R8 GT Coupe and GT Spyder?

[StuM]

We've been through a 2009 V8 coupe and now have a 2011 V10 Spyder, both 6MT's and loaded. We love both cars. I now have an opportunity to grab one of the few 2012 GT Spyder's that will soon come out.
Has anyone got the recent GT Coupe and if so, how do you like your car? Especially vs any prior R8 that you may have owned? Also, will I suffer going from my preferred 6MT to the R-tronic, which is the only tranny offered in the GT cars? Didn't I read that Audi has improved the computer control/input over the recent years to help the R-tronic function a bit better than the original units?
Thanks, StuM & Shelby Girl

[R8Spyderman]

I canceled my position to place an order because the seats in the GT are the same as those in the regular R8, just with red or gray stitching, nothing like the racing seats in the cars delivered everywhere else in the world. I personally don't see the value in the car the way they are configuring it for America.

[gazza1]

Different points of view here regarding the GT.

Firstly they are both fabulous cars and I would be more than happy to have but..what is around the corner in 2012 with the R8?

Facelift front and back ?/ DSG Box? etc..

Unfortunately it might just be a model that devalues greater due to the above changes next year.

Also I keep hearing chatter of a rear wheel drive only version next year.. Lambo Balboni type R8

[StuM]

Thanks guys, I can't really disagree with all of your comments. On my new ordered 2012 XKR-S, Jag at least is putting in the racing type seats and they are actually quite comfortable and very supportive from all angles. Too bad Audi can't or won't put the international seats in the U.S. cars. (U.S. safety std's, we hear)

Any comments from those who have actually owned and used the various R8's R-tronic and 6MT tranny's for a period of time? Is the new R-tronic software better and make the box reasonable for street and hwy cruising? Might we find a letdown after two 6MT cars? Is the R-tronic clutch wear still a replacement issue at fairly low mileage intervals? I do agree, if/when Audi puts a proper twin disc manu-matic in the car, it will vastly enhance the drive.

Does anyone on the forum have the new GT coupe, and if so, how do you like it?
Thanks,

[R8Spyderman]

I wonder why Audi can't meet U.S. safety standards with a racing seat while Jaguar and Ferrari can without difficulty?
If, indeed, the 2012 standard R8 will have 560 HP, then what is all the upcharge to get a GT paying for? Certainly not paint color choice because there are only 4 colors being offered. I am sooo disappointed in Audi's decisions regarding the GT! I was prepared to order mine in Orange with black Alcantara racing seats with orange piping and stitching but in order to do so I'd have to live abroad because Audi USA isn't even offering any of that! I'm keeping my Spyder until a nicer car comes along, and it doesn't look like it'll be an Audi, sad to say...

[desperado]

Here's my take on the GT. I preface my remarks by saying I have yet to drive one.

There are plenty of very nice detail improvements to the GTs over the standard R8. The lightweight bodywork, performance suspension, improved aerodynamics, and the upgraded engine (yes, it is upgraded - there's more than just a change in the ecu programming) make the GT a very nice performance improvement to the R8.

It seems the market is put off by the pricing. For the premium being asked, the majority would like more visual differentiation between the two variants and the minority are disappointed the North America version doesn't go all the way as a track-ready variant (although that criticism rightly applies more to the coupe than the spyder). On top of that, most have decided the limited production aspect has little value.

I suspect however that price or race track use may not be the major factors in StuM & Shelby Girl's decision. If that's the case, I think you would enjoy the GT.

[v10]

Different points of view here regarding the GT.

Firstly they are both fabulous cars and I would be more than happy to have but..what is around the corner in 2012 with the R8?

Facelift front and back ?/ DSG Box? etc..

Unfortunately it might just be a model that devalues greater due to the above changes next year.

Also I keep hearing chatter of a rear wheel drive only version next year.. Lambo Balboni type R8

Audiusa.com is now showing 2012 for the R8 and I don't see any changes.

[Scarey]

I currently have the 2011 V10 spyder (6spd) and the GT coupe both black. I too am quite disappointed in the lack of the race seats but am currently researching the Euro seats for a swap out. I track my cars frequently so when my car came with Pirell P zero rossa tires, I changed to Michelin Cup tires on OZ superleggera's

Esentially the GT is missing all of the "race gear" seats, belts, roll cage, extinguisher, electric shut off and plastic back window. Audi is new to the game of the track specific cars and I understand the government hurtles =(

I just spent the day at our local track and can gladly say that the GT really shines! The new quattro bias is much nicer on the track and feels very much like a rear wheel drive with quite a bit less understeer. They do recommend 39psi fronts and 36 rear cold but dropping the fronts to 36 really helps settle the understeer down as they heat up. The new suspension is quite a bit more reactive at the track but would be less so for day to day.

The GT Rtronic is beautiful on the track, crisp, holds shift at high rpm and the shifts are quick and firm but nice. I would prefer the paddles larger and fixed (have CF ones coming) but it still takes some lifting to make smooth shifts with low rpm shifts. It is wonky if you expect it to be like a DCT but if you gain a bit of muscle memory for a very slight gas pedal lift its really quite smooth. (only had one test drive on any other R8 with Rtronic) <---hated it

I LOVE the 6 speed in the convertible, it is terribly satisfying but it is much slower on the track IMO. My wife loves the auto part of the rtronic so a bit of a trade off.

As for the rest of the car when you have them side by side you really do appreciate the differences with the rear wing, deeper diffuser and brake vents. The stance is more aggresive and I do like the added contrast of the matte CF

Sound is beautiful on any R8 but the GT is just a we bit more menacing.

I have my order in for the GT spyder because even though the 6 speed is that good, there are so many other great things about the GT than just the race bits.

Cheers

[gazza1]

Nice review and summary Scarey...thanks

I too love the more menacing look of the Black GT and the Matt contrasts.

Sounds engaging with your reports of "feel" on the track and its more rear drive power down.

Interesting you can tell a difference between the Standard and GT R-tronic and that you hated one but like the other.

[StuM]

Thanks Scarey. Good summary and you surely have the ability to truly compare the two. Given comments here and other research, we will most likely hold off on the Spyder GT for now and see how the "regular" R8's evolve over the next year or two. After all, the current Spyder only has 6k miles on it now.

I just ordered a new 2012 Jag XKR-S (550hp, upgraded version, black metallic, race seats, etc.) and that should arrive in Dec-January. Thus, that should satisfy my urges for a while and will allow Shelby-Girl to drive her R8 Spyder in peace!

Thanks to all for your insights,
StuM