R8 Over priced?
Discussion
Hi all
Interested in the R8 and have been keeping my eye out for details, scanning the Audi sight came across this, the sites good by the way and worth a look.
Vorsprung durch Technik infiltrates the rarefied world of the super car elite this week as the new Audi R8 sports car makes its world public début at the 2006 Mondial de l’Automobile in Paris (September 30th to October 15th).
Breathtaking new aluminium-bodied, mid-engined Audi sports car revealed in production-ready form in Paris
• World public début of new Audi sports car on the Audi stand at the Mondial de l’Automobile (September 30th – October 15th)
• Combines classic mid-engine configuration with advanced all-aluminium Audi Space Frame (ASF) construction and the reassurance of quattro permanent four-wheel-drive
• Six-speed manual transmission or optional R tronic sequential shift gearbox with ‘shift-by-wire’ technology and joystick or paddle control
• Optional Audi magnetic ride system
• UK ordering opens in late 2006 – R8 with six-speed manual transmission confirmed at £75,900 OTR, R8 with R tronic sequential-shift gearbox at £81,100 OTR
• Mid-mounted 4.2-litre V8 FSI petrol engine delivers 420PS at 7,800rpm and 430Nm from 4,500 to 6,000rpm
• 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds, top speed 187mph
Scheduled to open for UK ordering in late 2006 priced from £75,900 OTR, the new ultra-high performance Audi R8 combines the time-honoured hallmarks of the best of the classic sports cars with futuristic construction, transmission and suspension technologies, all underpinned by the steadfast reassurance of the quattro four-wheel-drive system.
Mounted longitudinally directly behind the cockpit of the comparatively lightweight, 1,560-kilogramme aluminium-bodied Audi sports car is a high-revving V8 petrol engine delivering 420PS, and contributing to an exceptional power-to-weight ratio of 269PS per tonne. Spinning freely to its 8,250rpm limit, this acclaimed unit punches the R8 through the 62mph barrier in just 4.6 seconds and, in the right conditions, can carry it on to a top speed of 187mph – an unprecedented high for a road-going Audi.
Driving purists can choose a six-speed manual transmission to channel the 430Nm of torque to the four driven wheels, but they may also be tempted by the racing-inspired R tronic sequential shift gearbox with joystick and paddle control, which uses ‘shift-by-wire’ technology to provide exceptionally rapid gear changes.
By mounting the potent eight-cylinder unit as close as possible to the centre of the new R8, in deference to racing legends such as the Le Mans-winning R8 sports prototype and Auto Union Type C Grand Prix car, Audi engineers have achieved near perfect 44 per cent front / 56 per cent rear weight distribution for optimum handling balance. Dry sump engine lubrication - another racing-derived element – also furthers this aim by enabling the V8 to be mounted as close to the road as possible to lower the centre of gravity.
Advanced Audi magnetic ride
This classic configuration, combined with advanced Audi Space Frame (ASF) construction mating lightweight aluminium panelling to an aluminium space frame, provides the very best operating conditions for the futuristic chassis, which itself contains a high proportion of aluminium components. The front and rear double wishbone suspension delivers exceptional agility, and can be controlled by either a more traditional spring-and-damper set-up giving a remarkably composed and comfortable ride by super car standards, or by the advanced Audi magnetic ride system first seen in the new TT Coupé.
The sophisticated dampers fitted as part of the optional Audi magnetic ride system swap conventional damper fluid for a magnetorheological fluid containing minute magnetic particles that can be influenced by an electromagnetic field. By applying a voltage to the system’s electromagnets, the viscosity of the fluid is altered by the affected magnetic particles, increasing resistance to damper movement to iron out pitch and roll when necessary, and reducing resistance when ride comfort takes precedence. The system constantly monitors road conditions and driving style and reacts accordingly.
quattro four-wheel-drive reassurance
The relationship between the road and the 19-inch 5 double spoke design alloy wheels - fitted with 235/30 size tyres at the front and 295/30 size at the rear - is made crystal clear at all times by the fast-reacting hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering. That relationship is also constantly moderated by the legendary quattro permanent four-wheel-drive system, which by apportioning power to front and rear axles in constantly varying degrees dictated by road conditions prevents the tendency for ‘waywardness’ sometimes exhibited by powerful mid-engine, rear-drive sports cars. An electronically activated rear spoiler also deploys when sensors detect that composure at higher speeds would benefit from additional down-force.
