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

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.

Murcielago_LP640Murcielago_LP640 - 12/5/2006 4:43:38 PM
+1 Boost
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.


bmwdrvrbmwdrvr - 12/5/2006 8:41:26 PM
+4 Boost
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....


GabrielGabriel - 12/6/2006 3:19:27 PM
+2 Boost
Do people that spent $120,000 on a car actually care whether or not is is $5,000 more expensive?


bmwdrvrbmwdrvr - 12/6/2006 6:44:18 PM
+2 Boost
the point is why pay any premium for a lesser brand car, thats slower, heavier, and just offers less period


BMWreplicatBMWreplicat - 12/5/2006 4:50:43 PM
0 Boost
Its all about brand loyalty. If you got it, get it. If not then hop on the bandwagon.


AUDIMAN4AUDIMAN4 - 12/5/2006 4:52:21 PM
+2 Boost
No, the pricing reflects the technology of the car. It shares a number of components with the Lambo, that Porsche doesn't.




GermanNutGermanNut - 12/5/2006 4:52:22 PM
-6 Boost
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.


iown1iown1 - 12/5/2006 4:57:10 PM
+5 Boost
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.


RupertRupert - 12/5/2006 5:22:41 PM
+4 Boost
porsche have like no styandard equipment anyway. aren't electric seats an option?
porsche would make windows an option if they could.


iown1iown1 - 12/5/2006 5:57:46 PM
+2 Boost
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!


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 12/5/2006 8:07:56 PM
+1 Boost
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...


07mcs07mcs - 12/5/2006 5:07:38 PM
+2 Boost
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.




07mcs07mcs - 12/5/2006 5:09:35 PM
+1 Boost
sorry, meant to say $115K


AlexTxAlexTx - 12/5/2006 6:04:24 PM
+1 Boost
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!!


RupertRupert - 12/5/2006 6:32:33 PM
+1 Boost
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.


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 12/5/2006 8:08:58 PM
+1 Boost
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.


07mcs07mcs - 12/6/2006 11:25:45 AM
+2 Boost
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


07mcs07mcs - 12/6/2006 12:30:03 PM
+2 Boost
S4Cabriofoxone:

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


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 12/6/2006 6:12:35 PM
+2 Boost
"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 $$$.


answeranswer - 12/5/2006 5:30:12 PM
+2 Boost
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.


answeranswer - 12/5/2006 5:48:35 PM
+3 Boost
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.


sewingmachinesewingmachine - 12/5/2006 8:08:49 PM
-2 Boost
r8 over f430, no way, unless sheeps fly.


iown1iown1 - 12/5/2006 6:08:59 PM
+3 Boost
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.




lexusis350lexusis350 - 12/5/2006 6:14:28 PM
-3 Boost
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.


iown1iown1 - 12/5/2006 6:26:55 PM
+4 Boost
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.


EL34EL34 - 12/5/2006 7:33:02 PM
+1 Boost
lexusis350, can you please act like a gentleman once in a while?


indoctrin8edindoctrin8ed - 12/5/2006 8:01:52 PM
+1 Boost
>>"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.



HeyhuubHeyhuub - 12/6/2006 3:11:14 AM
+2 Boost
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.


lexusis350lexusis350 - 12/7/2006 12:01:27 AM
-1 Boost
iown1-
"And no I'm not a badge whore."

So you're just a regular whore then?


lexusis350lexusis350 - 12/5/2006 6:02:57 PM
-10 Boost
In my opinion, Volkswagen (sometimes known as Audi) are all overpriced pieces of dog crap. They are good-for-nothing cars.


monkeyrunmonkeyrun - 12/5/2006 6:52:28 PM
+3 Boost
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.


EL34EL34 - 12/5/2006 7:34:43 PM
+3 Boost
lexusis350, go on down to the Audi dealer and I'll bet you act like a kid in a candy store.


GermanNutGermanNut - 12/5/2006 6:22:38 PM
+3 Boost
good, you will be the only one with that opinion after people drive the R8, lexusis350.


izfuneyizfuney - 12/5/2006 6:55:44 PM
+3 Boost
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.


07mcs07mcs - 12/6/2006 12:56:04 PM
+2 Boost
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.




GermanNutGermanNut - 12/5/2006 7:00:54 PM
+1 Boost
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.


