Estimated base price $110K and est. price as tested $130K.

It's possible to compare this to the 911 C4S but at those prices the GT3 and the 911 Turbo come into the discussion big time.

 

Nice numbers, comparable to the Carrera S, but it's a disturbing that Audi's comparable performance models are getting more expensive than BMW's & Mercedes. It used to be that Audi's were several thousands of dollars LESS than the BMW & Mercedes.

 

[QUOTE=Fanman,Feb 25 2007, 01:49 PM] it's a disturbing that Audi's comparable performance models are getting more expensive than BMW's & Mercedes.

 

I'm personally beginning to think in terms of horsepower per axel....

I'm starting to think that for standard American road conditions, 300-350hp for a RWD car is about all that's useful (unless the car is a big pig). R8/C4S/911 Turbo have an advantage in that regard (AWD). Who needs 700ft*lbs of torque on two wheels (a la SL 65)? I'd never be able to use that without constant wheelspin or electronic nanny aids.

 

[QUOTE=CKit,Feb 25 2007, 04:43 PM] I'm personally beginning to think in terms of horsepower per axel....

I'm starting to think that for standard American road conditions, 300-350hp for a RWD car is about all that's useful (unless the car is a big pig).

 

Nice, but I will never be able to afford it.

 

Not yet. While it does look good, it is still an Audi. The upcoming S/RS version with the rumored V10 should be the budget Gallardo.

For MBZ I agree there really isn't a 2 seat sportcar. Maybe the AMG SLK 55, but that is $70K with "only" 362 hp. The CLK 63, that has 475 hp, but that now comes in only convertible version, and that is a 2+2.

For BMW the upcoming M3 might have close performance, but again it is a 2+2, will have around the same hp, but be $65K. The M version of the Z Coupe is a 2 seater, but I don't think it is a sportster like this car. The M6 is aproximately the same price, but more of a GT car.

Not really sure what market they are trying to hit. Maybe the Sports GT market, but I'm afraid at $110K+ for a mini car, not sure how many they sell. Hope it's limited production.

Kind've a glorified NSX.

 

I think from a design perspective the R8 is in a class unto it's self...

 

Somewhat disappointed by the numbers, but I doubt they got 100% out of it. I'd also like to see how it actually does around a track. I didn't get the impression that the R8 is supposed to be more of a cruiser such as an Aston, so I was expecting a little more.

 

That's nice for you.

385 isn't excessive. 600hp is kind of crazy. Watching the road tests of the M6 vs the SL, they were just spinning and chirping away on the dry dragstrip. Anything less than perfect conditions and that much horsepower will never make it to the ground.

FWIW: I have full 32 inch snow tires on the FJ. Tried it in 2wd this morning for fun and tires just spun in the snow. 'Round here we have low range lockers to keep from having too much throttle and spin.... that's my reality 5+ months out of the year.





There's a reason why "winter mode" starts in 2nd gear for some cars.