The Audi R8 GT is Built Like a 458 Speciale, But Priced Like A Boxster - Why?
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- Опубликовано: 12 фев 2021
- Today I'm revisiting the Audi R8 GT. I last drove one back to back with an LMX - each car representing the pinnacle of pre and post facelift first generation R8. The GT was the surprise winner for me, a very engaging car with a great soundtrack and a setup that you'd rarely expect to come from the Germans.
Recently my friend Antony from @sportzntouring picked one up and with my celebration of the R8 happening this month, I thought it would be criminal not to look at this again.
#Audi #R8GT
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Trick question: because a new well specified Porsche Boxster is an obscene amount of money.
The high spec sound system alone is a £2.7k upgrade.
Trick question: because Porsche have always been better at keeping their value (even the low-spec Boxsters) and R8 autos almost drop in value like an RS6 from that time
In terms of choosing between a GT or a V10 manual:
Both are flawed in their own ways (can certainly argue that those flaws do somewhat contribute to their 'characters')
GT:
Gearbox - Yes the Up/Down centre shifter is the wrong way around, and Yes it is not a particularly good gearbox (but I for one do quite enjoy it, certainly is different from ones in other cars that I own).
Suspension - Can be too harsh on some of UK's B-roads.
On the flip side - The way the steering and suspension loads up when you "properly tip it" into a tight/medium corner is not at all comparable to a non-GT R8 (read: It gives you more confidence).
V10 manual:
Clutch pedal & Gated shifter - It IS good, but it's a long way away from the very best of setup (i.e. If you've just come out of a NSX-R let's say, then you'd think the R8's pedal and gate are "no bueno").
Body roll (both in passive and also mag-ride equipped R8s) - I'm not sure whether it is due to the suspension setup or body flex or weight or tyres or something else, but if you try to take a corner the way you take a corner in the GT, then you'd get a rather out-of-character body roll.
And, if you do encounter a road-bump when the suspension(s) are fully loaded up on one side, the 'progressive-ness' of the slide that usually follows is much harder to manage on the normal-V10.
Apart from that though, due to its' superior comfort (suspensions, seats, and general N.V.H.) the R8-V10 is mostly catered more towards those who prefer to pootle along - with the occasional weekend blasts.
=So, it is a case of "to each their own"=
P.S. ~ Personally, I chose a GT.
Good choice!!! 😁
I feel like Audi is going to hire you eventually 😂
This car is definitely a step-up from its previous models. It kept the styling but also got a more powerful engine. If it was available as a manual I'd absolutely take it.
Hi Jay great content as normal. That GT wind didn’t affect the sound quality and that lovely v10 noise. It was great also being on live chat Friday (nova gte) 👍🏻
Interesting subject car today. Very good camera angles and video editing. Very good audio quality and volume mixing between sources. But the absolute star of all your videos is your thoughtful narration/commentary and adroit vernacular. Stay awesome brother.
manual V10 would be my preference over the R8 GT
As long as it's manual, I'd take either.
It depends on what's more important to you as an individual... The GT gives you a greater connection to the road. A manual gives you a greater connection to the transmission. It's a differently priority
@@sportzntouring Deliberately searched a thread where you had replied to.....
I cannot argue for or against this review as I'm unlikely to have the opportunity to drive anything in this class......
Unless you decide to bring your beast to East Kent.... which will result in you experiencing a 💩💩 3 speed auto box mated to that Rover P5B..... if it ever comes out of the workshop lol. We need to get out of lockdown first.
James definitely missed a trick - no "tunnel run" 😜. That's where your exhaust system really does come into a class of its own!
About to share this although the bloke is already a subscriber to @SportZnTouring..... Ant; it's my "dashcam" channel contact who is already known to you 👍
@@gobinduppal4429 I should have added a smilie emoticon to my comment. I think my tone may have been misread 😅 it was mainly a bit of banter 😮
On a serious note though, I don't agree. A manual makes you feel more connected to the mechanicals of the engine and transmission, not the road. That's why my other toy is a manual, for that feeling of involvement... However, you touch the gear lever and clutch only briefly (anything else is bad for the clutch and transmission as I'm sure you know)... So it can't connect you to the road.
