My dealer called to invite me down while the car was awaiting its pick-up. Testing in Death Valley, and I spoke with the German Engineers.

Car was the same as seen in Santa Monica recently. Tape across the rear lights. A couple of other camo... shed in Lambo wheels w/o center caps.

I thought it was a tad bland. More NSX than lambo. Now... maybe in the right paint, with the v-10... I'll be drooling. I'm dissapointed in the V8 route.

Interior was nice, and I got pics on my Treo. The car was VERY dirty... like dust inside and out... but she passed all her test with flying colors. There is quite a bit of carbon around the engine bay... VERY NICE.

Jasper
*owner of two day new (for me!) RS6. The car rocks!

the most important info is the interior & he glides over it- pics!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The R8's design should contain the design language of Audi and not Lamborghini; therefore, there will be those that consider a 420bhp almost attainable supercar bland.

I, for one, do not need to be the ultimate Peacock and strut with my massive plumage shining, attempting to impress all. I rather be somewhat discrete. It's why some wear Brioni and others wear the orange sixteen button suit from Daddy Mac's.

I'll take mine in a suitable discrete color and enjoy the ride.

on the other hand i am sure that it's interior will be spectacular. by definition it will. the new TT's is hot already.

and that is where the gallardo's very ugly interior comes short. same goes for the vantage, though much less so.

i am very disappointed with the gallardo interior. from day one. although the exterior of that car is not much in my style it is not given justice by the interior it is coupled with.

the R8 will not have that shortcoming. regardless of the power it develops you'll FEEL like you're in a supercar when you're in it.

The engine has already been squeezed to the max, and reliability is a big issue. Any gains will likely be due to improvement in engine breathing from better exhaust routing. Like, as in another 5 hp or so...

With the RS6 plus it was easier to find power since the base powerplant had forced induction.

there were 450 hp and 475-500 hp versions of the NA V8 running in the RS4 mules.....

or so i h e a r d

I didn't realize that. It would be special if the R8 had more power than the RS4, but there needs to be a significant paower advantage of the V10 R8 over the V8 version and that is another reason for Audi to leave the V8 pretty well as it is....

I can synch my freakin Treo! No small task for me. I buy technology... but I don't service it!