|
1
|
|
|
|
|
Post #1 Mon, Aug 13, 8:06 AM |
|
jumpman23
Senior Member - 370
 |
Exclusivity: Most people don't drive sports cars, so any sports car is distinctive. But the more you pay, the more you expect to be the only kid on your block who owns a particular machine.
The Porsche 911, a reasonable rival to the R8, is common as dirt in some rich ZIP codes, at least in contrast to the Audi R8. Porsche sells about 1,000 911s a month in the USA. Audi plans to sell only 300 or 400 in an entire year.
All cars are compromises. Best doesn't mean perfect. Here's what you might get tired of in the R8.
Poor visibility. The roof rolls down far enough that tall drivers will have to duck to see under the edge. And the engine in back means you can't see much when you look to the rear. The optional backup camera will help.
Lack of cargo space. Audi vows that a pair of (small) golf club bags will fit, but c'mon. There's a stowage well under the front trunk lid that will hold a couple of backpacks or some tennis rackets or briefcases. And there's a ledge inside, behind the seats, where a few things will fit. But the R8 isn't the car you drive to the airport carrying a week's worth of luggage, unless you stash the bags in the passenger's seat.
Tight fit. The car's low. The roof's low. You have to twist and duck to enter and exit. Not very different from other sports cars, but maybe a bit annoying after awhile.
Second-rate navigation. German cars frequently have this problem. The R8's system had poor-quality graphics, too-few street names and the map jerked as it rotated to follow the car's heading.
Too much attention. There's a fine line between attracting satisfying notice and being stalked.
You can spend more, get more radical styling, more power. You can spend a lot less and still get a satisfying blend of looks and leap.
But the Audi uniquely sates the senses, and that's the final criterion maybe the only one for judging a sports car.
2008 Audi R8
What is it? The automaker's first mid-engine car, built on a chassis not used by any other Audi. Small, high-performance, two-seat, all-wheel-drive, aluminum-body sports car, manufactured at Neckarsulm, Germany.
How soon? In U.S. showrooms next month.
How much? $110,000, including $1,000 destination charge, for manual transmission version. $119,000 for version with R tronic a six-speed, computer-controlled, automatic transmission.
To get the off-color side-panel air scoops (Audi calls them side blades) painted to match the body is $1,000. Convenience package is $3,500 and includes rearview camera, CD changer, Bluetooth phone connectivity, auto-dimming mirrors.
How many? 300 to 400 a year for the USA. Audi has about 260 U.S. dealers.
What's the drivetrain? 4.2-liter V-8 rated 420 horsepower at 7,800 rpm, 317 pounds-feet of torque at 5,500 rpm, six-speed manual transmission, quattro all-wheel drive that normally sends 56% of power to rear wheels, can send up to 75% to either end, depending on traction conditions.
What's the rest? Standard features include automatic climate control, suede-like alcantara upholstery, high-intensity-discharge headlights, Sirius satellite radio, cruise control, 19-inch-diameter alloy wheels. No room for a spare, so a fix-a-flat inflation kit is stashed under the front trunk.
How big? 174.4 inches long, 74.8 inches wide, 49.2 inches tall on a 104.3-inch wheelbase. Weight is listed as 3,605 lbs. with manual transmission, 3,615 lbs. with R tronic automatic. Rated to carry 550 pounds of people, cargo.
Underlining the obvious, R8 won't tow.
How thirsty? Rated 13 miles per gallon in town, 20 on the highway, 15 in combined driving with manual, 13/19/15 with R tronic.
Tank holds 23.8 gallons.
Trip computer in test car showed 14 mpg in rambunctious mix.
Premium fuel (91 octane) is recommended. Power drops with lower-octane fuel, Audi says.
Overall: Breathtaking.
|
|
Posted: Today |
|
Superbot
|
|
|
Posted: Today |
|
Superbot
|
|
| All Forums > 2007 Audi R8 > Test Drive: Audi R8 (Continues) > Post Reply |
|
1
|
|
|
|