It's the feedback through the steering, the seat, and the suspension that connect you to the car and the road the most. My point is that given the choice, between a manual on a regular R8 and the R-Tronic on an R8GT I choose the feeling of the steering, seat and suspension of the GT, because it connects you to the car and the road far more... It's the R8 I'd choose over all others right now. But, as James says, I like a very raw driving experience... It really is quite harsh and gives up a lot of comfort in favour of connectedness to the car and road.
The R-Tronic in this car, with the reduced sound deadening, heavier steering, taught suspension and rigid seat gives you a sense of the mechanicals more than I expected... And, I think with anything but the R-Tronic, it's a different car and I really wouldn't change it...
There's a moment in my video on the transmissions that I think conveys how connected you feel to the mechanicals of this car when I talk about the RTronic in the GT... Have a watch and let me know what you think...
ruclips.net/video/r1rLp9WnnVQ/видео.html
@@grahamnutt8958 haha thanks for the support Graham! Much appreciated 🤙
2 casual r8’s in the background… good one.
I drove the R8 GT Spyder back in the summer of 2019. Didn’t have the chance to feel it at higher speeds or rev it out all the way to redline. It was this amazing purple color, I totally fell in love. R8 has been my dream car since NFS Carbon. Car looks like it was designed just last month.
It's truly amazing. Massively underrated!!
Great content James. Really enjoy your videos. Keep up the good work 👍 oh and good Don Johnson impression with the white car and snazzy shirt!
Drat! I missed my opportunity to do my best Philip Michael Thomas impersonation
Every once in a few decades, Volkswagon-Audi makes a genuine gem. The first generation Audi R8 is the best of them.
Stunning style. True beauty.
Agreed!!! But I'm biased 😁
2nd gen r8 > 1st gen R8
Nice review James and I absolutely love your conclusions. There are currently just 2 R8GTs for sale in all of Australia. (A$) 2011 coupe
James I have loved these well researched Mini series please do more on other manufacturers they have been like the best telly documentaries but more interesting subject matter for me than saving the planet! I can see you ve put alot work into these thanks they have been lockdown saviors.
Another good vid jayemm👍.
Currently have the Gen 1 V8 Le-mans edition which I love but am looking around to step up to a V10 (gen1). Have/am considering the GT but can't quite bring myself to buy. What I like about the regular R8 is the magride. The normal setting is great for cruising, a comfortable place to be and the setting I use most, yet can be stiffened right up when wanting to play. I sometimes do longer runs to see family so a bit hesitant about the GT suspension/package and yes the R-Tronic is also a concern, buts that's as much to do with the fact I'm historically a manual user over auto. The V10 plus suspension is also supposed to be similar and usually no magride option so the non plus V10 with a manual would be ideal but less of then around. R8 is such a superb all round car and genuinely gives you a sense of occasion when driving.
fully agree. underated supercar. definitely about to shoot in value
James, cracking review and as always very professional, totally agree a great car.
Ps it’s a Milltek race exhaust lol 😁
Love your videos and professional reviews and great selection of cars you pick. 😜👌😜
Thanks Keith
@@JayEmmOnCars No, thank YOU. 😜👌
I was driving the R8 GT, it is a very good car and the R-Tronic gearbox is great. I agree, the problem is in gear stick +/- but I think it can be easy changed in the gearbox software or in the cables under the gear stick. I want to do this in my V10 PLUS S-Tronic.
The gt is a beauty
Great review. I've got a '14 R8 V10 Spyder (S-tronic). It's not a GT and it's not a manual, yet it's still a fantastic, powerful, fun car. And with the exhaust I have, it's got more power and sounds like an absolute banshee on throttle. Nothing at all to look down on...
