Audi To Phase Out The R8 Rather Than Offer A 3rd Generation

It was the wrong car to do in the first place. Everyone knew it was what you bought if you couldn't afford a Lamborghini. It also wasn't terribly attractive in either generation.

Actually it is what you buy when you want a possible daily driver and not a garage ornament. If you're putting around 200k in a depreciating asset, money is probably not a problem.

I owned two gen 1 R8's and loved them both. The R8 v10 spyder was a spectacularly gorgeous car and the V10 Plus was a monster. I did not even consider a Lambo - far too ostentatious for my tastes.

I will always remember my Sepang blue R8 spyder with its gated manual transmission with the greatest fondness.

Sir, this is the first time I've disagreed with you on a post. When I first laid eyes on it I loved everything about it. I have a manual tranny V10 and I doubt I will ever sell it or it's little brother TTRS(manual also). I understand your point but I had no interest in the more far upscale Galardo. Rowing my own gears while the V10 sings is awe inspiring. Audi lost me when they dropped manuals for all their sports car.

I find it porcine and for me the 911, AMG GT, and Corvette Z06 are simply better. For the price, the Audi doesn't acquit itself well for me.

I’m on Team Darringer on this one...

I'm in general agreement with you. I have an R8 w/ a stick and I enjoy the looks. I call it my winter beater (facetiously) because it's my dd during the cold months in the Northeast.

Matt's point about choice however is relevant, even if it makes the incorrect assumption that there is a single segment purchasing this car... As an example that actually connects with both your views, I wanted a good looking AWD car that was sporty but didn't want to dish out for the Lambo for a snow-mostly car. So that would lead to at least two segments

A third one might be inferred by a friends I track with. He is considering the R8 GT3 version along with the Macca, AM and P-Cup options. His key consideration is drivability on track since BoP rules eliminate much of the differences in [amateur] GT3 racing.

I think the R8 is a great vehicle, but it has served its purpose. It put Audi back on the map and helped it greatly increase sales. With Porsche in the fold now, it is hard for VW to justify development of the R8 which competes with both the higher end of the 911 range and with the lower end Lamborghini models...all of which are in a very low volume niche.

The 1st Gen R8 was a noteworthy car, at a relatively reasonable price.

The Audi R8 reminds me of the Acura NSX: The 1st Generation was noteworthy because it was remarkable for the price, looked great, and developed a strong following of fans. Then the 2nd Gen came out, with a much higher price tag and polarizing styling, and for the most part, buyers were scarce.

I did not enjoy the 2nd gen style. It's sharp angular style lack the flowing lines of Walter sylvia's flowing elegants line. The break up of the side blade detroyes everything though. @Darringer, I never considered the R8 as anything better than a 911 Turbo competitor though. Even though the repair cost's say otherwise.... DOH!

Sales of cars in this segment are pretty abysmal for 2018. The i8 has sold 71 units. The NSX has sold 51 units and the R8 has sold 35 units. Compared to the AMG GT which has sold 267 units so far. The 911 has sold over 1600 units to date (yes, the 911 does start at a much lower price point than any of the above).

THere has been nearly 10 straight years of economic expansion since the last stock market crash. Housing prices are now rising due to lack of inventory. But - eventually - the companies - with no room to raise prices - low inflation - and little in the way of increased income for all but the upper 1% - will have to cut back. Add in the need to produce several new lines of cars - from EVs to Hybrids - to the ever expanding fleet of 4x4s - and the companies simply cannot continue with cars that do not make a profit - when they have to introduce others (EVS) that cannot do that either. AS more and more different and new models are introduced you will see poor selling cars - even if they are HALO cars - fall by the wayside until the market stabilizes. So- we will see fewer Sedans - fewer Halo cars - fewer weird designs - as the car manufacturers go for the safe bet. Think about it - most of the majors are adding an EV line of vehicles - Cars - trucks - and Crossovers - on EV platforms - completely different from their ICE powered vehicles - that costs MAJOR money.

ALL we would need is a major recession to really wreak havoc.

It will be a sh*t show the next time a recession comes, for sure!