[ben9son]

here's the R8 on the latest Top Gear Season 10 Episode 2 on 14/10. Jeremy seems to like it very much, they also put it up against Hamster in a Porsche Carrera 2S. the Porsche beats the R8 just by a slight bit in a half mile drag race

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyoE7IBQI5g

[phelipcopter]

It is a little bit disappointing that R8 does not kill the C4S ( not C2 ) bearing in mind that the R8 is mid engine.

I guess R8 has no chance against the Prancing Horse??

[beat]

Its sad to even have to be put up against a Carrera 2S, not to mention the 4S, turbo, etc... before the RS...

The car looks too good to be in this class... Someone give it a better engine

[vj]

The engine is fine as it is. 420hp is not great but more than sufficient. The R8 is never intend to compete with Ferrari and the target is always the 911. So far all report suggested that the R8 is beautifully balanced. Sometimes you don't need to be really fast to be the best.

[phelipcopter]

It certains look like a 2 seater supercar but does not drive like one. How disappointing.

[vj]

Originally Posted by phelipcopter

It certains look like a 2 seater supercar but does not drive like one. How disappointing.

In what sense are you talking about? I wouldn't call 0-100kmh in 4.6s slow. What defines a supercar? Is Ferrari 360 a supercar? It does 0-100kmh in 4.5s.....

[phelipcopter]

So? Couldn't even beat a 911. I would not even consider a 911 supercar. At this level, I would not even start quoting 0-60 to defend itself.

[senna60_94]

Different ppl have different definition of 'supercar'. R8 is not a supercar in the sense that a Zonda or an Enzo or a CGT is a supercar. In that case, everything up to the level of R8/997CS is a junior supercar, from 997TT/F430 onwards is considered as supercar.
The R8's target is currently not really against anyone, it's just a softer & more approachable alternative than a Porsche 997CS. In reality, the R8 is taking sales from those who wants a Ferrari that's less powerful than the 430 (let's call it a Dino). In terms of practicality in this sector, really nothing beats a Porsche.
If u look carefully, VAG group & Porsche covers the whole sports car market with at least 1 product in each sector & they complement each other. They are clever enough in that each of their products are subtly different from others, satisfying different buyer's tastes. Ppl are comparing R8 w/997CS cos that's the nearest car in the price range, but they're very different in character.
The point of R8 vs 997 is a perannially debated topic, a lot of unfair comparisons have been made as the R8 is pitted against a multitude of 997 variants, some which are diametrically opposite to what a R8 is about.

[ben9son]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDwEE...e=user&search=

[phelipcopter]

It has a 2 year global waiting list and between this and a 911. I will in fact take this any time. With a style like this, who needs to drive fast in Causeway Bay. Yes, I am a poser!!

[henrymug]

Originally Posted by phelipcopter

It has a 2 year global waiting list and between this and a 911. I will in fact take this any time. With a style like this, who needs to drive fast in Causeway Bay. Yes, I am a poser!!

agreed, who needs to drive fast in CWB..

in fact, Porsche is one of the slowest sports car on average on the road from observations, mainly because of the driver (no offense).

[vj]

Originally Posted by phelipcopter

So? Couldn't even beat a 911. I would not even consider a 911 supercar. At this level, I would not even start quoting 0-60 to defend itself.

By my humble understanding, anything that has a mid engine config and has some decent power are classified as supercar. There is however, no exact definition of exactly what a supercar is. It was unfortunate that most car that has decent power back 30-40 years ago were all mid engine and that's why it is viewed that way.

[senna60_94]

Originally Posted by vj

It was unfortunate that most car that has decent power back 30-40 years ago were all mid engine and that's why it is viewed that way.

Not for American cars tho. All those muscule cars have more than decent power & are all FR. They probably have the biggest market share in the world then for cars over 300hp.
Should add decent roadholding to the list for consideration as a supercar 30-40yrs ago.
Vj, u got urself a new GTI?

[vj]

yes. haven't take delivery yet but soon.