/2006 11:38:54 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

I personally would buy me a 911 C4S or GT3 with that price instead of an R8. The R8's exterior is too flambouyant for my preferences. I like the subtle sportiness that porsche has always had with its 911 with their incremental evolutionary design language. its just my opinion.
— rom64 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/5/2006 11:40:07 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

I would take the exciting styling of the R8 over the nice but ordinary 911. The R8 will also offer much better performance than the 911 C4s. Plus many wannabees already drive their Porsches.
— chewy (View Profile)

Posted on 12/6/2006 12:55:25 AM | | Votes: 0

You know what? People will snap these up and sell them on for more anyway so the price isn't exactly a problem because there are indeed plenty of people willing to pay for the car. I like it. But I doubt any of us will buy it anytime soon so meh, you're not paying for it. Let
— Murcielago_LP640 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/6/2006 2:53:09 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

(Accidentally pressed enter)continues below.

....VAG make a bit of money after teh Bugatti Veyron lol.
— Murcielago_LP640 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/6/2006 2:54:02 AM | | Votes: 1

Well in Europe it's allready sold out in about every country where you could pre order it.
— Heyhuub (View Profile)

Posted on 12/6/2006 3:18:12 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Is GermanNut one of those people who just likes the sound of their own voice?

There is no need to post long, drawn-out and statistic-crammed essays, only to comment your own posts with more, meaningless stats and figures, hopelessly repeating your own original post!

Nurburgring times, 1/4 mile drags, are you 12 years old?

Save us from insanity, please.
— Matthew1 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/6/2006 3:59:24 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4

Only one thing.
I see no point of paying an extra 40-45K for it over RS4 when both have same mechanicals(engine,transmission..etc) and produce same Performance figures.

All in all,With that price,The success of this car is very doubtful.

A public service message----->Get a RS4 and save yourself some 40+K.

JUGNU
— JUGNU (View Profile)

Posted on 12/6/2006 6:16:31 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

"I see no point of paying an extra 40-45K for it over RS4 when both have same mechanicals(engine,transmission..etc) and produce same Performance figures.

All in all,With that price,The success of this car is very doubtful."

It's a SUPERCAR. As if you haven't realized, Audi's estimates are always very conservative- never listen to them. They originally had the S4 at 5.6; people have gotten it as low as 4.9. It will be plenty faster than the RS4.

But what you're paying for in this car is exclusivity, style; you're telling people that this car is for you and noone else- you don't have kids to shuttle around, or clients to pick up, and you're your own boss.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 12/6/2006 6:16:24 PM | | Votes: 2

U have the money... and like audis, u wont care about the price ryt? Just pass the cash!
— M53R (View Profile)

Posted on 12/6/2006 8:51:46 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

at this price.. vantage.. way sexier car.. I know not as fast.. but so much more style and cool. Added plus is that it does not sport vw mechanicals!!
— AmazingBimmer (View Profile)

Posted on 12/6/2006 9:25:30 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

VW doesn't use this engine! Dammit, shut up already!

"at this price.. vantage.. way sexier car"

Hmm. You're a BMW fan, so you only like DRIVING DYNAMICS, regardless of how the car looks. You like the way the X3 looks, I'm sure!

They're very different. I think they're equally hot. R8 is more modern, Vantage more elegant.

I'd take a car that both looks good AND goes well for this money, thanks. Poser.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 12/6/2006 6:18:09 PM | | Votes: 2

The R8 will run circles around the Vantage. The Vantage is an underpowered car that lacks performance to match its looks.

Added negative of getting the Vantage......you get Volvo switchgear in some areas.
— GermanNut (View Profile)

Posted on 12/6/2006 11:05:35 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

The Vantage is not much of a performance car, no.

I think it would best be compared to an SL550, actually. Same power, and within $15K of each other, which is pocket change at this price.

Obviously, most would choose the Vantage. I would!
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 12/6/2006 6:19:22 PM | | Votes: 3

I would choose the Vantage over the SL550 too. The car just looks so much better.
— 07mcs (View Profile)

Posted on 12/6/2006 7:28:16 PM | | Votes: 2

I would choose the Vantage over the SL550 too. The car just looks so much better. and is also got more performance.
— 07mcs (View Profile)

Posted on 12/6/2006 7:28:52 PM | | Votes: 2

They have similar performance.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 12/6/2006 11:56:30 PM | | Votes: 2

Performance wise the R8 is about the same as the 997 C4S. According to Road & Track, the C4S was faster than the RS4, The R8 is faster than the RS4, so I would assume they are in the same league performance wise.
— 07mcs (View Profile)

Posted on 12/6/2006 1:06:44 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

And the C4S was only 0.2 seconds quicker in that Road & Track article- with the RS4 clocking the magical 4.3 time. There must've been something special about that day, because they got the C4S at 4.1, which is near impossible. Maybe Audi and Porsche are both VERY conservative.

Anywho, the 800lbs-lighter R8 should be some formidable competition. Isn't it 800lbs lighter? 3200lbs?

— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2006 12:17:44 AM | | Votes: 1

Take a look at some real life shots of the Audi R8 hre.

http://www.autospies.com/news/Amazing-Audi-R8-Photo-Gallery-10532/

The Vantage looks very nice but it isn't what I would call a true exotic, the R8 is.
— chewy (View Profile)

Posted on 12/6/2006 11:30:18 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

The 911 C4S costs under $90k base. That is about a 25k difference. At that price you can get at least a 911 GT3 and almost a 911 Turbo.
I admit the R8 is beautiful, but by performance it is in the same class as a 911 C4S. The odds that the R8 with the V10 is better than a 911 Turbo is ridiculously slim. The R8 is worth more because of it has a more luxurious look, but Porsche delivers killer performance. I am not sure that the R8 will see a second generation if the price stays high. The other thing is that BMW could do it just as well for less money.
Basically, Audi aimed to high. The goal should have been to build a mid-engine V8 Porsche competitor, but they are pricing it as a cheaper alternative to a Ferrari or Lamborghini.
— BigQ (View Profile)

Posted on 12/17/2006 3:29:39 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

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Is Audi's pricing of the R8 going over the top??

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