Last week I got a call saying that I had received an allocation slot. I was told that there would be at least two weeks while the order was open before a manufacturing slot was opened up for me. Likely a lot longer. This meant that I could still tweak my colors and options. This week I decided to try to order the new tire option and it turns out I was allocated a manufacturing slot already. The dealer seems really surprised at how fast the process is moving along.

I wonder if people are giving up their slots as they come up? What is peoples experience about how long it takes to get the car once the order has been released to manufacturing?

I placed the final specs in mid January, my car is due next week, and I think the manufacturing time to delivery is 6 weeks. So maybe a month.

I'm guess it just depends on what order it was recieved. They probably gave word to all the dealers that they had allocation spots. Perhaps all the other dealers finalised the specs just after you did.

100 people can submit their specs 5 minutes apart, but just because person 100's order was received 9 hours after person 1, it doesn't mean he will get the manufacturing slot 9 hours later. Probably months.

Unless Audi really limits production (something they have never effectively done), the R8 would be readily available at MSRP by Fall, 2009. The economy is in the sh!tter. AoA has delivered close to 500 R8's to North America already.

Just how big of a market is there for a $140K sports car? In 2007, only 1629 997TT's were delivered world-wide. Add in the facts that people know a "better" R8 is coming soon and the two-year residuals on these cars is only a little better than 50% and some buyers are probably waiting to see what happens. You also have a face-lifted 997TT, the Masserati GT-S and some other pretty compelling cars in that price range coming this fall. Most buyer's don't regularly track their $140K cars, so other factors creep into the equation.

All that said, it is a wonderful car. If I were on the list and my spot came up, I would jump on it.<ul><li><a href="http://forums.audiworld.com/r8/msgs/6023.phtml">http://forums.audiworld.com/r8/msgs/6023.phtml</a</li></ul>

I had a chance to pre-order back in 06 an R8 after my GM insisted at Porsche Boardwalk and passed. Fast fwd to now and I'm in love w/the car to the point that I almost bought one this AM from BoardWalk in Daytona Grey for close to $30K over MSRP ($159K). "Luckily" by the time they gave me some numbers it was already sold :/

I was very shocked to see it go so fast. My heart tells me to pay over MSRP to get it, my brain says no. Mainly because of V10 and spyder versions coming up not to mention the V12Tdi.. As I understood from my GM when it first came out they were going for close to +40K over MSRP and up to 2 weeks ago had dropped down to 20's.

Still I think the reason it's selling very well is the fact it's the only sportcar which you can drive every day (similar to 997TT). I was looking at Gallardos but obviously it'd have to be a weekend car...

PS Sorry for long rumble just sharing my thoughts..

where did you order yours from? I assume you paid MSRP?

Got call this AM, the deal fell through with the other guy and I can get for $159K am I insane? Should I wait? What would you guys do?

That $29K and more will be gone when you drive it off the lot. Have you looked at any two year old car prices lately? Almost all high-line vehicles are at 50-55% of MSRP. Even if the R8 really holds it value at 65%, you are looking at a $78K two year depreciation. Call around, I think you can do better.

I totally agree with you. Even if demand is strong surely the V10 and new rumored models will have an impact on the V8 down the line... I don't have money to burn per se, I can think of a bunch of ways to spend $29K and have more fun besides fueling Audi's R8 aftermarket prices LOL... My main gripe is that when you spend that much money you need to get what you want, and what I REALLY want is a black on black R8 :)

I think miles will play the biggest part. If the V8 doesn't get many improvements in the next 2 years, then I don't see why a low milage 08 would sell for much less than a '10 R8.

Now, when the R8 gets revised, like 996TT to 997TT, then expect a big drop.

Still, I wouldn't buy it for MSRP + $29K. That $29K is nearly almost all lost the second you buy it. Wait a bit longer and get one at MSRP, or save that $29K and order a V10. You've already waited this long.

Used car prices are getting hammered. And the R8 is getting a big engine upgrade? I am not trying to be negative and I hope that I am wrong. I am just trying to serve as a reality check for what I consider a bit of irrational over-exuberance. Certainly AFS has been wrong before.<ul><li><a href="http://forums.audiworld.com/r8/msgs/9596.phtml">http://forums.audiworld.com/r8/msgs/9596.phtml</a</li></ul>

I am waiting for few years to see how much the R8 depreciates compared to other high end/exotics like Lamborghini, Ferrari and even against lower priced rivals like the Nissan GT-R and Dodge Viper.

I like the R8 and Lambo the best for exotic/high end cars.

still The R8 is an amazing car, but only worth what you can afford to pay and not consider an "investment" in any way.

if it was logical....

Once the used market builds up a bit I think I will try to add one to the garage.

E