LexusLexus - 12/5/2006 7:01:05 PM
0 Boost

"
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


MBKingMBKing - 12/5/2006 7:26:16 PM
+1 Boost
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.


GermanNutGermanNut - 12/5/2006 7:27:41 PM
+1 Boost
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.


chewychewy - 12/5/2006 7:35:19 PM
0 Boost
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.


EL34EL34 - 12/5/2006 7:37:02 PM
+1 Boost
Sell/trade in your Lexus and upgrade to an Audi today.


blueice4589blueice4589 - 12/5/2006 7:44:14 PM
-5 Boost
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


EL34EL34 - 12/5/2006 7:48:29 PM
+1 Boost
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.


hkaudihkaudi - 12/6/2006 2:28:01 AM
+3 Boost
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....


GermanNutGermanNut - 12/5/2006 7:47:26 PM
+3 Boost
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.


indoctrin8edindoctrin8ed - 12/5/2006 8:04:57 PM
+3 Boost
And now it will be the poor man's Lamborghini as well.


GermanNutGermanNut - 12/5/2006 7:49:35 PM
+1 Boost
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.


izfuneyizfuney - 12/5/2006 8:10:21 PM
0 Boost
"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



S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 12/5/2006 8:12:29 PM
+2 Boost
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!


GermanNutGermanNut - 12/5/2006 8:21:05 PM
0 Boost
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


HeyhuubHeyhuub - 12/6/2006 3:16:02 AM
+1 Boost
Over here the base model is the 318i, with 129HP and a 0-60 time of 10,5 seconds.


RupertRupert - 12/6/2006 3:05:20 PM
0 Boost
with hubcaps, cloth seats and not much else.
bmw are so for rich people....


Sauceboy01Sauceboy01 - 12/5/2006 8:41:26 PM
0 Boost
for the money, i would buy a different car.


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 12/5/2006 10:51:43 PM
+1 Boost
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.


chewychewy - 12/5/2006 11:18:14 PM
+1 Boost
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.


rom64rom64 - 12/5/2006 11:36:53 PM
+1 Boost
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.


Auto_FanAuto_Fan - 12/5/2006 11:38:54 PM
+1 Boost
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.


rom64rom64 - 12/5/2006 11:40:07 PM
+2 Boost
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.


chewychewy - 12/6/2006 12:55:25 AM
0 Boost
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.


Murcielago_LP640Murcielago_LP640 - 12/6/2006 2:53:09 AM
+1 Boost
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_LP640Murcielago_LP640 - 12/6/2006 2:54:02 AM
+1 Boost
(Accidentally pressed enter)continues below.

....VAG make a bit of money after teh Bugatti Veyron lol.


HeyhuubHeyhuub - 12/6/2006 3:18:12 AM
+1 Boost
Well in Europe it's allready sold out in about every country where you could pre order it.


Matthew1Matthew1 - 12/6/2006 3:59:24 AM
+4 Boost
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.


JUGNUJUGNU - 12/6/2006 6:16:31 AM
-1 Boost
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


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 12/6/2006 6:16:24 PM
+2 Boost
"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.


M53RM53R - 12/6/2006 8:51:46 AM
+2 Boost
U have the money... and like audis, u wont care about the price ryt? Just pass the cash!


AmazingBimmerAmazingBimmer - 12/6/2006 9:25:30 AM
0 Boost
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!!


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 12/6/2006 6:18:09 PM
+2 Boost
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.


GermanNutGermanNut - 12/6/2006 11:05:35 AM
+1 Boost
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.


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 12/6/2006 6:19:22 PM
+3 Boost
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!


07mcs07mcs - 12/6/2006 7:28:16 PM
+2 Boost
I would choose the Vantage over the SL550 too. The car just looks so much better.


07mcs07mcs - 12/6/2006 7:28:52 PM
+2 Boost
I would choose the Vantage over the SL550 too. The car just looks so much better. and is also got more performance.


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 12/6/2006 11:56:30 PM
+2 Boost
They have similar performance.


07mcs07mcs - 12/6/2006 1:06:44 PM
+2 Boost
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.


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 12/8/2006 12:17:44 AM
+1 Boost
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?




chewychewy - 12/6/2006 11:30:18 PM
+1 Boost
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.


BigQBigQ - 12/17/2006 3:29:39 AM
+1 Boost
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.


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