question

[bigslice]

i am looking to buy a gently used R8 shortly...is there a diff between body shape/design from 2008 - 2011's ? and what is the biggest potential defect/wear item i should look at? (note that al preowned cars so far have less than 20,000 miles...thx

[desperado]

There is are distinct but subtle differences between V8 and V10. They are pretty clear if you review the images on the R8 configurator on your country's website.

Within V8 or V10 there has been very little change from year to year. Bottom line is the cars all look the same from year to year to the casual observer. Only the very knowledgable can tell the difference.

There are some additional trim options available from year to year, mostly additional areas which can be had in carbon fiber finish. Examples include CF engine bay, and CF interior inlays (2009), CF door sills (2010), black insert in rear bumper (2010).

You asked about exterior, but some Interior options not available on earlier cars (except in some cases with significant upcharge) include white letters on driver information screen (2009), deviated stitching, piano black inlays, improved iPod integration (2010), additional color-matched leather on doors (2010).

I'm sure some others can think of other areas of difference, but this hits the high spots.

Welcome to R8Talk!

[randombloke]

clutch, brakes and tyres are the obvious wear areas to watch for. if it's r-tronic, the dealer can hook it up to their computer and tell you the clutch wear.

[M3R8]

clutch, brakes and tyres are the obvious wear areas to watch for. if it's r-tronic, the dealer can hook it up to their computer and tell you the clutch wear.

Does this really apply only to R-Tronic?

[randombloke]

What's the most mileage from an R8 clutch so far??

I have not removed an R-Tronic transmission for comparison purposes, but the 6MT cars don't have a sensor on them like this...

[R8Spyderman]

Biggest difference is the V10 versus the original V8.