MotorWeek picks the Audi R8 Spyder as Best Dream Machine

I can't say that I am all that surprised that a car like the R8 spyder would win an award like this. I think it is actually a great design and somewhat reasonably priced when you compare it to some of the other "dream machine" type cars.

Would this have been your choice or would you pick something else?


Here is the full press release from Audi on winning...

The Audi R8 Spyder won the MotorWeek 2011 Drivers' Choice Award for Best Dream Machine. In its 30th year, the annual MotorWeek Drivers' Choice Awards look at vehicles from a buyer's point of view to judge the best new cars and trucks of the year.

As a winner of a 2011 MotorWeek Drivers' Choice Award, the Audi R8 Spyder will be featured in an upcoming episode of MotorWeek, currently scheduled to air on Feb. 12 (check local listings) on PBS and on Discovery's HD Theater, Feb. 22.

The MotorWeek award adds to a long list of international consumer and media honors bestowed on the high-performance Audi R8 lineup. The R8 5.2 FSI quattro is the reigning World Performance Car of the Year, for just one example.

The same designers who created the Le Mans-winning prototypes also designed the R8 Spyder. From its wide stance, to its powerful wheels to the artful integration of exclusive materials like carbon fiber, the R8 Spyder is as unmistakable parked as it is in motion.

At the heart of the R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro is the soul stirring 525 hp 5.2 FSI V10 engine. Displayed under a transparent panel and nestled within a Carbon Fiber Sigma engine bay, the V10 screams to an astronomical 8700 rpm and propels the R8 Spyder 5.2 to 60 mph in only 3.7 seconds on the way up to a top track speed of 196.4 mph. As part of a race-bred mid-engine design that contributes to superb handling dynamics, the 5.2 V10 produces 101hp/liter and features race winning technology such as FSI direct injection and a dry sump lubrication system that assures engine lubrication under the most demanding driving situations. It is no wonder then, that this same engine is used in the R8 LMS GT3 race car

Although the R8 Spyder 5.2 is a convertible, it's still very much designed for speed. In fact, the specially designed Acoustic top incorporates three-layers of insulation comparable to a traditional hard top. This means the R8 Spyder 5.2 is capable of reaching the 195 MPH top speed without hesitation. In addition, the top is capable of retracting in 19 seconds at speeds up to 31 MPH. To learn more, please visit http://models.audiusa.com/r8-spyder.

too bad it sucks in the rain (even with quattro).

Originally Posted by hts

too bad it sucks in the rain (even with quattro).

You have any idea how many variables are involved with a hydroplane?

Where are you getting that they are bad in rain?

Originally Posted by Mk23

You have any idea how many variables are involved with a hydroplane?

Where are you getting that they are bad in rain?

no, no idea at all. i see lots of basic cars driving around fine in the rain--why do you suppose the r8 had a problem?

It surely is in my Top 5. BUT.... No car says "ultimate exotic" like Lamborghini.
No wonder Audi was smart enough to purchase them.

Originally Posted by TXSTYLE

It surely is in my Top 5. BUT.... No car says "ultimate exotic" like Lamborghini.
No wonder Audi was smart enough to purchase them.

Whether that was a smart purchase or not remains to be seen.

CA

Just saw one of these in south beach, Miami...Sweet!

I have a neighbor with the R8 and it is a beauty. The price tag is comensurately high.
Having the engine positioned in the middle of the vehicle eats space.
For the price, I'm pleased with my M3 for its versatility & practicality & price.
R8 is in the top 5 as are the Porsche 911 turbo, Masarati 599 & others
Lexus LFA at $375K is not justifiable.

R8 in any form doesn't make my top ten. It really just a poor man's Lamborghini. One doesn't dream for the poor man version of a car.

Still, I suppose it does its job. People that buy convertible exotics are attention whores that want to be seen.

Well, a Porsche 911 turbo Cab. is not a poor man's dream car.
R8 is no poor man's car. It is VERY quiet fast car on road & track unlike an M3 or M5, M6 or AMG clk 63 Black series. So many choices all a little different.
We all have choices and preferences.
If we all wanted the same (cars, women, homes ect); we'd have a mess.

Originally Posted by cwsqbm

R8 in any form doesn't make my top ten. It really just a poor man's Lamborghini. One doesn't dream for the poor man version of a car.

Still, I suppose it does its job. People that buy convertible exotics are attention whores that want to be seen.

I suppose it is a matter of perspective.



CA

I'd take the Aston Martin V12 Vantage for around the same price...

For those who like Audis it's a lovely car.

Every time I work delivery shifts in Green Bay I see an R8 rolling around the Lambeau field area

I occasionally see and R8 going to work, it's always coming from the opposite direction and it looks awesome. Much more impressive in person than pictures. The car is so wide and low it looks like a stealth fighter coming at you.

It maybe a poor mans Lambo but that is fine with me. A new V10 is $50-$75k less than the Lambo and any Audi dealer can service it. I sometimes see used low mileage V8's for high $90's. A lot of money but a lot of car for the money.

The R8 really competes with the 911 and all it's variations.

I would personally argue the 458 against it both in performance and aesthetics. I got to do a walk around of the R8 when it first came out, I really like Audi's but I couldn't get behind this vehicle. It just appears awkward from all angles and the performance figures are not up to par with the price tag IMO compared to other vehicles in its price range, now if it was a gorgeous car with a super car lineage I could understand but sadly it's neither.