Snow R8

**toecutter** · 12-26-2008, 10:39 AM

Snow testing continues. Very very good in the snow as long as the plow has come. If there is much over 6 inches of powder, then it is just a snowplow. Drifts are over the roof by a foot or two.

**opie** · 12-26-2008, 11:02 AM

Lookin good!

What tires do you have?

**toecutter** · 12-26-2008, 02:28 PM

Pirelli SottoZero 240 Series II OEM size on OEM rims.

**toecutter** · 01-13-2009, 07:52 PM

As an update. I have about 150 miles on snow covered roads and about 300 miles done in mixed conditions. I have yet to experience any slippage or loss of traction that I would consider unacceptable. As I have become more comfortable with the car, I have started to push it a bit and try to break it loose on the ice and snow. I have also driven in deep enough snow that it has come over the hood.

I still am very impressed with the overall handling and recovery. This is a very good snow vehicle if you are willing to spend to dough on tires and put it at risk for a fender-bender. The one downside really is the amount of snow that accumulates on the rear during driving. I seem to really put up a snow cloud behind the car and a fair amount of snow accumulates on the rear. This obscures the camera but I have noticed as it melts in the garage and falls off the back, there are significant clear coat scratches. As expected in a black car, this happens but I'm sure my all weather driving is adding to the total scratch count.

**AnOutsider** · 01-14-2009, 06:05 AM

Did the dealer install your tires? What'd they run if you don't mind me asking?

**toecutter** · 01-14-2009, 07:52 AM

Dealer did the install and also did the programming of the new tires. They were a tirerack dealer also and they got the tires from tirerack and ordered the OEM rims in with sensors, etc. I bought a jack at the same time and the retail was about $6K for everything and then they knocked off about 10%.

**swansailor** · 01-14-2009, 09:46 AM

My Audi dealer quoted me just above $6k for rims and winter tires including installation; also offered to store the summer wheels FOC. Since I don't need to drive it every day I decided not to make that investment.

**Orion Quest** · 01-14-2009, 10:52 AM

I was about to purchase a complete winter wheel/tire package as well with my R8 since it will be my daily driving car. After finding nothing reasonable I decided to just go with tires. I purchased the wheel/tire warranty with no cap/limit with my car that will cover any and all damage including curbing, or salt erosion. If they can't repair it to new condition they will replace the wheel. It is with GE so as long as they don't go under (if they do I will be afraid for more things then just my wheels/tires). A great alternative to buying the whole thing and saved me about 4800.00 USD.