R8 competition...

[pw78]

From a former competitor:

http://www.worldcarfans.com/9080223....db9-for-geneva

Looks like the V8 Vantage will be getting a 4.7L upgrade, producing roughly the same as the R8 (+40hp). With similar weights, I would guestimates improvements to be along the same line as a Prodrive Vantage (+45hp, +25ft-lb): 0-60 in the 4.3 sec range, 1/4 mile under 13 sec. And some interior enhancements (ala DBS) to be shown at Geneva.

So who is tempted? Definitely has the looks, prestige, exclusivity, great sounding exhaust, and probably not as hard to find! (Read: under MSRP). Performance wise, it was always a good (great?) handler, just a bit underpowered. This seems to take care of its one big flaw since introduction. Hrmmmmmm.......

Anyone know what's the forecast like for the new RS4, aka, the updated engine for the R8 V8? Ah, decisions.

[imclueless]

I think any new RS4 is a while away as they have just started the RS6 rollout. Audi say they will have only one RS model running at one time. If the ECU tuners are correct there isn't a huge amount more they can get out of V8 so I reckon they will leave it alone and use the V10 as the upgrade. My opinion only not fact!

I looked at the Vantage - who didn't. Just not sure about the "alleged" fragility and the slightly up your nose dealerships.

I am easy to dislike and look like one of the undeserving poor but I still had £90k in the back pocket - should have sucked up to the punter a little bit.

[r8m8]

mmmm... this is very tempting indeed. I've been going back and forth between the vantage and the R8. Still haven't parted with my money, was looking towards the R8 V10. If you have any links with more info, do post them here.

[800]

Astons are Fords! (or is that Jags only) I don't like Fords.

[imclueless]

Actually they got bought out by the Prodrive Consortium a while back. Ford still have a shareholding though.

But remember Bugatti is VW ,Ferrari and Maserati are Fiats

[jampoTT]

And Audi shares its parts bin with Skoda and Seat.

[L3MAN]

And Audi shares its parts bin with Skoda and Seat.

Basically all cars are mongrels, the R8 is no exception?

Still does not stop me thinking that it is the best thing since sliced bread.

[wedouglas]

I think the Vantage is terrible looking. If I'm going Aston, it's a DB9 or, more than likely, a DBS.

DB9 interior is weak for it's price. DBS solves that problem though.

Price on the DBS is still way too much above the DB9 though.

[willyjp]

Interesting that Aston Martin salesman are the same in the home country as they are in the US. Hard to get one to give you the time of day! I don't think they have THAT much to be snobs about. Wasn't David Brown originally a tractor builder? Like Lamborghini if memory serves correctly.

[wedouglas]

I don't see how any exotic cars salesmen can be snobs. They aren't the ones who can afford them.