So i went to see my first r8 today

[AuDiR8FtW]

and i have to admit that i am a little disappointed. The dealership seemed very out of touch with selling any r8s, saying that they had no ordering booklets and that we could not even open the car on the showroom. After a few minutes the dealer opened it up and we were allowed to sit in it, no engine on. The interior is nice, but not amazing. I feel like it was a bit plasticky. It was just all a bit more underwhelming than I had hoped it would be. Maybe it was because it was never turned on. Im sure its a much different thing to have it come to life and be able to drive it and such. But for now, I am saddened by the experience. The Jaguar XFR and XKR at the lot across the way had absolutely beautiful interiors for the money and made me question my love for the r8. So guys, does the interior seem nicer once the whole system is up and running? Does it feel like it is an occasion whilst you are driving it? Sorry for the wordy post

[AuDiR8FtW]

also is there any way to get an ordering pamphlet without going to a dealership?

[desperado]

No, you are not wrong. The R8 is not a "luxury car". Audi doesn't even put in some of the nicer technology that appears in its sedans such as pushbutton start, etc. It is utilitarian - a driving machine. You've read all the reviews. It is a very impressive ride!

[desperado]

It's also possible that the car you saw did not have extended leather, etc? This might affect your impression of the interior. Extended leather is very nice. Some of the Audi Exclusive interiors are very beautiful - but if you need burl and machine turned aluminum, you'll have to look elsewhere.

[AuDiR8FtW]

you're right it did not have the extended leather. Im sure that does help quite a bit in the feeling of quality when in the cabin. I guess its the kind of car where just sitting in it with the whole thing shut down doesnt give you an accurate sense of what the car really is.

[ianerrid]

Just seen a stripper V8 at my local dealer (base manual with CF blade, satnav and alloy pedals only!!) and the interior is terrible IMHO. The other thing that struck me was the smell was entirely different, very plasticky!

[Davey_Dee]

If you think you would have a better opinion if you were able to drive it i'd suggest trying to get a test drive.

[AuDiR8FtW]

ianerrid that may have been it. No extended leather no cf interior, it just didnt have any wow factor too it. It was well crafted but didnt make me feel like i was privaledged in sitting in it. I need to see a different r8 i think.

[London Lad]

Get a new dealer!

It may be different in the US but when I ordered my V10 the dealer was great, I had a long test drive and crawled all over the car. The manager came out and just chatted about cars for a hour or so.

I was dressed casually and turned up in our work horse Land Rover Discovery so I definitely didn't look flash. In fact up to that day I had never set foot in the dealership.

[dailydriver]

The Jaguar XFR and XKR at the lot across the way had absolutely beautiful interiors for the money and made me question my love for the r8.

I'm surprised by your impression. I have an XKR and it has luxury package which includes extended leather on the interior but I feel the controls/buttons/switches in this car feel rather cheap compared to when I test drove and checked on the R8.