While I think the R8 is an absolutely brilliant car, I think it is rather flawed in its positioning in the market. To be honest, it doesn't have any competitor because the SL is more of a GT and the 6 is again a cruiser more than an out and out sports car. Even the Porsche comes in the same range as the other two. The only logical market the R8 has is actually one step above which is the Gallardo/F430 and in all honesty I do not believe that Audi has the brand image to take on the likes even though it definitely has the technical prowess. The V8 (the way I think of it) was chosen with 'only' 420 hp for exactly that reason and not to tread on the steps of its sibling the Gallardo. Now with the V10 coming in, I would think the price would go up by a considerable amount and be almost comparable to the Gallardo. If so then I really cannot justify how I would choose the R8 over it. It is the same situation as the R8/Porsche right now. Today if the R8 and Porsche go down a street nobody will look at the Porsche at all. Tomorrow with the V10, and the R8/Gallardo going down the street, nobody will look at the R8 a second time.

Here in Singapore the Gallardo is priced almost more than 40% than the R8. That makes sense to me, and thus the V8 makes sense to me. I don't see any meaning in a V10 at all and I wished Audi hadn't shown any intention to make it. If I were a Gallardo owner, I probably wouldn't even know about the R8, but if I knew about it I would ignore and pretend its just another Audi. But fact of the matter is that the R8 is a cheaper, and arguably just as competent car as the Gallardo. Probably the only thing it doesn't do as well as the G is attracting attention and representing status and wealth. Still, the R8 is one very ostentatious car indeed.

There is no mid-engined car in its segment right now that can really compete. That's what that makes it so special. If you want a mid-engine sports car that performs as well if not better you're already looking at a Ferrari. So maybe the R8 is here for people who don't want to pay so much for a mid-engine supercar, yet who want to enjoy the experience and talk of owning one.

I too wouldn't see the R8 selling well. But apparently there are very long waiting lists and people are putting a premium on the car's price. Now that's something surprising to me.

I agree with what you think of the look. There are flaws there and here, which is something you shouldn't be experiencing for a car costing that much. I've yet to see one though so maybe I'd comment more once I've done so. I heard more than one account of people totally changing their opinions of the car once they've seen it (eg. Just_me).

I wonder who's the designer of the R8.

I like that you could hear the sound from inside your bus... Should be quite loud then.

Again, it seems VAG is appealing to the 'alternative' customer. The one not looking for a strong brand name but who value engineering. Similar cars follow the same thinking - Phaeton, Treg. It's in a market of its own - something I'm not sure will be sustainable.

Fantastic car and would buy one for sure over 911(turbo and GT2 excluded),it's so advanced from the future look that really gets me,it's not sexy as he italians but it's a hell of a great car

Errm... I can't decide on an option at the moment...

My affection for the R8 seems to be a relationship of love and hate. In terms of it's technical prowess there is next to nothing to fault; It's beautifully assembled, technologically advanced and certainly revolutionary for Audi.

The same could be said for the interior which is just beyond first-rate. I haven't any qualms with it's interior. None. It's just fantastic in all respects, and is undoubtedly one of my favourite interior designs of all time.

Honestly though, the exterior of the R8 is what I am less convinced of. Sometimes I think it's look marvelous, whilst other times I feel it looks too contrived, too busy.

But despite that - I think if it came down to purchasing one of these vehicles, I'd definitely take the R8 over the 997 Carrera S, Aston Martin V8 Vantage or any other such comparable vehicles.

Maybe this can help you.



I really can't wait to see this car!

Well, me too. I still haven't seen it in the flesh, but for the moment I'll stick with my love and hate relationship.

It's not that I dislike the R8 per say, but I would take a Porsche over it any day of the week.

And, how is it possible that The Artist voted twice???

It's a multiple choice poll, for some reason.

i really dont love it..
the LED´s bother me..cause they look elegant when the car is supposed to be agressive..
and i dont like the black plastic either..

other than that..as a machine its awesomme

Yes, the LEDS were better if placed above and not under the lights, it could make a spectacular angry eyebrows...