The stunning lines of the 4.43-metre long, 1.90-metre wide and 1.25-metre high R8 are accentuated by its striking bi-colour paint finish, with ‘side blades’ in a contrasting shade and a choice of eight colour combinations.
Beneath the skin is a deceptively spacious two-seat cabin with more than a hint of racing car inspiration in its layout and appearance, and typical Audi luxury evident in its extensive Fine Nappa leather upholstery and trim and generous equipment. The 2.65-metre wheel base also makes provision for surprisingly accommodating luggage space behind the seats and also in the front compartment ahead of the cabin, which has a 100-litre capacity.
The new R8 will be built at the Audi facility in Neckarsulm, Germany – the centre of Audi aluminium construction expertise, and also the home of the brand’s quattro GmbH high performance subsidiary. A total of 15 cars will be built per day, each element of the production process being controlled and subjected to intense scrutiny by small teams of specialists.
Trouble is, the engines the same as the RS4 with a similar weight, but the R8 cost £76k, plus options. Yes it looks good but seems a tad pricey to me. When I first heard details of the R8 the BHP figure banded around were 500BHP, not 414 same as the RS4.
Interested in the R8 and have been keeping my eye out for details, scanning the Audi sight came across this, the sites good by the way and worth a look.
Vorsprung durch Technik infiltrates the rarefied world of the super car elite this week as the new Audi R8 sports car makes its world public début at the 2006 Mondial de l’Automobile in Paris (September 30th to October 15th).
Breathtaking new aluminium-bodied, mid-engined Audi sports car revealed in production-ready form in Paris
• World public début of new Audi sports car on the Audi stand at the Mondial de l’Automobile (September 30th – October 15th)
• Combines classic mid-engine configuration with advanced all-aluminium Audi Space Frame (ASF) construction and the reassurance of quattro permanent four-wheel-drive
• Six-speed manual transmission or optional R tronic sequential shift gearbox with ‘shift-by-wire’ technology and joystick or paddle control
• Optional Audi magnetic ride system
• UK ordering opens in late 2006 – R8 with six-speed manual transmission confirmed at £75,900 OTR, R8 with R tronic sequential-shift gearbox at £81,100 OTR
• Mid-mounted 4.2-litre V8 FSI petrol engine delivers 420PS at 7,800rpm and 430Nm from 4,500 to 6,000rpm
• 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds, top speed 187mph
Scheduled to open for UK ordering in late 2006 priced from £75,900 OTR, the new ultra-high performance Audi R8 combines the time-honoured hallmarks of the best of the classic sports cars with futuristic construction, transmission and suspension technologies, all underpinned by the steadfast reassurance of the quattro four-wheel-drive system.
Mounted longitudinally directly behind the cockpit of the comparatively lightweight, 1,560-kilogramme aluminium-bodied Audi sports car is a high-revving V8 petrol engine delivering 420PS, and contributing to an exceptional power-to-weight ratio of 269PS per tonne. Spinning freely to its 8,250rpm limit, this acclaimed unit punches the R8 through the 62mph barrier in just 4.6 seconds and, in the right conditions, can carry it on to a top speed of 187mph – an unprecedented high for a road-going Audi.
Driving purists can choose a six-speed manual transmission to channel the 430Nm of torque to the four driven wheels, but they may also be tempted by the racing-inspired R tronic sequential shift gearbox with joystick and paddle control, which uses ‘shift-by-wire’ technology to provide exceptionally rapid gear changes.
By mounting the potent eight-cylinder unit as close as possible to the centre of the new R8, in deference to racing legends such as the Le Mans-winning R8 sports prototype and Auto Union Type C Grand Prix car, Audi engineers have achieved near perfect 44 per cent front / 56 per cent rear weight distribution for optimum handling balance. Dry sump engine lubrication - another racing-derived element – also furthers this aim by enabling the V8 to be mounted as close to the road as possible to lower the centre of gravity.
Advanced Audi magnetic ride
This classic configuration, combined with advanced Audi Space Frame (ASF) construction mating lightweight aluminium panelling to an aluminium space frame, provides the very best operating conditions for the futuristic chassis, which itself contains a high proportion of aluminium components. The front and rear double wishbone suspension delivers exceptional agility, and can be controlled by either a more traditional spring-and-damper set-up giving a remarkably composed and comfortable ride by super car standards, or by the advanced Audi magnetic ride system first seen in the new TT Coupé.