This is a car that no one will care about for awhile and then one day boom, prices will start going up and up. I might have to get a 987 Boxster Spyder this summer, I have a feeling one day that will happen to that car too.
Let's hope so 😁
This has just happened in Australia.. As people realize how special and rare they are (5 coupes and 5 Spyders only here) prices up over AUD300K
@@martinhurley5616 wow!! Might put mine up for sale there 😮
@@sportzntouring There is a Spyder and Coupe up for sale here at the moment... think the shipping cost for you might be a problem, lol
@@martinhurley5616 hey, AU$300K is nearly 3x what I paid... I'm sure I'll still make a profit lol
@JayEmm.....
Fair and honest. Great to see you collaborate with @SportZnT.
Will email you when my P5B is roadworthy, ok. Cheers 👍
Thanks Jay. With the surge in cost for the manuals, your vids on the GT has me considering one now (GT specifically), despite the R-Tronic. I really was trying to stay away from it, but it does sound rewarding if driven right.
They certainly are
Eye opening review; did not realize it existed and as a third car to be used outside the city I now realize the R Tronic is not a deal killer. Steering is more engaged so I envision short touring in stretches of 2-3 hours could provide a notably different , novel, variant to Porsches. That said, in 3 years the big Q in USA will be R8 used vs used Corvette C8. Only direct comparison reviews will suffice to answer that...
It's a very rare car and easy to have never heard of it... There's only around 50 in the US, 33 in the UK. That rarity is part of its appeal for me.
P.s. more on the transmissions here: ruclips.net/video/r1rLp9WnnVQ/видео.html
I prefer this to a Lamborghini Gallardo.
So do I. The shapes that make up the Gallardo are only squares and rectangles, I prefer curves.
Same car
@@mrmcgraw3706 ish
100%
I like the style of both however, I do believe the R8 is going to age better over time.
I really want an r8 gt now. Great video as always. Thanks James.
It's a great car! But I'm biased 😁
@@sportzntouring it just seems a bit more special than the others. love your vids too by the way. more collabs with James please
@@dodgeymrd thanks 🙏
Indeed, we've got a few ideas in the pipeline 😁
Great sounding 👌
It really is! 😁
These are the R8's I like the most. Character. Something a lot of Audi's don't have.
When it comes to transmissions, I prefer sports cars, performance coupes and hot hatches to be manual, but supercars and grand tourers to be auto.
Me too! Ha ha, but I'm biased 😁
Hmm, I guess you're right, I'd probably go for the manual, but oh my, this'n is pretty lovely.
I saw a black R8 GT Spider a year or two ago near Sheffield, the driver looked like he was part of a rock band lol, tried giving him a thumbs up but couldn't get his attention at the lights.
Thank you James and Antony. Amazing car. I haven't driven one and would love to. I think I'd stick with the manual as it better fits my tastes, but I can appreciate the benefits and charms the GT offers.
Thanks John! Always appreciate your comments 👍
Very nice. If it were me I'd be taking those cannards off though
Why?
I have a gt and absolutely LOVE it
Definitely a neat car to collect if you can find one that was well cared for. I think a coupe would be better for track use.
Absolutely, the coupé would be, if your goal is lap times... But if it's about the experience... that open top exhilaration with full enjoyment of that exhaust note... This car wins in the smiles per mile department 😁
How much would it be to swap the auto for a manual box?
This is so RAD !!!
Drives me nuts the moment I realize the standard R8 has the engine in a hatchback, visible through a window, no cover. This has Carrera GT vibes, but to make it a convertible, with Audi price and tech, and get the explosion processor out of a greenhouse, just fixes it in every way it needed. Glad it has the older robomanual, not into baker's dozen gears, and the preperation clicks.
