Gave up on Honda...

just a comparison... R8 vs. CTSC nsx? i would like to see that...

91 vs 08

see how much more advanced "cars" really have gotten...*cough*
 
Have to agree, the R8 is the successor to the NSX.

Apparently, so does Top Gear (who brought up the NSX as a driveable exotic when introducing the R8 review).

And Motor Trend (I know) just gave it America's best handling car. Considering Randy Pobst helped them out, I think it has some credibility.

Your side by side pics are great, think the R8 looks better from the rear, the NSX better from the front (that Audi grill on a mid-engine :p ).

Would have to have mine in black :D, though.
 
The R8 is way sexier in person than in photos. It looks big next to the NSX, but in person it is soooooo hot.

I firmly believe the R8 is the next step from the NSX without getting crazy on a Gallardo or something. Honda will never make another mid-engined exotic car.
 
Thanks, guys. Yeah, the side blades are a tough decision for me. Like the rear wing on the NSX, the side blades on an R8 are the "signature" item for that car. When ordering the car (and they are all built to the owner's spec in Germany and then are shipped over), you get your choice of silver blades at no extra cost, black CF blades (except due to the worldwide CF shortage, they were not available from the factory when I ordered), or you could pay $1000 for the matching side blade option, which I did. I can get the CF sideblades right away now for $4k from aftermarket sources. I'm really torn, it looks very clean the way it is, and I get a lot of compliments on NOT having the wierd missmatched side blades. I'm going to keep it as is for now.

I got it with the interior leather upgrade (full dash and full doors and other stuff in nice leather), GPS/Rear camera option, 6 speed manual, and didn't get the 400 watt B&O stereo with 12 speakers.

Audi was having problems with unscrupulous dealers holding buyers hostage, by accepting offers from others for say $20K over MSRP, and then asking the ordering buyer to beat that deal or not get the car. I've heard several horror stories. So what they do now is have the dealers agree to charge MSRP but I had to sign an agreement of first offer to sell the car back to them if I sell it within the first year. The dealer I worked with had a used 2008 with 1,500 miles they were asking $30K over MSRP. So I paid MSRP.

No, I didn't disconnect the exhaust valve, I bought a really hot aftermarket exhaust that uses the exhaust valve to totally bypass the muffler. So when it kicks in to loud mode, it's open headers race-car loud. Killer sound! video

I've had it a month and have already run it at Sebring and VIR. It's breathtaking on the track, and most owners never take it there. Doing Barber this weekend with Chin.

Jeff

I think you made the right choice, having those 'blades' colour matched smooths the car out. That's one evil looking machine. Congratulations!
 
Nice car :biggrin:. I was considering between the R8, GT3RS, and the GTR. I went for the GTR because of all the gizmo,new tech, and value for $$. Unfortunately the R8 shares the same fate as my GT-R. I probably upgrade when spec V arrives or maybe jump ship and try the R10.
 
Neat to see color matched "blades". I really wish they kept the concepts LED headlights which drastically change the look and make it appear more menacing.

I know you've already spent a of money but when the modding bug begins to bite the R8 V12 theme would look so hot.

Carbonfiber blades, blacked out headlights, and a new grill would go a long way.

Audi-V12-TDI-Le-Mans.jpg

audi-r8-lemans-audir8.jpg

car_photo_253314_7.jpg
 
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Sweet ride!

The 4750 exhaust opening point is kind of like the spiritual successor to the VTEC sound.........turned up to eleven :biggrin:

Brian
 
Interesting update -

I brought the R8 into my local Acura dealer where I get my NSX serviced. They know I'm a big NSX enthusiast. They asked me to show the R8 to them when I got it.

Almost the entire dealership emptied to look at the car. Basically all the technicians, and tons of other employees up to and including the dealership owner. He introduced himself to me, and asked if I would like to put down money on the new NSX replacement due in '11. I think he was serious, but I declined. I already have my name in first on their list for when they really start taking orders anyhow. He said he expects the new NSX replacement to be $200K. He asked if I saw the pictures of it (the ones in camo at the 'ring) said it will wow me and I will want one. I said I really like the MR format, if I wanted an Aston Marton Vantage I would buy one. He wasn't phased by that. Don't know if I would get the new Acura, we'll see what the finances and the car are like at that point.

