Hi,

I planning on buying an R8, and I would like some knowledge from experienced owners, what are the must have options/upgradesn to be had on the car and also what are the options that you felt were useless or have not improved the car?

So far im planning on getting:

6 Speed Manual Gate
Bang and Olufsen
Carbon Fiber Doors Pieces
Ceramic Brakes?

What else?

Regards,

$w!ft.

 

hi,

I have the 6 Speed, go for the R-Tronic!

 

Why?

 

Are you located in the UK ?

If so you need a few other options, budget at least £8k on top of the OTR price.

To name but a few, parking sensors, metal pedals to name but a few ..

 

I love my 6 speed, wouldn't change it for the R-Tronic at all.

As far as options I really like the park assist with the backup camera. Makes parking the car a breeze in town. Power folding mirrors and cargo nets are a must too.

 

Ceramic brakes are available? Did not know that.

 

I test drove a 6 speed, it liked to pop out of 3rd gear. Is that a common problem with the R8s? It had less than 200 miles on it.

 

Not for the US.

 

Well there ya go. Did you get yours yet???

 

Hi,
PES has a tune for your R8 ecu, if your looking for some GO
,Patrick

 

I have 1600 miles on mine no problems what so ever!!!!!!

Ice

 

Well, I loaded mine with everything available at the time except alcantara headliner.

I don't know how the UK specs cars, but all of the US stuff comes in more or less one big package. Not much choice in terms of individual options.

However, here's my take on all the options.

CF interior - expensive, but looks nice. Depends on your interior colors I guess, but I'd say go for it, as it's noticeable.

CF engine bay - Will stay cleaner and looks better. However, you probably aren't looking at it much, so it's a toss up. I like it, but I can't say I really ever would notice it, being that I don't stare at the engine all day.

CF blades - depends entirely on your color. Weight advantages are negligible.

Interior - I opted for the extended leather. I hear alcantara seats won't slide as much if you're tracking, but I don't find this to be a problem with leather anyway. We don't have the option for the sports seats. They look sweet, but I can't comment on comfort or price. They also can't be heated and may lack some adjustments. Normal ones are very comfortable, but like I said, sport ones look way cooler.

Options -

Get nav, parking sensors (front and back,) and the reverse camera. This is a VERY good system. It give you tons of guiding lines that curve with the steering so you can see exactly where the car will end up no matter what crazy **** your doing with the wheel because the lines adjust. Sensors are very helpful for obvious reasons.

Storage below seat is OK, I guess. Nothing special. I have the lighter plug in it I think, and maybe some small things. Really can't hold much, but I have used it. Not a must have.

B&O is a no brainer.

Full LED's are kind of expensive IIRC. You should try and look at them side by side or find some pictures of each. I've yet to see any in person, but I do really dig the LED turn signals.

Get the mirrors that fold. I've used them, and if you live in EU, you will too.

Transmission - I have a 6 speed and have never had an issue with it. I have 8700 miles on the car. I haven't driven the R-Tronic but have drive the new Lambo LP560. If the R-Tronic is like that, it should be very good. I don't know if the R-Tronic has the same recent upgrades as the new E-gear, so you should investigate that. If so, I'd be tempted to get the R-Tronic. It's expensive though and that money will not be realized when you go to sell. It, thus far, doesn't seem to be helping value of the cars. However, this isn't a big deal if you can afford the car to begin with. In any case, you can't go wrong with the 6 speed. It looks sweet too.

Mag suspension is a must. I'm surprised it's even an option. In the US it's standard and VERY good. On soft it is very comfortable considering the type of car it is. On sport, it's great. I have no clue what the non-mag would feel like, but if it isn't solely sport, it would be too soft.

Ceramic brakes - These weren't available when I ordered, but IIRC, they are very pricey. The standard brakes do more than enough. Even on the track they are good. I experienced no fade with stock pads. The steel brakes do generate A LOT of brake dust though, so much that I wouldn't bother with the titanium wheel option. Just don't wash them for a week or two and they look the same hahaha. CC brakes will not create so much dust.

Carbon Fiber other things - I've seen show cars with CF lips and rear diffusers, mirrors, etc. Really, probably not worth it. The read diffuser might look good, but the mirrors are a matter of car color, and the front lip will get destroyed. I scraped the hell out of it even when being careful. No point in replacing the plastic with a more expensive material when it will get eaten up anyway.

Rain sensor - I like em.

I think that's about it. Like I said though, I don't know how you choices will be. For us, only a couple of options are available and by selecting them, you get everything. So you may be able to pick and choose more.

 

I agree with wedouglas on ordering all of the options. I ordered my R8 with everything, including the R-Tronic. I was nervous about ordering it because I had read there were some concerns that it shifted into neutral if you are stopped at a light for some time. I love the R-Tronic. I shift into neutral when stopped with a manuel so why not with the R-Tronic? I use the paddle shifters most of the time.