Audi R8 V10 and Spyder versions to be scarce and dear
Click above for high-res gallery of the Audi R8
Word has it there is an eight-month waiting list for the Audi R8 in the car's home market of Germany. Here in the good ol' U.S. of A., the 50 units we get per month are not nearly enough for all of the interested buyers. Well, with V10, convertible and possibly diesel versions in the works, we can't imagine that demand will subside anytime soon. You might think that Audi would be smart to amp up production to handle the high demand, especially with those new versions coming soon, but that isn't gonna happen according to Audi. Seems they can only make 27 R8s a
For those lucky enough to have the coinage and a place in line, there is more news. Car and Driver talked to Michael Dick, Audi's member of the board of management for technical development, who told them the company expects to sell around 80% with V10 flavor. That version goes on sale next year, with drop-tops following soon after in Europe. Yanks will have to wait another year with 2011 models showing up in '10.
Other tidbits gleaned from the interview: Pricing hasn't been set, the diesel might be Euro-only if it even makes it to production, and a little brother R4 was never in the cards with the TT-RS and possible Audi R3 version of the VW roadster filling out the dance card well enough. We'll keep our fingers crossed that there are enough V10s available so we can get one in our garage at least.
Gallery: Review: 2008 Audi R8
[Source: Car and Driver]
Get a WordPress.com Blog
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Luke 8:08PM (10/10/2008)
Why would they keep production so low? Are they selling them at a loss?
Reply
zamafir 8:11PM (10/10/2008)
Does Ferrari sell the F430 at a loss? Come on man, they're keeping production low for two reasons. 1) scarcity means dealers can ask crazy markups, everyone I’ve met who's purchased an R8 did not due so at MSRP, no, FAR from a loss. 2) plant capacity.
Dan 8:15PM (10/10/2008)
Audi doesn't see any of those huge dealer markups. They do keep the dealers happy though.
On the original post: How are we getting 50 R8s a month if Audi can only build 27?
R 1:42AM (10/11/2008)
A lot of the car is assembled by hand.
FFS 10:19AM (10/11/2008)
ha ha ha selling at loss, man a 20k car costs about 2k to make...this thing costs 100k and everybody knows if it wasnt for its styling it would cost about 60..and thats just the non v-10 one
Keija 8:12PM (10/10/2008)
27 a month? .. more like a day ;)
Reply
Keija 8:16PM (10/10/2008)
ok, sorry for doublepost, but:
ramp up production? sure, it would make those who are buing now happy, but in a year or so, there'll be no waiting list anymore, audi would be pumping out too many r8's and it's status would go from "so hot you have to wait a year" to "audi r8? nah i'll rather get on the waiting list for a smart!" ...
plus, in germany you can't just hire workers and then fire them when "the job is done".
Reply
FFS 10:26AM (10/11/2008)
autoblog is american after all, they think that way, i think VW/Audi know enough of how to run their business...theyve been pretty succesful with the Bentley 2yr waiting list and gallardo and murcielago
fizzanpop 4:38PM (10/12/2008)
I'm sure VW's and therefore Audi's majority owner (a certain company called Porsche) don't want to see a flood A8s hit the market. Not that I'm saying there's a German cartel controlling most of the premium sports car market or anything. No I wouldn't be so foolish as to suggest that the world's most profitable car maker has a masterplan to stay that way. No not me.
Reply
Alone On Board 9:06PM (10/10/2008)
R8 is not a supercar.It needs a better engine.I can't overtake anyone.Shame on you Audi.You disgrace me.
Reply
Serge K. 10:44PM (10/10/2008)
A few things for you to consider, buddy:
1) Lay off of that crack pipe, ain't good fo' you;
2) Consider elaborating your opinion. You might be onto something, but it just is not there;
3) Clean your 'board (or just a 'Space' key).
Other than that... I wish I had the means...
Keija 3:56AM (10/11/2008)
have you seen the top gear 1 gallon race? there, the r8 raced far superior powered race cars and kept up with ease! (of course it won the challenge, as it has the smallest engine) but just because a car is not overpowered, it might still be competible!
Mobius_1 6:58AM (10/11/2008)
lol, you name says it all, Alone On Board. Seriously, ~4 to 62 isn't fast enough?
Harrison 5:31PM (10/11/2008)
Why do I have this nagging feeling that you don't actually own one?
Phil G 12:56PM (10/12/2008)
Right.... You have an R8 - Okaaa!
Mi key 9:13PM (10/10/2008)
I always thought it was a stupid idea to have a Sub R8-Halo model. Audi already has the TT, just put a Twin Turbo & AWD on that bad boy and they have a winner.
Reply
Mike 3:33AM (10/11/2008)
Dream car, totally amazing to look at. Cant wait for that V10 version, even better sound! Bring it on id say.
Greetz Mike - http://www.torrentfly.org
Reply
MONTE 2:17AM (10/12/2008)
I will take a black V10 please.
Reply
Jason White 7:17PM (10/12/2008)
This car is a TOTAL eye-candy. I love Audi's design language.
Reply
dante 6:18PM (11/01/2008)
If you know how to DRIVE one, the R8 will do circles around others with more horsepower.
Reply