Highway RPM's

[ptaylor_9849]

I just read comment that the gear ratio in the R8 causes the RPM's to be relatively high at highway speeds. Can anyone tell me what their RPM's are around 70mph in 6th gear on the highway? While we're at it, how bout cabin noise as well. Will I have to shout to my girlfriend in the passenger seat? Only interested in manual transmission owners please.

Thanks

[cavaret]

Cabin noise is quiet... Even in a Spyder with the top down. Although the R8 has a high-rev engine in 6th gear the rpms are low. Believe it or not at 70mph the R8 is comfortable in 3rd through 6th gears, but in 6th at 70mph th inside of the car is silent.

[mngolfer]

I think in 6th gear the RPM 3000. It does not matter whether you have a manual or R-tronic. They are both the same transmission. R-tronic is shifted with the computer.

[KfabR8]

Agreed - 6th at 3K rpm is about 70 and the cabin is nice and quiet.

It's one of the most common questions I hear: "With the engine right there behind you, it has to be loud, right?"

"Nope. Very, very comfortable." is my answer.

[Jeff]

You can always hear the engine while driving an R8 -- but it's muted unless you're accelerating. I've taken several long drives in mine (Cincinnati to White Sulpher Springs, WV and Milwaukee, WI) and the engine sound is soft enough to hold quiet conversation at pretty much any speed you'll experience on a US Interstate.

That's part of the beauty of the R8 -- wonderful performance with amazing comfort.

[NVRL8R8]

Quiet and awesome. Nuff said..... I love my car!!!

[ptaylor_9849]

Thanks guys, this just brings me one step closer to getting an R8 over the AM Vantage.

[dailydriver]

It isn't a problem even if you're cruising at 70 mph in 5th gear (more likely in highway driving around town and not on the open road). My car has an aftermarket exhaust and it is still easy to converse without straining to hear.

[harald]

On a German Autobahn without any speed restrictions it is even at 150 mph easily possible to make a conversation with the passenger

[kthacher]

Just confirming what everyone else has said. 120 km/hr = 3,000 rpm. The cabin of the R8 is as comfortable as any sedan I have ever been in. I have driven it for 8-10 hours per day on a long road trip, with no problem. It is a rare combo of refinement when you want it and a beast when you need it.