-this information is based on solid sources from various sites we ALL visit. they are all consistent. and they are people who are truly in the know.

the ONLY major discrepancy from what i have posted before is one thing: it might NOT be a 2+2.

1. interior completely different from any audi before. any audi.

2. possibly could have more than 420 hp.

3. the side panel will be there...

4. magnetic ride (but apparently quite different from the TT's)

5. debut in paris in 7 weeks (from the date of this post)

6. NO news anywhere about a sneak peek website or anything like that. there will be no teasing from audi, apparently. just a big bang introduction during press days in paris.

7. it will have LED daytime running lights


AND


8. a little bird told me it can 0-60 in 4.0 seconds flat.

As I posted on an earlier thread, Dr Winterkorn has said publicly that it will be 420.

The source:


AUDI AG Annual Press Conference, February 22, 2006

Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn
Vorsitzender des Vorstands der AUDI AG
Part 2
Current situation and outlook

.....

I'm particularly looking forward to our super sports car - the R8. It will be launched with a 420-horsepower 4.2-litre engine; other attractive engine versions offering even more power will follow at a later date. The start of production will be in Neckarsulm at the end of 2006; the market launch will follow in 2007.

.....

The 0-60 in 4 seconds shold be very possible, the RS4 has been times @ 4.3-4.6. With about 600 less pounds, 4 seconds flat or even slightly less should be possible. Also, the more than 420 hp can mean 425. That is what I haver read last. Remember, the S6 debuted with 420 but that got increased to 435.

depends on work and flights. europe is expensive lately. not sure why.

another question is the R8 drive in catalunya a la RS4 last year. but 4-5K is a bit steep. i can put that into the car......

though getting instructor-based driving of that fine machine mught be worth it.

Do you think that Audi will offer an R8 driving experience? If so, it will most definitely be worth it. Especially for those of us who intend to buy the R8. Better to learn with a professional instructor on closed roads...... and really discover the potential of the car!Wish I was going to Paris as well....

Buddy just went to Italy & France for 10 days with his family and the airline & hotel charges were very expensive. I can't believe it when he told me that in Paris he paid 5 euros for a damn slice of PIZZA... Can you believe that?

Wake me up on September 30th ;-)
Seriously though, if an R8 driving experience were offered- it would be amazing....

i dont know how it'll be with the R8 but the RS4 could not be pushed. what is the point of instruction if you cannot effect it?

unless the car is fully ready the "experience" would be nothing more than fluff. i'd wait before committing 5K.

5K = 2 ceramic disks :p

I attended the RS4 driving experience in Catalunya in 2005 and we were able to experience the full performance of the vehicle by the end of the second day- within our own limitations of driver skill. It was quite an experience. The RS4 is heavy for a track car- the R8 will be a quantum leap in the right direction.....

or something like that. i misunderstood.