what next after R8?

[audistic]

My first post on this forum. I'm in the market for an R8, but am wondering for those who've been here long enough, what are a lot of people migrating to after they've had their fun with the R8?

Basically I'm on the fence between an R8 V8 or a 997 GT3. one of my buddies mentioned that it's likely that I may go to a GT3 next if i do decide on an R8 first... thoughts?

[yupp danners]

It's a personal choice. They both go from A to B quickly and in style.

However, I live in London where there are more Porsches than Golfs and Porsches have been around in that incarnation too long ,moreover, the evolution between versions has been too modest and slow - lots of nips and tucks but no radical difference.

For me the driving experience for the R8 V10 is pretty amazing and I have a smile on my face every time I drive it ( about twice a week). I just love the look and feel of the R8.

To me a Porsche is a wife and the R8 a mistress that's a joke of course!

My next car would be an R8 GT - if I had to buy something other than an Audi
it would probably be a 348.

[R8nJax]

Audistic
Hey I was at the same place you were 4 months ago. I was looking at a GT3RS, GT3 and the R8. Believe me it was a hard on going choise. I come from owning 7 Porsches the last a C4S. I got the chance to get behind the wheel of both for a period of time. The GT3 is a fast fun thrill ride but not made for daily or long drives. The R8 is fun to drive has all the power you need and a great driver. It will bring more looks and head turns than the Porsche. My 2012 R8 will be here the week before Christmas. It really comes down to your choice either way you can not loose.

[CPBRI]

An R8 and a GT3 are very different rides. Be sure to check each out before deciding.

[Baer]

Tough decisions we must make eh?!?

As has been said, it largely depends on what your goals are . . . I also looked at the GT3 before I bought my R8 and found the GT3 to be too high strung for around town use. By that I mean its not as smooth or useable at everyday speeds. I can confirm they run like demons on the track as I drove one at Barber Motorsports Park last month. They're great performers but I was happy to get in my R8 for a drive when I got home. I really like Porsches, but like my R8 more.

What's next? As I have a V8, maybe a V10. Really love the upcoming Porsche 918 Spyder but at a cost of 5-6 R8's its not likely to land in my garage --ever! The routine maintenance costs on Ferrari's scare me off those even though they have some awesome models. With the increase in production volumes depreciation has become more of an issue and that just makes the maintenance higher as a % of value for the used ones.

I do like the R8 and after 2 years haven't tired of it at all. More likely I'd keep her and just add something else to the stable that is different, maybe an A-M Vantage.

Anyway, that's just one guy's ramblings . . . good luck with your choice. I've always found the hunt to be a great, fun part of the car buying process.
Have fun!

[SebringSilver]

A fully-loaded Honda Odyssey wouldn't be a bad idea.

[KfabR8]

What? There's something to consider over an R8? egad, that confuses me!

[yupp danners]

Damien Hirst the British artist has - I think it's seven or eight R8s - he obviously couldn't find anything else out there....

[willyjp]

An R8 and a GT3 are very different rides. Be sure to check each out before deciding.

Literally!

The RIDE, and driving experience on everyday roads, is TOTALLY different. Fairly, the R8 is really a very high level Grand Touring Car that is very capable, but not world beating except in it's GT3 form, on the track. While the Porsche GT3's are race cars that have been civilized enough to "get by" on the road. But god forbid taking a 1500--2000 mile road drive in one....if you like that experience, you've got a tougher behind than mine! But that kind of trip is a breeze in an R8....a treat in fact!

[zondar]

A Honda Fit. Really! It's so spacious and practical inside that it's insane. Get the manual and it's fun, too. Almost the only down-side is that it's a bit noisy at speed. Oh, and it's not an R8.

Well sure, you can get a Ferrari 458, etc., but even with a mere R8, we're already talking stratospheric levels. Asking for more is like expecting to live forever.

Since we don't get to live forever, enjoy it while it lasts! But if you must have more, I'd suggest that the obvious choice within the general family would be the Lamborghini Aventador. Please offer me a drive if you get one. :-)