The R8 hype is over

[BlueMax]

The R8 ordering hype is over and from what seems to be more and more evident is how Audi purposely initiated this hype about shortage to create a large demand for its cars.

After preparing myself to plunk down a $5K deposit and wait for an alleged 12 to 18 months for delivery, it was made clear to me by a member of another local but honest Audi dealer team that the R8 could be had in any trim level desired as a custom order in and about 90 days.

Having said that and having experienced first hand how disgusting this whole charade has become, I've decided to wait until the winds calm and the car starts to sell below MSRP. Knowing Audi's terrible resale value and high depreciation on their other vehicles incluidng the A8, I wouldn't be surprised if the R8 follows suit.

Don't get me wrong. I love the car and I dream about parking it in my garage one day but I don't believe in getting a rectal examination in the process.

Audi, shame on you for fooling the general public.

[Inrev]

Paid MSRP for mine but it took about 6 months to get it. I suspect they're more available here as they seem to be pulling production from the US allocation because of their weak dollar.

What dealership told you that by the way?

[randombloke]

It seems to vary region by region, maybe canada or your specific dealer has spare allocation (or cancellation) they can tap in to.

There is certainly no shortage of used r8's out there to choose from, and the media hype is starting to die down a little with the nissan gtr taking up the mantle.

[pw78]

I cetaintly hope that the hype is dying down, so that I can get mine faster!! Maybe with the new 2009 911s (385 hp, 7 speed DSG, 27.7mpg) some people will jump camp?

For those US folks still waiting in queue, what are your dealers telling you for wait times?

[Bodhii]

I think that BlueMax is living beside a very small pond,.. and deciding to declare that the size of the Atlantic Ocean is insignificant.

[willyjp]

I cetaintly hope that the hype is dying down, so that I can get mine faster!! Maybe with the new 2009 911s (385 hp, 7 speed DSG, 27.7mpg) some people will jump camp?

For those US folks still waiting in queue, what are your dealers telling you for wait times?

My dealer took a nominal deposit to "get on the list" in 10/07 and said, "there's a little more than a dozen names ahead of you, but it's hard to count precisely because some may not be entirely firm and may be off the list when we call them, and some may wait for a V10 or cabrio, if one has been announced by the time their number comes up; so I expect 18--24 months for you". I checked with him this April (six months later) and he said, "12--18 months."

So, at least the progress, if slow, is as predicted. He did not hold out much hope of a speed up, but did say that he was expecting to be at some kind of convocation of Audi dealers this month (June) where he expected to hear about future production and introduction plans for various models and that he might hear something different about the R8. But I think, "don't hold your breath," was the meta-message. My dealer, by the way, has always been the soul of integrity to me and my family members in all past dealings. I don't think he "B.S.'s" anyone.

My greatest hope is that Porsche doesn't take over and kill the R8 before I get a chance to buy one!

[ky_soldier]

say what you want, but i ordered mine in jan 07 and its being built next month. if you can get one in 90 days, be my guest. i have no doubt reality will set in, but msrp will be a bargain. it's still a very low production vehicle with demand outpacing supply

[imclueless]

If Audi "initiated this hype about shortage to create a large demand for its cars" then they have done quite a good job of it and they haven't stopped you wanting one.

A honest car dealer... that can get you a new custom R8 in 90 days - it is around 3 months from final spec to delivery in UK. May be that is what Honest Joe means.

[Axxlrod]

The R8 ordering hype is over and from what seems to be more and more evident is how Audi purposely initiated this hype about shortage to create a large demand for its cars.

After preparing myself to plunk down a $5K deposit and wait for an alleged 12 to 18 months for delivery, it was made clear to me by a member of another local but honest Audi dealer team that the R8 could be had in any trim level desired as a custom order in and about 90 days.

Having said that and having experienced first hand how disgusting this whole charade has become, I've decided to wait until the winds calm and the car starts to sell below MSRP. Knowing Audi's terrible resale value and high depreciation on their other vehicles incluidng the A8, I wouldn't be surprised if the R8 follows suit.

Don't get me wrong. I love the car and I dream about parking it in my garage one day but I don't believe in getting a rectal examination in the process.

Audi, shame on you for fooling the general public.

If you say you can get one in 90 days, then why didn't you order it?

I say you are full of B.S.

[wedouglas]

I was just at the Lamborghini dealership and we were talking about my R8, and he said that he heard the wait time is still well over a year and that if I wanted to sell mine, he could move it easily. I don't want to but, to say that you can get them in 90 days is nonsense.