The sophisticated dampers fitted as part of the optional Audi magnetic ride system swap conventional damper fluid for a magnetorheological fluid containing minute magnetic particles that can be influenced by an electromagnetic field. By applying a voltage to the system’s electromagnets, the viscosity of the fluid is altered by the affected magnetic particles, increasing resistance to damper movement to iron out pitch and roll when necessary, and reducing resistance when ride comfort takes precedence. The system constantly monitors road conditions and driving style and reacts accordingly.
quattro four-wheel-drive reassurance
The relationship between the road and the 19-inch 5 double spoke design alloy wheels - fitted with 235/30 size tyres at the front and 295/30 size at the rear - is made crystal clear at all times by the fast-reacting hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering. That relationship is also constantly moderated by the legendary quattro permanent four-wheel-drive system, which by apportioning power to front and rear axles in constantly varying degrees dictated by road conditions prevents the tendency for ‘waywardness’ sometimes exhibited by powerful mid-engine, rear-drive sports cars. An electronically activated rear spoiler also deploys when sensors detect that composure at higher speeds would benefit from additional down-force.
The stunning lines of the 4.43-metre long, 1.90-metre wide and 1.25-metre high R8 are accentuated by its striking bi-colour paint finish, with ‘side blades’ in a contrasting shade and a choice of eight colour combinations.
Beneath the skin is a deceptively spacious two-seat cabin with more than a hint of racing car inspiration in its layout and appearance, and typical Audi luxury evident in its extensive Fine Nappa leather upholstery and trim and generous equipment. The 2.65-metre wheel base also makes provision for surprisingly accommodating luggage space behind the seats and also in the front compartment ahead of the cabin, which has a 100-litre capacity.
The new R8 will be built at the Audi facility in Neckarsulm, Germany – the centre of Audi aluminium construction expertise, and also the home of the brand’s quattro GmbH high performance subsidiary. A total of 15 cars will be built per day, each element of the production process being controlled and subjected to intense scrutiny by small teams of specialists.
Trouble is, the engines the same as the RS4 with a similar weight, but the R8 cost £76k, plus options. Yes it looks good but seems a tad pricey to me. When I first heard details of the R8 the BHP figure banded around were 500BHP, not 414 same as the RS4.
regardless of whether we think its overpriced it wont matter to Audi - they are only making 3500 a year and the whole first 18 months supply of RHD cars are sold out already...as an alternative to say a 997 C4S as a daily drive I imagine its spot on money and performance wise........
It`s up against the 997C4S....... But then again it`s only a matter of time before it gets the V10. (imho)dubbs said:
How gutted would you be to be sitting in that only to see an RS6+ sitting alongside you with luggage and kids in tow.
A supercar that carries less BHP than it's estate cars.... why?
It should be 500bhp as a starting point and sub 4 to 60 these days.
A supercar that carries less BHP than it's estate cars.... why?
It should be 500bhp as a starting point and sub 4 to 60 these days.
Yeah but RS6 + weighs 2000kg!!
+ kids and luggage, dog, wife, etc!!
A 420ps car weighing 1200 kilos?
Yes please!!
And at this price with some extras you'd get change out of £100k!
Andrew Dryburgh
but the R8 weighs 1500kg+ ....its actually not much lighter than an RS4 Saloon (or Avant for that matter) ....its not what Id call a lightweight sports car ...and in a straight line an 1850Kg 500bhp RS6 would keep up...probably with the wife/kids/dog on board 
...a great car no doubt...but needs some more poke for £80K-£90K (in decent spec) ! ...no a 5.2 V10 version with 500bhp would be more like it....but thats not going to come out util the Lambo has had its next power hike....
...a great car no doubt...but needs some more poke for £80K-£90K (in decent spec) ! ...no a 5.2 V10 version with 500bhp would be more like it....but thats not going to come out util the Lambo has had its next power hike....
Actually put my deposit down today..
I just got rid of A big Saloon - why would I want RS6 - no kids no need for luggage.
"Is that a RS6 or a Sportline A6"
It may not be as good as C4S but there are 3 in our car park of 60 cars - why would I want to spend that amount of cash on something so common.
I just got rid of A big Saloon - why would I want RS6 - no kids no need for luggage.
"Is that a RS6 or a Sportline A6"
It may not be as good as C4S but there are 3 in our car park of 60 cars - why would I want to spend that amount of cash on something so common.
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