<ul><li><a href="http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/12513/incestuous-infighting.html">Click Me</a></li></ul>

<ul><li><a href="http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/Comparos/articleId=119925">Click Me</a></li></ul>

I think the loaded R8 will top out @ 120,000 But the Turbo starts @ 123,000 fully loaded would be around 138,000.

But if it is significantly more than the original goal it will happen more often due to the pricing similarity between the 911 turbo and the R8. The C4S should be the car... would like the 911 turbo comparisons to be made when the v10 comes around.

Fingers crossed it is closer to the C4S than the turbo ;)

my fully loaded 997tt cost slightly over $129K. My definition of fully loaded is a car that has all the performance oriented features that can be purchased. I passed on the "illuminated door sills - carbon fiber everywhere - leather key surrounds" etc.

BTW, though the automatic 997tt is slightly quicker than then 6 speed 997tt - most everyone who has driven or tested both prefer the stick to the slushbox from an overall performance/handling dynamics point of view. The 6 speed is available with one of Porsche's famous mandatory options - limited slip differential, whereas the slushbox isn't. This makes the 6 speed 997tt an even more effective car in hard cornering situations.

I think that the V10 R8 will be a very serious alternative to the 911 turbo, but the V8 R8 isn't. But boy did Audi nail the price/performance point - more performance and more expensive than the C4S - less expensive and less performance than the turbo - they slotted it right in there.

Heck it is old, turbos have been around for 30 years in one form or the other. But Porsche has always focused on function rather than form - maybe some real tough competitor like the R8 will force them to work both ends of the form-function equation.

They failed with the Cayenne in the form arena - be interesting to see if they learned their lesson in the upcoming Panamera.

I agree with you about the R8's looks - I think it is gorgeous. But I have read many "fugly" comments about the R8 from BMW and Porschephiles - each to their own. Can you imagine an M5 driver calling the R8 "fugly"?

Here's some recent posts from the Porsche camp regarding looks:

"If anyone thinks the R-8's design will last...I'd like to interest you in some land."

"The styling on the Audi is a bit too futuristic for me , as if due for release in 2020 or something . the 997 looks set for the time period"

Kinda makes sense - Porsche folks are indoctrinated in the Porsche "function over form" school of thought.

<center><img src="http://i7.tinypic.com/2zqzgjt.jpg"></center><p>bunch of us got together at local starbucks - mine is the black turbo with quad exhaust

<center><img src="http://i14.tinypic.com/482nqkn.jpg"></center><p>

If C&amp;D gave the advantage to the R8 for exterior design it would have been a complete victory for the R8. This way C&amp;D is able to maintain a level of "peace" with Porsche. Don't forget that these magazines are governed by advertising revenue, not subscription revenue.

Audi will sell all the R8 they can make.

Last time I checked my calendar, the date was 2007, not 1964. I admire Porsche and have considered purchasing a 911. At the end of the day, my senses return and I set the purchase price lower, as it becomes difficult to justify a new car purchase when I drive less than two days a month, on average.

I looked at the Boxster, and even attended the vehicle launch in Scottsdale, Arizona, back in 1996. I passed on the first round of cars and decided to purchase TT instead. I'm currently gravitating toward the new S5 and away from the TT mkII. I really like the changes to the new TT but feel the need to purchase a slightly larger car because my Mother lives roughly 100 miles away and is becoming older. As the sole potential caregiver, there may be occasions when I need to travel in very inclement weather.

However, if I could personally justify the R8 it would be first on my list, followed by the Aston V8 and then 911. The Porsche is rapidly showing its age, regardless of the noise made in the press.

and it has a very exotic look to it. The 911 doesn't even come close IMO and rarely causes a bystander to second-glance one driving down the street. Although there have been slight changes concerning bumpers, spoilers, and wheel size, the basic design hasn't changed for many decades. It is a classic design no doubt but it doesn't get my adrenaline flowing personally.

Another interesting topic - Having seen I-Robot again recently, I wonder how many others have noticed a heavily disguised R8 shape hidden beneath those movie props.

now that I think about the Audi in that movie, you're absolutely right!

Audi execs must have had a real hoot when they were able to sneak their upcoming halo car in without anyone but them knowing their "little secret".

Brilliant marketing ploy

<center><img src="http://i9.tinypic.com/4hbfx29.jpg"></center><p>you can get real silly with those "exclusives" - add ceramics and slushbox and a 123K car has become closer to 160K.

I really, really like the R8, and plan to purchase one at some point (I have the #1 spot in line at my local dealer), so this is certainly no bash on the car. But the 911 exterior shape is the most classic, time-tested design form in the history of cars (IMO).

So, it seems pretty easy to give that advantage to the 911. Truth is the two cars are apples and oranges in design, and I personally prefer the sound of the V8, the placement midship, and the overall design, quality and <i>most</i> of the R8 design cues, but I also love the shape of the 911, particularly the 997 (the 996, not so much).

Car and Driver made an honest 'call' on the design winner. I don't know when we'll see another car dethrone the 911 as an overall aesthetic, but the R8 in current guise is not it, wonderful as it is. I do however, feel the R8 does, overall, make the 911 feel 'old', as Edmunds noted. Just my .02 -

(A few pics from a recent trip up Hwy 1 in testimony)

<img src="http://www.sargentschutt.com/photos/131360492-L.jpg">

<img src="http://www.sargentschutt.com/photos/131358562-L.jpg">

<img src="http://www.sargentschutt.com/photos/135707154-L.jpg">

<img src="http://www.sargentschutt.com/photos/135707260-L.jpg">