Which engine would you choose?

[hmp10]

To me, it's all about the handling balance. Coming out of an SL55 with 63% more torque, I was astonished at how fast the R8 V8 feels (and that it matches the SL55 on quarter mile times and trap speeds). While I thought the relative lack of power would be an issue for me, it has turned out not to be so.

Instead, I've become so besotted with the handling and balance of the car that those things have moved to the top of my list in terms of debating whether to switch to a V10. I have always thought more power was better. But with this car, I'm not quite so sure.

If the V10 can keep the weight in control and not upset the superb balance of the car, I will move to the V10, probably without worrying too much about the cost premiium (which I assume is going to be on the order of $30,000+). If the early reviews of the V10 suggest a loss of handling edge, though, I'll quite happily stick with the V8.

[L3MAN]

To me, it's all about the handling balance. Coming out of an SL55 with 63% more torque, I was astonished at how fast the R8 V8 feels (and that it matches the SL55 on quarter mile times and trap speeds). While I thought the relative lack of power would be an issue for me, it has turned out not to be so.

Instead, I've become so besotted with the handling and balance of the car that those things have moved to the top of my list in terms of debating whether to switch to a V10. I have always thought more power was better. But with this car, I'm not quite so sure.

If the V10 can keep the weight in control and not upset the superb balance of the car, I will move to the V10, probably without worrying too much about the cost premiium (which I assume is going to be on the order of $30,000+). If the early reviews of the V10 suggest a loss of handling edge, though, I'll quite happily stick with the V8.

It is possible that the potential handling issues could be overcome by moving the engine further forward by bringing the bulkhead directly behind the seats. This has been certainly demonstrated with the recent V12 pictures.

Now, would we be prepared to loose a bit of cabin space for extra performance and balance?

[SiNzz]

This being my first post, I hope I don't embarass myself in the company of such high end automobile enthusiasts (I'm but a humble "wannabe" hoping someday for his shot (and working diligently towards the goal) of owning an R8

In any case, I would also like to pose the question as to cost factor- in terms of maintenance. While I understand that one who can afford a car of this calibre is not so highly concerned with maintenance prices, knowing a bit about the enormous costs of servicing ferraris and lamborghinis, I would imagine the V10 might potentiallly take away a bit of the daily driveability and flexiblity that the current model enjoys. Do any of you (particularly those who have L or F car experience have any input as to how much more the V10 might be to service, or keep running reliably?

[young-nyc]

You have a good point,
however i think the V10 can be maintained at a fairly descent cost,
i guess it all depends on how much they pushed the engine.

For example the e60 M5, i don't believe the maintenance on this car is that much, especially compared to lambo's v10.