The R-tronic really does work in this car. I compare them in this video... ruclips.net/video/r1rLp9WnnVQ/видео.html
Depends totally on the drive and daily use, as I'm neither a fan of twin clutches nor automated manuals. BUUUUT, I recently drove an AM Vantage with the butler tronic, and it was surprisingly good fun... dramatic and sounded great, and isn't that what cars like this are all about?!
Nice car
Thank you 🙏
The lack of roofline makes it so much better looking. I never was a fan of the R8 body style. The white with black accents really set it off well.
My thoughts exactly!
Need to have a drive 🤔
Definitely something I’d think about buying. I really want to keep my M2 Competition as well thou
Worth keeping an eye out for a good one. There's only 33 UK cars and the specs vary wildly. This one is one of the higher spec'd cars. Watch out for fakes though
Am I right in thinking there was a plus version with a dct? I'd be interested to hear your thoughts compared to the others you've driven if so!
I didn't get to drive the plus but did drive the GT and the DCT equipped RWD edition back to back... my thoughts are here: ruclips.net/video/r1rLp9WnnVQ/видео.html
The GT is still my personal favorite, but I personally went for a V10 manual, I think future value wise, V10 manual will be worth more than the GT
Great video but the the Boxster comparison in terms of price doesn't hold here in Australia.
All car prices in Australia are bonkers
Could you review an STI 22b ?
up there
The r8 gt is very great but I hope they make it again for 2022
It was good to have this car brought to my attention, but I have to enquire about the spreading use of Continental and even German measurement units - Newton Metres (NM) and Pferdestarke (PS), the latter of which is not even the SI unit of kilowatt (kW). What is wrong with lbft and bhp?
once again good video, pretty much sum up the problem with this car. When manual is not offered, the paddles awkwardly designed, and the gear lever in wrong direction, that's the opposite of a good driver's car. I'll never consider a car like that.
Of course, until you drive one
I’d have a manual V10+.........and a pair of those sunglasses
Wise choice
The car is okay. Shirt, 10/10
Regular V10 and then I wouldn't have to look at that Halfords spoiler!
Wow, didn't know Halfords had gone up in the world and sold aero tested carbon fibre wings?! 😉
To be fair, I'm a big kid and love a wing so, you might be right 😮
The first generation R8 will always be my favourite and the GT sounds a hoot - just a shame Audi made it look a bit, well - aftermarket.
how did you find the driving position Jay - im 6'4' how would i find this in terms of looking over the windscreen!
I can help you a little bit here. I own GT just like the one in this video and I'm 6'4" as well. The only difference is that I have the US spec seats in mine, which I believe sit slightly higher than the cool bucket seats the rest of the world got. I fit in the car, but with absolutely no room to spare. I won't say I fit comfortably, but the is OK for the shorter jaunts this car inevitably gets used for. Longer trips would be very uncomfortable, but that's not just due to the seats but the nature of the car. The top of the windshield does block some of my view (mostly evident when at stop lights), but that's more or less true for all of my convertibles. You also need to consider your leg length. I have a good friend who's the same height as me, but has longer legs and shorter torso. He doesn't fit as well as I do. In short, I'd recommend sitting in one to see how you fit - it's going to be close, but may be doable. You also need to drive this car - it's a very different experience from most other cars. It's a VERY raw and "hardcore" experience!
The R-Tronic is known to eat clutch quickly when driven hard. Before buying one, you should have the wear level read out by diagnostic tester.
That's why people tend to look for an S-Tronic. That gearbox is an almost carefree thing.
Personally I do not need seamless shifting. I feel the jerky single clutch shifting as being more sporty. Still, my priorities are more on longevity. A manual would be an option, but you never know if previous owner might have over-revved the engine. That's very important when buying such an older car without warranty. With an auto you are more on the safe side.
Driving hard isn't so bad on them. Driving round town is the killer, or reversing
Well, I've got an Audi warranty on this one so luckily I'm less worried about engine issues. As for the clutch, looked good on the service report, although I budgeted to replace this one within the year just in case.
