R8 GT Spyder priced @ $210k

[AnOutsider]

Sorry if this was posted, I browsed and searched (the google add-on search kind of sucks), but didn't see anything:

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/02/a...pping-210-000/

Audi prices R8 GT Spyder at a top-dropping $210,000*

The limited-edition roadster packs the 5.2-liter V10 engine tuned up to 560 horsepower and unburdened of 187 pounds of excess weight, all without a roof to get between driver and the wind rushing rapidly by.

Like the GT, only 333 will be produced. Has Audi lost their marbles? Your competition is the Nissan GT-R Audi. They're doing the same at almost a third of your price point.

At $210k I want a DSG and balls-to-the-wall performance.

[SebringSilver]

Don't know about anyone else, but there's no comparison between even a regular V8 R8 and any GT-R. The R8 is so much better than the GT-R its not even funny. Does the GT-R go faster? Yep. But the measure of a car, or any product, goes far beyond just one performance parameter.

I've driven my buddy's tuned 650+ hp GT-R and at barely 30,000 km, it's absolutely full of creaks and rattles. Are there better cars than an R8 (more specifically an R8 GT)? Definitely. Is the Nissan GT-R one of them? I just can't see it.

[eliouno]

Sorry if this was posted, I browsed and searched (the google add-on search kind of sucks), but didn't see anything:

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/02/a...pping-210-000/







Like the GT, only 333 will be produced. Has Audi lost their marbles? Your competition is the Nissan GT-R Audi. They're doing the same at almost a third of your price point.

At $210k I want a DSG and balls-to-the-wall performance.

When I first saw the price I thought it was not too expensive. In Montreal we pay MRSP of $187,000 plus prep charges of course for a straight spyder.
It comes with GPS, but no leather for a 6 speed. So from my perspective I thought that was not to bad.. Canadian is at par with US as of yesterday.
I noticed the cars are somewhat cheeper across the border

[AnOutsider]

Don't know about anyone else, but there's no comparison between even a regular V8 R8 and any GT-R. The R8 is so much better than the GT-R its not even funny. Does the GT-R go faster? Yep. But the measure of a car, or any product, goes far beyond just one performance parameter.

I've driven my buddy's tuned 650+ hp GT-R and at barely 30,000 km, it's absolutely full of creaks and rattles. Are there better cars than an R8 (more specifically an R8 GT)? Definitely. Is the Nissan GT-R one of them? I just can't see it.

Luxury and refinement of course increases cost of the car (implicit and implied), but how much? The GT-R is a well-handling track car which pales to the R8 in interior and exterior refinement. Is that worth an extra 120k?

[NVRL8R8]

Sorry, while the GTR is a great track and straight - line car, it is ugly as....... well, just plain ugly, bulky, and gaudy. I think that's why they call the darn thing Godzilla!!

[SebringSilver]

Luxury and refinement of course increases cost of the car (implicit and implied), but how much? The GT-R is a well-handling track car which pales to the R8 in interior and exterior refinement. Is that worth an extra 120k?

I think it's more than just the incremental dose of luxury and refinement that comes with the difference in price. As impressive as the GT-R is in putting up performance data that defies accepted sports car convention, I just don't understand why it's competition for the R8 GT. There are plenty of cars in the R8 GT's price range that also can't put up performance results like the GT-R can. Does that mean those cars are also not worth the price?

To my mind, the way something is built, its design, the degree of hand craftsmanship that's involved, as well as the materials that are used, all add value to the eventual product. I agree the Nissan does amazing things, the same way a Suunto watch can do amazing things. But just as the Suunto is no substitute for the far more expensive watches like Blancpain, Patek Philippe, or even an IWC (if we're going try to maintain some modicum of humility as Audi owners), I think a true connoisseur of engineering and craftsmanship will choose the R8 every time.

[STEEVE]

R8's handling is a lot better than a GTR. R8 is also more stable at high speed braking.

[AnOutsider]

Sorry, while the GTR is a great track and straight - line car, it is ugly as....... well, just plain ugly, bulky, and gaudy. I think that's why they call the darn thing Godzilla!!

Which I've agreed with (and even stated) numerous times. Again, does that warrant the huge price discrepancy? Listen, I love my R8, but I'm not blind to reality either. Audi should either drop the price or increase performance.

I think it's more than just the incremental dose of luxury and refinement that comes with the difference in price. As impressive as the GT-R is in putting up performance data that defies accepted sports car convention, I just don't understand why it's competition for the R8 GT. There are plenty of cars in the R8 GT's price range that also can't put up performance results like the GT-R can. Does that mean those cars are also not worth the price?

Actually, I'd argue yes. I've never had the desire to own a Lambo, mainly because they're high-priced for the performance (and refinement, and reliability) you get out of them. It's one of the many reasons I loved the R8. Honestly, I'd take a Supercharged V8 R8 over a Gallardo any day -- again though, I just feel like they need to push the envelop in these special-edition "performance" models (or price accordingly).

My 2¢

[09R8]

It's a tough argument, but at over $200k, the GT may not sell out that fast. Why I say this? Because I considered purchasing one just weeks ago. At this price point, it's hard to ignore other cars in its category. I ultimately chose to order the MP4-12C over purchasing a nicely optioned black GT @ Niello Audi. The price point is only slightly higher (approx 30k) with the McLaren, so the value mindset kicked in for me and I went for the most obvious. Had the GT come in a dual clutch, I would have chosen otherwise. Audi really had been behind on the curve for the R8...perhaps it's because this would be their first "supercar" and the lack of experience in properly building one held them behind.

[charliex]

Don't know about anyone else, but there's no comparison between even a regular V8 R8 and any GT-R. The R8 is so much better than the GT-R its not even funny. Does the GT-R go faster? Yep. But the measure of a car, or any product, goes far beyond just one performance parameter.

I've driven my buddy's tuned 650+ hp GT-R and at barely 30,000 km, it's absolutely full of creaks and rattles. Are there better cars than an R8 (more specifically an R8 GT)? Definitely. Is the Nissan GT-R one of them? I just can't see it.

You said it perfectly. I owned a 2010 GT-R for a year. All I can say is, I never fell in love with the car, and it just didn't seem to have a soul at all. On the otherhand, I lOVE the R8. Its an experience.etc. Yes the GT-R was fast but to be honest, I'd rather be in a ZR1 or TT-Porsche than a GT-R. Somehow that car takes the fun out of driving. Hard to explain.