Dr.Bill

The R8 is an amazing GT car and a great daily driver. The ride is much more civilized than a GT3 (be that good or bad). There is less storage space than any Porsche. It's quite a bit heavier, but has the extra horses to make you forget about the heft.

It does draw a lot of attention, but not the kind a GT3 does based on my experience. When I had a GT3, every punk in their fathers Bimmer wanted to 'race'. With the R8, it's more thumbs up, people taking photos, etc. No bad or unwanted attention so far.

This may sound strange, but the R8 is very similar to my Cayman R on the track. I think that just confirms what a great car the Cayman R is! I did not detect any understeer, but I wasn't pushing the R8 as hard as I do the Cayman. Something about it costing twice as much gave me pause.

Yes, the R8 is getting a minor upgrade for 2013 (may end up as a 2014 model). A few cosmetic tweaks, nothing major. The biggest change is the addition of the S-tronic transmission, Audi's dual clutch gearbox. It will replace the R-tronic, which is an automated manual just like the Lambo e-gear or the Aston sport shift. A 6-speed manual will still be offered.

With the anticipated release of the facelift model, I've seen discounts on new R8's of up to $20k off sticker. I'd say go for it, but then again, the R8 is the best car I've ever driven so I may be biased.

cole328

My biz partner has an R8...handles great, but nothing like a GT3 don't do it!

scott40

I wouldn't.

MarkG123

RayDBonz,

20K off sticker? Where, I'm about 15 off and I thought that was good.

tcsracing1

i would never swap a GT3 for a R8.
GT3 has longer shelf life. R8 is a one year wonder. Kind like a party shirt you only use once and then it goes out of style or it becomes too much to see it again after a year of using it....

Dr.Bill

One was here in Scottsdale, the other in Colorado. I believe both are sold.

And I've only heard one of your choices referred to as a supercar.

007DT

If you have a GT3 in the stable then do it!

They are great cars. A bit numb yes, but a better DD than the 3. Very Modern and certainly a head turner..

P.J.S.

if it is going to be a street only car... 6MT V10 R8 or a gt3... that is the question right?
I would take the audi -- it is soft and fast and easy on the eyes and V10
From what I hear they are fantastic street cars...
GT3 is nice as well but I think would "get old" as a street car... and by street car, I am talking bluetooth, cup holders, commuting to work, etc...

forhamilton

I had an r8 and loved it. Overheated the brakes on the track though. On the street it is very comfortable to drive. Wish it had 600 hp. Maybe the most beautiful car I've ever owned.

Doc GTO

Bingo!

mooty

gt3 + R8 = good
gt3 in trade for R8 = BAD very bad. really bad.....

hesperus

i'm assuming OP will keep his '07 3RS for track, and use the R8 for a DD. if so then that's quite the combo.

P-car uber alles for me, but variety is the spice of life and if i already had a proper (i.e., "GT" Porsche) car in the garage, then the V10 is a very nice "other" car to have.

go for it!

emayer

I have a GT3RS in the stable and have owned all the R8 variants including the R8GT at present.

In short, the R8 can be a fantastic track car provided tire pressures are set correctly otherwise it'll frustratingly understeer. The balance is otherwise perfect and frankly one of the easiest cars out there to drive fast. For track use brake fade/ rotor wear, the lack of aftermarket harnesses/seats, and engine cooling can be limiting factors. Ceramic brakes are a must in this situation. A GT3 it is not however.

On the upside, the R8 clearly is unique and they've held their value well. It is a true daily driver.

In summary, in the ideal world I'd unequivically recommend having both! In my case the RS sees way more track time but it really is nice to get the R8 out there occasionally and push it hard. If I had to choose one vehicle as a combined street/ track car the R8 gets the nod.

Nordschleife

Remember, Audi now has a busy customer racing program based on the R8GT. Parts designed for race cars can be migrated to the street cars in appropriate circumstances.

Technically, the R8 chassis is pretty damn wonderful and the V10 engine is a dream. Its worth doing the Audi Driving Experience courses to adapt to the best ways of dealing with understeer. Most motoring journalists complain of understeer in R8s and Gallardos because they aren't as good at driving as they are at writing. The Audi driver training program can take you all the way through to driving a works entry in the Nürburgring 24 Hours race.

R+C

MarkG123

Guys, comments are polarizing, matching my thoughts of going back and forth. Never see these cars in Charlotte, I have never even sat in one. If time permits I'm going to a dealer that has a used one so I can check it out. If I was not trading a GT3, it would be easy. Also Audi does not have the community like Rennlist and PCA events.

Thanks

Mark