If it was rwd and manual, it would be perfect
They did make one but did not sell big
I’d definitely have a Manual V10 over a GT. I just hate the R Tronic/E Gear transmission and the ‘regular’ R8 V10 would be a better car more of the time while still not lacking in engagement.
I wouldn't mind the gearbox. You'll get used to it and then the car (or any other automated manual exotic car of that era) has so much to offer.
Exactly how I feel too 😉
The TCU tuning is different in the GT than the regular car
Seems like the main problem was the choice of name - GT suggests a grand tourer, a more luxury and comfort orientated model rather than a stripped out super car
Did they nick the GT logo from Peugeot?
I think the GT is the one to have. Will hold its money I would think too.
Keeping my fingers crossed!
@@sportzntouring So far, they seem to have done pretty well this year. I picked mine up around the time of this video, and I'm getting retting to sell before the end of the year to reap a little of the appreciation benefits. Are you holding on to yours?
While I obviously completely believe and trust your opinion, I would rather have the manual box with the V10. However, I don’t think the auto is too bad. If I desperately wanted an R8, and only had around £35-40k as an absolute maximum, I would feel pretty confident in buying one with the auto.
That's understandable. The GT is a bit hardcore and isn't for everyone. I can appreciate both but feeling connected to the road the way this car does, can't be compensated for with a manual box in my experience. It depends on what you want from the car really.
All Gen1 R8s have a magnesium engine rear subframe, not just the GT. GT‘s weight reduction is not down to that.
£180,000 here in Au.
The UK does seem to be very lucky with regards to car prices
Can’t seem to find one under $130k here in the States.
Does this thing have a flat plane crank or cross plane crank?
A quick googling suggests that this isn't relevant to V10s due to the number of cylinders which results in a 72 degree angle on the crank. Instead, it's only a valid question for a lower number of cylinders... Apparently.
@@sportzntouring I thought this was a V8...they made both V8 and V10 R8s.
@@IndependenceCityMotoring ah, ok... Well, as James explains in the video, the GT was only made in V10 form. No V8 variant was available.
Has your friends experience with Mclaren improved?
After a few weeks of dressing rather classy - in his daper overcoat. Jay gave into the dark side. The shirts are back - the question is not why or even how - its where do you get them from ?
Still you might not be able to rival Clarkson for his budget or viewing figures (yet), but you can knock him off his "Worst dressed British Car Journalist" pedestal, he has been on since 1991.
What is the actual weight difference between Gallardo and R8 on a scale? R8 GT (Coupe) is listed as 1600kg, and Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera is listed as 1340kg. I highly doubt that there is 260kg in weight difference. German cars come with that extra 75kg on their curb weight (68kg for driver and 7kg for luggage), and I think Italian cars usually list dry weight, which means you need to add 100-110kg. Putting this into account, the difference is 75-85kg, which seem more reasonable, given that both cars have a lot in common.
Very interesting! That, I will look into!
Jay, manual box any day. Shame you can’t get it in the GT
Yes, if you could I suspect they would be worth far more
If I've *only* driven the V8 R8..?! Mate, I haven't even driven a TT..
GT any day😀
A true driver! Is got the most engaging suspension, seats and steering of the R8s I've driven... It really connects you to the car and the road.
manual V10 coup with that exhaust and suspension kit
There's more to the handling than just the suspension... But I understand what you mean... Personally, I wouldn't change it for the world
These GTs are very expensive in the Australian market.
Comparing the GT to a Speciale? Now that’s controversial!
I was originally after a facelift V10 Plus with a manual gearbox but unfortunately they’re so rare and expensive. When an opportunity to purchase a GT coupe came up, I did my research and realised how special they are. After nearly two years of owning my GT, I can safely say it was the best purchasing decision ever. It’s the only car that I own and I will be keeping it for a very long time to come. Similar cars of that era (Ferrari 430 Scuderia and Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggara) were also fitted with single clutch gearboxes but it’s funny how people gloss over it in those cars. The hypocrites and their badge snobbery... 🤦🏻♂️
So true about the brand snobbery! Worked out well for us though😉
The r8 GT still remains the best r8 ever made. NFS was where I first saw it, and now I had an opportunity to drive it. What a machine
Agreed!!
