I was honored and humbled to be invited and have the opportunity to drive the R8 in Las Vegas on Sunday Feb 18 at the R8 Driving Experience. 138 buyers and prospective buyers, divided into three groups of 50, 38 and 50, were invited by Audi to Las Vegas on Feb 18, 20 and 22 to drive the R8 on the road and at the Las Vegas Raceway. For me the trip is simply an opportunity to get familiar with a vehicle that I committed to over a year ago and will receive early in the 2007 release of 200 units.

All travel arrangements were made by and through Audi Corporate travel and emailed to me. Saturday I left Knoxville, TN about noon for Las Vegas. Upon arrival in Las Vegas I was met at the baggage area by an Audi rep who directed me to a Limo for my transport to the Red Rock Resort & Casino which was the residence base for my two day stay. Upon check-in at Red Rock I was directed to the Audi reception suite where credentials and event agenda was provided. Audi leaves absolutely nothing to chance; each step is well documented and supported by a staff that is ever present, knowledgeable, pleasant and keeps things on track.

8:30 Sunday morning about 30 Audi enthusiasts are off by charter bus to the Ritz Carlton (about 1 1/2 hour driving time) where the R8 Experience started. The group, larger now by those who joined us at the Ritz, is ushered into a special room where there are two R8's, one being a cutaway highlighting the AFT, suspension, drive train and more. The other R8 is an Ibis White with an Exclusive interior in white.





Surrounding the cars are numerous displays. The most impressive display, to me, was the selection of leather, headliner and supporting interior materials and colors. The Audi interior materials display (which is what the dealers will be given to assist customers in order build selection) is comparable to the Maybach selection materials, unbelievable quality and thoroughness of presentation. Next we were ushered into a small theater where we received a slide presentation on Audi market presence, the R8 market and keynote features of the R8. We also received instruction regarding the day’s events and procedures. We were divided into a number of "color" groups used to keep the event moving and on track.

We moved from the theater to the front of the hotel where the R8's have been positioned (another example of the seamless transitions provided by the magnificent Audi staff) for our departure.



1/2 the group will drive to the Las Vegas Motorsports Park and the other half on a 100 mile drive through the Valley of Fire. At lunch time both groups combine for some spirited racetrack laps on a short course.



After lunch, which was a 4 star presentation, the groups split again, each doing what the other had done previously.



The race track time was very hands on with a slalom course and ceramic braking exercise in addition to the previously mentioned short course.

Another highlight at the race track was the “Top Service” presentation which is the Audi vision of the level of service which will be offered to the R8 owner. A complete service bay was exhibited along with all the service tools (I specifically liked the complete blanket for the rear of the R8 which is to be installed during any service to the engine compartment).



The Audi personnel explained to all who inquired each of the components of “Top Service”. Some of the accessory items available to the R8 buyer through Audi and Audi Exclusive were also exhibited and explained.



Simply stated, the R8 is a complete package. The R8 is extremely comfortable through its large superior seating and functional interior. A 6’ plus frame will find the interior ample. The LED lighting is unique, effective and identifies the R8 immediately. The suspension is calm and secure on the highway and very aggressive, competent and controlled on the short course and slalom course. Controls and displays are well placed, easily understood and easily manipulated. Frontal visibility is excellent and rear visibility, by mirror, is also excellent. Like most mid-engine sports cars, over the shoulder visibility takes some getting used to. Storage, both interior and under the bonnet, are adequate albeit minimalist. The available Audi Exclusive luggage package (matched to the interior leather) while a bit on the extravagant, is perfect for maximizing the available storage of the R8. The 4.2 FSI V-8 is a perfect fit to the vehicle in both performance and sound, making the rumored V-10 just plain over kill IMHO. The V-8 power package makes one want to go fast, certainly faster than the posted speed limit, if for no other reason than to hear the engine sing. The suspension and related controls keep the occupants safe and may cause some to drive over their ability. I much preferred the Magnetic Ride to the standard suspension due to the firm, velvety sensation. I also preferred the R-Tronic to the gated 6-speed as I felt more engaged which is a bit of a dichotomy since a manual is supposed to keep you engaged with the vehicle. The R-Tronic transmission is razor sharp and elicits shifts much quicker than the manual however one must get used to the sequence or shifts will be ragged. Audi estimates that 80% of the R8 sold in the US will be R-Tronic. Braking on the R8 is absolute, eliciting no fade even under repeated hard braking, making the ceramic brakes unnecessary which is good since the ceramic brakes will not be available until the 2008 production.

The R8 elicits longing from all who view its presence. Everywhere we drove, people in other vehicles were taking cell phone photos of the R8. Cars were stopped on the side of the road and their occupants were out taking photos of the R8 group as it passed. The R8 has a presence equal to any exotic and like other exotic’s, the R8 will offer a fortunate few owners a high level of exclusivity due to the extremely limited production numbers. If the R8 wore any emblem other than Audi, the price would be at least $100K more than its projected $100K price, making a comparative purchase of the R8 a no brainer unless you are simply enamored by prancing horses or raging bulls.

After a full day of activities, events and driving we were returned to the Red Rock tired but content that we had fully experienced the R8. My goal was to confirm color and trim which I was able to fulfill. At every stop there was an Audi support vehicle offering snacks, refreshments and technical support for any and all questions.



If anyone who attended the R8 Driving Experience left with unresolved questions or issues, it was simply due to their failure to ask. After a wonderful group dinner and cocktails, we had the opportunity to share our observations. Every attendee, without exception, reconfirmed their commitment to their R8 purchase.

My multiple Audi vehicle experiences have, over the years, been superb. As good as my vehicles have been, the R8 Driving Experience was simply Over The Top! Thanks Audi!

 

Awesome write up! I'm SO EXCITED for this car!

 

Thanks for the well-written write up. I can't wait to drive one of these beauties.

 

Awesome, Nice pics and sounds like you had a good experience. Are you a magazine writer? That write up is so detailed

 

Seems like you enjoyed it a lot. I really can't wait to drive it!

 

Defintely getting me more and more excited about this car.

 

No I am not a mag writer. I own a manufacturing company in the motorcycle industry and write technical instructions for some of my products. Thanks for the compliment!

 

Love the seats. Thanks for the writeup.

 

That write up should be in a magazine. Awesome stuff!

 

Damn! great pics...I love the trailer

 

I also want to thank you for the excellent review.

With limited allocations and with the likelihood of "market condition" pricing can I just get on your waiting list for when you're ready to sell it?

 

Great writeup! must have been a hell of a driving experience. I'm jealous.

 

I LOVE the R8. Especially after seeing it in person at the Chicago Auto Show. I noticed you said that there was a nice little long distance drive in the car. It made me think of this video,
http://www.windingroad.com/multimedi.../audi-r8-video

Great choice! The R8 is now up there on my dream list of cars to own.

 

That video was shot in the "Valley of Fire" outside of Las Vegas, the very same roads were drove the R8 on.

 

Was the slalom setup the same as in the video? I figured it might have been the same stretch of road that you described. Sounds like it was a blast.