The R8 GT. 560 HP of Audi Quattro goodness. A tremendously capable out-of-the-box race car from a brand with a storied motorsports pedigree. So why do I think it's for the masses?
Audi has spent so much time. money and effort to make their models more appealing to the general public. Instead of the quirky, cult following it had generated in the 80's and 90's - now the mainstream "it" car of the 21st century. This has translated in the R8 GT as two items I cannot live with. NOT available with a 3rd pedal and IS available in a Spyder.
Producing a "purpose built" track weapon and not offering the car in a stick irks me to my core. Sure, I understand that performance slushboxes like DSG,S-tronic, R-tronic, PDK, DSG, E-gear, etc.. are the way of the future, but nothing can replace the visceral feeling of a properly executed heel-toe shift, or the deftness of footwork required to left foot brake while still knowing that left foot has clutch responsibilities in less than 4 seconds as you accelerate to your track out. Automatics are just so... I don't know... automatic?
Randy Pobst recently had some choice words to say about the GT's handling. Appeasing the lawyers by inducing understeer is as dissapointing as my next point. Check out the clip below and read the article here.
Next on the revolt-o-meter is the fact that this "track-ready" R8 is ALSO available in a Spyder.
WHY?
Clearly a marketing move, proving that Audi has left the enthusiasts' side, and are slaves to the marketing machine. And before you let loose on the hate comments, I understand that at the end of the day Audi (or any other manufacturer) needs to build vehicles that people will buy, and that most "enthusiasts" don't have the means to purchase a $200k sportscar and are not their primary focus. I get it. But for a car company with such a supposed dedication to racing and purpose, it's quite a departure from their core...
Just my opinion, and you know what they say about opinions...
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