Which NFS was this on? Last one I played my favourite car was the Diablo...
anyone else jump straight to AutoTrader after reviews like these?
yep, check out those prices etc
Watch out, I've seen quite a few listed as GTs when they definitely aren't.
Yep, every single time
Every fkin time
All the GT’s sold out at launch btw
GT anytime
Lamborghini 😇
There is no single sports car I would pay anything for with automated manual.
Lexus LFA?
360 Challenge Stradale?
@@JayEmmOnCars nope and nope. Exactly those reasons. If there is a platform with manual like 360 or r8, i understand dualclutch. LFA is maybe a bit different story but that gearbox just ages those cars and I cant stand how it just does not work for these type of cars.
Scuderia
Each to their own. It actually works really well in the GT, it suits the car. I talk about that here... ruclips.net/video/r1rLp9WnnVQ/видео.html
Couldn't agree more. This is why I love Corvettes so much for example. And old Lamborghinis
Manual if I could afford it, all the way.
Must be hot in Norfolk.....shirt only driving 😱😱🥶🥶🥶🥶🥶
Don’t think it’s existence is necessary
No, it's completely unnecessary, but so very welcomed! 😁
Super cool but lost me with no gated manual 😞
You'll be missing out 😉
It's actually quite engaging to drive, more so thanks to the suspension, seats and steering but the R-Tronic actually adds to the drama. I explain more here... ruclips.net/video/r1rLp9WnnVQ/видео.html
@@sportzntouring Oh I have no doubt! Just a personal preference for me.
@@wallstbull1 fair enough 🤙
🤤🤤🤤
I know right!!
With all this manual transmission love in the comments. Maybe they can bring manual to the RS models.
Regular V10 manual coupe
"But Priced Like A Boxster " ... only because new Boxsters fully optioned are so damn expensive these days
Manual V10 Plus
Great review James! As always!
For anyone interested in seeing more about this specific car... ruclips.net/p/PLac3G86Co_hz4-6iLy9b2w76HzoPtJn7j
Hardtop with a supercharger kit makes it a proper supercar.
Isn't it already?
@@JayEmmOnCars
Doesent seem to get many people excited as it stands even though it's a special edition.
Needs some spicy sauce 🔥
The coupe is even more speciale like than the spyder.
Why would you buy a car that makes no compromises just to save weight for more driving fun, then add an automatic gearbox which is very heavy and a big compromise in driving fun. Makes the car ultimately useless. Especially since the gearbox is slow
You could ask, why make it a convertible too... Because it's about creating an experience. Oh, and the R-tronic is not a slow a box if you know how to drive it... I talk about that here...
ruclips.net/video/r1rLp9WnnVQ/видео.html
JayM. There's a thought in the back of my head stating good luck in 10+ years ? Half the Aussie young adults don't have a drivers licence and most only learnt to drive when shifting gears in a puffmatic ! This R8 GT is somewhat underwhelming to the formula of why Audi invented it. V
Manual V10 over that for me.
I thought these were £120k new? Boxter money?
App. $250k new - at least here in the US :)
Audi went to all that effort to save weight and then fit the diabolical R Tron. Should of been a manual.
I don't know, I think the R-Tronic adds to its character... I talk about it more in this video...
ruclips.net/video/r1rLp9WnnVQ/видео.html
shirt and car BZ alround
Why? Probably because it's an Audi. They don't have the heritage in this segment, yet.
Gt please
Wish people would stop talking about ps bring BHP back
Yeah, and pounds, shilling and ha'pennies!
(Just ribbing ya 🤣)