Meanwhile they all oogled big time over the R8, and asked me to rev it when I left so they could hear the great sound. Everywhere I take it, it's a show stopper!
 
I love the R8. I'm definitely an Audi guy and the thought of perhaps finding myself in one someday has crossed my mind.

I wasn't quite ready to give up on the NSX yet tho...but lucky for me I bought one of the early ones....so I figured by buying a later one I could prolong my fun with this car! So, I'm grabbing a 2003 to replace my '91. The R8 will just have to wait until I can afford one!

But there will always be an NSX in my garage.
 
Jeff - congrats on the great ride !!

Am a fan of the R8 as well; and I think its a logical 'next step' from the NSX, given that Honda has given up, and effectively watered down "the dream". The coming V10 R8 should answer the power criitics, at least till the next round of hp wars.... personally I'd love to see the TDI V-12, but that may be further off.

Noticed you still have the trailer hitch on the NSX... do you have one made up for the R8 yet ?
 
I was reading about the SC kit for the R8. Ouch... I thought the CTSC was pricey... the R8 SC is $55,000!
 
I too gave up a long time ago and put myself in line for the R8 at DFW Audi years ago. It was the owner and I. They were alloted 2 cars. Went in to check on my status awhile back and they said "who are you ?" Apparently they "lost" my spot when they knew these car were going to sell over sticker. Great bunch of guys :mad:
Bought a Ferrari Boxer instead and kept the 91 NSX.
Now I have best of both worlds; old school hand formed carbed 12 cylinder and the marvelous original NSX.
I did get on the Lotus Esprit list. This time with a receipt.:biggrin:
 
...Noticed you still have the trailer hitch on the NSX... do you have one made up for the R8 yet ?


I'm trying to figure out who cojones is. Is that like mexican balls kind of cojones or is that cahones?? And you live in a house of italian rice? Hmmm. Would I know you if I saw you? Anyway, no trailer hitch planed for the R8, I had to get a trailer to tow the R8 around, so added a tire rack to that. But I do plan on doing lots of upgrades to the R8 like I did the NSX. The problem is that there are so few of them that not many vendors are bothering to make stuff for it - very small market. The US gets 180 of them per model year, Audi makes about 6,000 per year world wide with most sold in Europe.


And lightguy, that's too bad about your R8 situation. There is such demand for them that you have to be lucky to get one. And I had to google around to find out what a Ferrari Boxer was. Never heard of that. But now I see it's one of those older Ferraris. That new Lotus is also a nice looking car. That's with the V8, right?
 
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Jeff, I saw both your NSX and your R8 at Petit LeMans. I have to admit I was iffy on the R8s but everyone was right, they look much better in person. My Girl says she loves your X too. she got pictures next too it.
 
This car is not photogenic at all. I saw this in person in Ottawa for the first time and i was floored. I could not believe it. It was gorgeous. I later saw an NSX and was floored again. I love the NSX, but the R8 in person is completely different. The NSX photos very well, but the R8 doesn't. But in person it is really beautiful. But showing the R8 with the NSX (first of all, AWESOME photo), it really shows that the R8 isn't as big as it seems.

It looks really nice in red.


However one thing that should be noted is Audi's reliability is going up fast. The one thing that is wrong with the JD thing is that the reason Acura and BMW have falling in reliability is due to their tech problems.

BMW and Acura always introduce new gadgets and gizmos, and they lose reliability to that. Mechanically, Acura is still superior to Audi. Audi's have gotten better, but to use that comparison is not fair since they only lost reliability rating on their tech stuff (nav's and whatnot)

Otherwise Acura is still better in reliability. Same goes with BMW actually. Don't get me wrong, Audi's still amazing and I'd consider buying one now when i look for a car (My uncle is checking out the new S4).
 
