What a fascinating read..thanks for the post.

 

thanks for sharing .... as a 'car-guy', it's a great time to be alive with what's on the ten year horizon

 

This is the Golden Age of the automobile and I'm glad it happened to coincide with the time in my life when I can actually afford to indulge in my car habit!

 

It has certainly been no secret that Audi is planning a lightweight, rear wheel drive R8 that would go head to head with the Porsche GT3. The only question has been: HOW SOON?

Audi seems a little too obsessed with spreading out these "NOT VERY NEW TECHNOLOGY," design upgrades, over as many years as possible in order to completely "utilize" its original R8 customer base. So I guess Audi's lightweight, GT3 R8 model will finally arrive as soon as the new R8 GT market has been fully addressed.

Maybe the Audi GT3 type R8 will happen using the current R8 design, or maybe it will be as an ultra expensive, completely new R8 re-design model. And from this most expensive new re-model, they will slowly, over a few years, offer to us some cheaper, tuned down models in a similar manner that Porsche seems to be introducing its new 918 flagship platform. Start with an ultra new top model and then work down?

The heavy weight of the current R8 chassis and its lack of a modern, dual clutch transmission have long been the car's only significant weaknesses. Carbon fiber body parts represent NO new technology, nor do PDK type trannys. The only NEW technological advance I would truly cherish from Audi would be their development of quality CF monocoque chassis construction costs equaling the same, or costing less than the current very heavy, metal frame sportscar construction. Now that is something that I would salute!

Tuners have been making R8's using carbon fibre body panels for years with over 550 LBS of weight lost, plus another 50-60 LBS reduction for RWD! This is very significant weight loss! It's nothing new. I think its about time that Audi decided to do the same.

 

I was surprised that the vaunted F458 didn't use a carbon fiber tub the way the McLaren does and many Ferraristi are envious of the McLaren beating Ferrari to the punch. The replacement for the Murcielago seems to be based around a CF tub as well, though don't quote me on that: I picked that up somewhere and can't cite the reference but that seems to be the trend going froward so I wouldn't be surprised if the next R8 is based around a CF tub, but probably not this special NF edition (sigh).

 

Yeah, weight is a killer regardless! Bad for fuel consumption and performance. I think Audi should offer a RWD version or Quattro version from factory. Let the customer decide between R8-2 or R8-4!

To be honest, the R8 is a BIG car in terms of it's width and length! But, the Aluminium Space Frame and Body Parts have kept this weight down to some degree. If it was purely made of steel it would weigh over 1800kgs!

Audi need to address the Club Racer market. Focus on a stripped out, light weight, low spec GT3 Competitor! No NAV, Stereo, Leather, Rear Cam etc etc.
Pricing must also match or slightly undercut the GT3.

In the meantime, I'll just work on building my own GT3 RWD version!

 

Wouldn't doing away with AWD in favor of RWD also save a bunch of weight? It should also improve the net HP rating at the wheels, shouldn't it? Maybe that's what this NF variant is all about. Can't wait to see the specs!

 

Since VAG now owns both Porsche and Audi; and

Since Porsche already has a quite full lineup of wicked competition variants up to and including the superlight Cup cars; and

Since Audi is more of a luxury marque;

Then, don't you suppose the R8 will remain slanted more toward the ultimate high performance grand tourer, and the 911 or its successors will continue to have the all-out road racing variants?

 

Don't want to outsmart some other here on the board but I wrote already in November that at Audi they had decided to build this lightweight version (internal name is GT-X). A friend of mine has driven this car in December already, calling it a beast.

And yes, they will push it into the market as soon as all GT are sold - unfortunately for AUDI there are still some available here in Germany/Europe.

And they still consider to build another version (codename GT-Y) after the GT-X is sold.....

Due to being aware of this I did not pull the trigger on the GT cause it will loose value pretty soon. I already saw the first GT-contract on the market which was offered 5% below retail price.

And I personally would not place a bet on a signifikant enhancement of the future R8 base models - production run nowadays is so low that at Audi they are not sure what to do.... They are principally planning a change to dual clutch and some other mods but to my knowledge the board is also still considering to end production in a while....

 

And I personally would not place a bet on a signifikant enhancement of the future R8 base models - production run nowadays is so low that at Audi they are not sure what to do.... They are principally planning a change to dual clutch and some other mods but to my knowledge the board is also still considering to end production in a while....

On this note does anyone know how many R8's have been produced to date in all 5 Models?

 

Thanks for the insight which was informative.

Always nice to get a bit from the the inside.

Won't mind if they pull the pin on the R8 as it will just verify its uniqueness and classic quality's.

 

Wow! Very interesting and informative. Thanks for the inside info!

 

There will always be a faster / lighter / more powerful / more desireable car or variant in "a couple of years". If you always wait for the next best thing, you will always be waiting. If the GT inspires you, by all means go for it!

 

My only issue is that the new variant is going to happen two years later... That's pretty quick! Supposedly lighter and with a better gearbox. Seems like they usually sit on variants longer, but the R8 being in its infancy seems like it is getting a total overhaul in 2014.

 

A big problem I see developing here is price.

The R8 is getting too expensive. That was always part of the appeal. It was an amazing car at a great price. The V10 was too.

Now, however, they are getting too expensive. I saw a Spyder with a $190K sticker and nearly fell over. You'd be an idiot to buy an R8 Spyder for $190K (imo.) It's just not worth it.

Then they release an R8 V10 with a different tune and some CF bits for $225K.

How high can they get? Pretty soon they'll be knocking on McLaren's door and there is no way in hell I'll buy a second R8 that is stripped down when I can have a fresh design that has all the creature comforts that does the same thing, if not better.

