January 01, 2008 Audi R8.. 4 months early??

07:21pm by Naveen (Cars)

When I first put myself on the waiting list for the Audi R8, the dealer told me to expect delivery no earlier then March or April depending on when they received their first allocation of the new year. I spent a significant amount of time w/ the dealer speccing the car and going through all the various options. I was totally accepting of the fact that I probably would not receive my car until March at the very earliest. That is, until my dealer called me the day after Christmas and said that they had a brand new R8 in stock, with the exact color combination, and specifications that I ordered minus the carbon fiber. I was totally speechless!

Apparently the fellow who ordered the car ended up getting another exotic car instead leaving the dealer stuck with a ice silver metallic R8 w/ painted black side blades. Lijen, Jason and I went down to the dealer on Thursday morning to pick up the car. After spending a few hours getting all the paperwork signed, I finally got behind the wheel and took off w/ the Audi sales guy in the passenger seat. This car is a fighter jet on wheels. It is absolutely gorgeous in person, and it drives like a dream. Coming from a 2004 M3, this car is on a completely different level.

First week driving impressions: I put around 150 miles on the car in the first two days (couldn’t resist!), with a mix of city driving, and high speed (80 mph+) highway driving with Jason. The first thing I noticed is the grip. Even in a downpour, this car stays completely glued to the road. I tried to get it in a little bit of trouble with some rapid fire turns, and I just couldn’t do it w/ traction control on. Second thing I noticed is the pickup/acceleration. The M3 I was driving previously was no slouch, but the R8 absolutely hammers you back into your seat when you step on the gas. The third thing I paid attention to is the engine sound. Why the hell would you want a stereo installed in this car? It sounds absolutely ridiculous. Just imagine a really angry bear growling at you like you stole its dinner, and you will get the right idea.

The most startling realization: This is totally a car Erin (my fiance) can drive. I took her to the Sparkart parking lot for a brief introduction to the car this past Sunday. After showing her how to adjust the mirrors and how to get the R-tronic system in automatic mode, she took off for a drive around the block. She absolutely loved it and now wants to know when I am traveling next so she can drive it to work.

This week I am working with Wilson from Premier Auto and Bob Willis from Auto Concierge to get the car wrapped with paint protection film, and get it detailed. Stay tuned for more photos once I get the car back this weekend!