And lightguy, that's too bad about your R8 situation. There is such demand for them that you have to be lucky to get one. And I had to google around to find out what a Ferrari Boxer was. Never heard of that. But now I see it's one of those older Ferraris. That new Lotus is also a nice looking car. That's with the V8, right?

Yes the new Lotus is supposed to be a V-8. Originally BMW but now Toyota/Lexus. They may have to start off turbo now to save face vs the GTR.:cool:
Lotus is doing the Evora next; a mid-engined 2+2 V6. Never saw that coming as the Esprit was supposed to be next. Looks like another 2 (?) years for the Esprit. In any case it will be before any Mid engined NSX replacement which could still feasibly happen in my lifetime. Not counting chickens yet.:wink:

PS; I fell in love with the Boxer. Just so incredibly neat. And in the world of hand built 12 cylinder Ferrari's , a bargain. If that word can be used associated with Ferrari.
 
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Re: The R8 is a great car but...

Owning and appreciating are totally different animals.

As far as my statement that HONDA is the best car company in the world...becuase of its engineering prowess....I stand by that statment. NO other car company compares with HONDA's engineering prowess.
From the manufacture of little walk behind lawn mowers to air plane engines and from little HONDA bike engines to F1 screamers, HONDA produces more engines on the planet than anyone else.

Amongst all the Honda fans here - you stand out as a super fanboy.

More engines doesn't equal best. I think Honda's engineering overall has declined compared to the rest.

The 3.5L v6 engines produce less hp and worse fuel economy than GM direct injection engines.

The very nice new Accord V6 is fast but many owners are disappointed in its fuel economy.

The new Pilot is not only ugly it is worse than the early model vs. its competitors.

Honda can't produce a RWD sedan if its life depended on it.

The new TSX is all about gadgets instead of performance and it is ridiculous to pay that much for a 4 cyl.

Honda is a wonderful company - but they need to get moving - particularly in their engines.

The R8 is a fabulous and beautiful car. If I had $120K to spend on a sports car today - that is the car I'd buy. I agree with many that is the successor (in spirit at least) to the NSX.
 
Great purchase. I looked into the R8 but walked out when the dealership told me that I couldn't sell the car for a year. And they didn't even ask me to sign the form until AFTER I gave them my $5000 deposit. I was rather pissed, as I was going to drive the car for about 3 months during the summer then sell it around September and make $10,000.

I was able to ride in one and you're right, that car gets more looks than a Ferrari! It also rides great because it's such a low AWD car. I really loved it.

Adn for the record, you can order the entire car in ANY color in one color if you like. You don't have to get the sideblades, however, I really like them. I had the black with the dark grey sideblades on order, with all black leather interior.

I was really disappointed in the ordering process with Audi. They were very unorganized about the entire process and extrememly uninformed of their own product. It's really up to the buyer to know what he's doing when he walks in the door.

Audi should have an R8 specialist at each dealership that knows about the R8 and helps the individual with their orders.

@liftcontrol

What's up with your comments?

Have you ever noticed how the 1989 Accord and 1990 Prelude's nose looks like the NSX? That never took away from the NSX.

Your entire choice of words was just condensending:

"But if you just had to purchase a non HONDA product, you could have done a lot worse. So congratulations"

What about saying...

Even though I am a loyal Hondaphile, I have to admit that you made an excellent choice outside of the family. Congratlations and happy driving.

See, you said the same thing, but in a less assholesqe way.
 
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Neat to see color matched "blades". I really wish they kept the concepts LED headlights which drastically change the look and make it appear more menacing.

I know you've already spent a of money but when the modding bug begins to bite the R8 V12 theme would look so hot.

Carbonfiber blades, blacked out headlights, and a new grill would go a long way.

Audi-V12-TDI-Le-Mans.jpg

audi-r8-lemans-audir8.jpg

car_photo_253314_7.jpg

:eek::eek: absolutely STUNNING!
 
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