Given the choice, I'd rather keep my TT R8 with plenty of performance, and just buy a second car that is newer and different.

 

Sales compared to last year..

 

Thank the Spyder for that big increase.

 

Suspect you're right.

 

I bought my coupe last year. Watched Iron Man this year on DVD because I had the car. Not the other way around.

 

Watched the movie whilst still having ownership of a coupe and turned to my wife and said"never buying one of those"

Then went and bought one..

I think that's called illogical thought or I have no idea.

Probably a bit of both.

 

a few comments:

the R8 is just the right size for a super car. it is by no means "relatively" large in any way.

my info is quite different from NR8's. they have built rwd only V10's but they were development cars for the LMS version. according to MY info there is NO intention to sell a rwd R8 this product cycle, or even in the forseeable future. the recent article namesaked on this post implies that one more R8 gen 1 variant will be made to incorporate this tech. what the article seems to imply is not accurate. what audi is doing is showcasing its and lambo's new independent in-house carbon fiber manufacturing specialty (i.e lexus's and pagani's) and how this expertise will be applied to the second generation R8. we will not see this stuff integrated into an audi production vehicle till the new R8 arrives in 2014. we will see it first in the new gallardo about a year before then.

at this point if things go as expected the new R8 will probably have an updated version of the current V10 and a variation of the aventador single clutch gearbox to save weight and NO DSG gearbox. the new car will weigh about as much as an Italia. it'll cost less than the R8 GT but be quicker and faster. suspiciously, gen 2 sounds like a german ferrari italia that will cost 50K less and have more power (about 600).

 

a few comments:

my info is quite different from NR8's. they have built rwd only V10's but they were development cars for the LMS version. according to MY info there is NO intention to sell a rwd R8 this product cycle, or even in the forseeable future. the recent article namesaked on this post implies that one more R8 gen 1 variant will be made to incorporate this tech. what the article seems to imply is not accurate. what audi is doing is showcasing its and lambo's new independent in-house carbon fiber manufacturing specialty (i.e lexus's and pagani's) and how this expertise will be applied to the second generation R8. we will not see this stuff integrated into an audi production vehicle till the new R8 arrives in 2014. we will see it first in the new gallardo about a year before then.

I don't know which local market you're from, but in case you're not in Germany I guess that your source is too far away as the markets are pretty unaware of what is going on at the HQ. Again, a friend of mine already drove the RWD version of the GT on track last year. A handful have been built for testing and now Audi is evaluating it's market potential with respect to the success or failure of the GT....
In the end it's no big deal for Audi to create another modded version of the R8 and demand 250kEuro and the RWD is available.

 

From everything I have read on Audi and Lambo I do believe that it does sound quite credible that no DSG will be incorporated into the 2014 R8. An article about Lambo said that they will not go to DSG because it takes away the feel of the shift as well as adding significant weight, and that they are getting comparable shift times (40ms, this is just from memory don't quote me here) with the single clutch.

 

They have been testing a DSG for the R8 at least since last summer. The instructors at the Audi Race Experience (with LMS) last August confirmed this as well as my contact at HQ. This does not mean though that they will make use of it - and as written before there is still no definitive GO for a new 2014 R8...

 

The main thing that I continue to recognize is Audi's HUGE failure to connect their strong R8 driver/ownership base with their wonderful Audi R8 LMS race car, which as Audi so proudly claims, is designed for non-professional based club racing. ( Same as the VERY successful Porsche Cup cars and Ferrari Challenge cars.) The connection is essential in establishing that long sought after Audi Club ownership lifestyle and activity community, with its subsequent serious brand loyalties.

Porsche has found their legendary success by developing their GT3 model cars. This is a very serious, powerful lightweight RWD car that remains street legal, yet is also designed for extensive and prolonged track use. It is the perfect car to transition its current Porsche owner/driver into an advanced hi performance driving world based around their own Porsche Club system..

Audi clearly has the powerful base R8 car, and the final R8 LMS, the advanced, full racing machine that can go toe to toe, day after day with the Porsche Cup cars. But they still do NOT make for us the all important, transitional GT3 type car; the car that will take the established fun R8 owner/driver into becoming a serious impassioned driver who feels an inner demand to attain a responsible level of hi performance driving excellence within the Audi environment. And the new Audi R8 GT is just NOT that car!

Porsche has created the perfect success model that makes for impassioned, life-time brand loyalties, and large club base driving events and social networks. Audi will never get the same until it provides a similar transitional GT3 type car which, i believe, has become the very essential unifying element of the whole Porsche Club world.

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The main thing that I continue to recognize is Audi's HUGE failure to connect their strong R8 driver/ownership base with their wonderful Audi R8 LMS race car, which as Audi so proudly claims, is designed for non-professional based club racing. ( Same as the VERY successful Porsche Cup cars and Ferrari Challenge cars.) The connection is essential in establishing that long sought after Audi Club ownership lifestyle and activity community, with its subsequent serious brand loyalties.
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I guess it's all about missing premium customer relationship processes due to (missing) heritage in this issue...

 

Very well put, Bodhii!

 

Bodhii- at the end of the day audi has to cultivate and continue to carve its own niche in the sportscar market. this may mean having to maintain awd in its piece de resistance model. audi is quattro, after all. even lambo has just the lp-550 as its one of its few rwd only models yet it maintains a loyal customer base.

as you all may know audi has started the audi r8 pilots program just for owners. i received my invite and membership a few weeks ago. this is their campaign to cultivate dedicated sportscar drivers.

www.audi.com/audir8pilots

 

www.audi.com/audir8pilots

Would be nice if the site worked! Every time I try to register, it throughs an error!!

 

for what its worth the next gen of RS and r cars will have sport buckets with std side airbags (like the GT3 RS does).