Dr. WOT

If it was me and I already had a track car, I'd be looking more in the GT direction, which would make the 997S and the V8 Vantage the choices. Pick the 997 for driving dynamics, pick the AM for style. BTW, the R8 just doesn't interest me for whatever reason.

02s2k01s4

personally i would get a new audi rs4! i got to drive one of my friends with springs shocks, intake, chip, exhaust. and that thing was a rocket and handeled pretty well. plus it looks amazing!!!

My R2

Greats cars but why not add the Maserati (Grandsport) to the mix...realiability is pretty good and they are and probably will continue to be rarer than the cars listed above...

JonBoy

If you're only tracking once or twice a year, I'd just go with a more comfortable car. 997S is the natural choice to me - fairly reliable, more dealerships, a back seat, decent power, and moderate pricing.

While the Z06 is the undeniable bargain and the GT3 is the most hardcore, I don't think driving them on a regular basis will be nearly as much fun as the less frenetic cars. ALL of these cars will be fun on a track, but since tracking will be rare, I wouldn't focus on it too much. Go with something that will make you smile daily and not keep you running to a dealership or beat you up on the way to work.

A last consideration, though. Since you don't live in a huge city, Z06 or R8 will probably allow you to get the cars maintained properly (you definitely have a Chevy dealership and should have an Audi dealership in Tyler). If that's a concern, seems to me that you only have those two choices. Chances are you don't have an Aston Martin or Porsche dealership nearer than Dallas or Houston.

ImportSport

I'd pick up a 997s and sit on it until you find a GT3 you want.

BioBanker

Myself - Id be looking for a new 996GT3 that hasnt yet been sold and is sitting at a dealer getting less expensive each day.

Ive heard of ppl putting back seats in a GT3 BTW, given that all the mounting points are there underneath the trim. Not sure about liability.

Baring that, if youre after a more comfortable car, Id think that the 997S or the AMv8 should fit the bill, and I bet, with looking, youd be able to find a used AMV8 for a good deal relative to new.

MDXLuvr

Just to answer some questions. I live in Tyler Texas. Pop = 90k. We have a Chevy, BMW, MB. NO Audi, Acura, Porsche, Ferrari or Lambo. Dallas is 100 miles west and has all the dealers.

Wife: Toyota Seinna Minivan.
DD: 2006 Passat 3.6 - great car.
Track car: SM.
Wknd/Garage queen: NSX at present. Looking for something else.

RS4 - No offense but that is a A4 sedan. Let see RS4 Vs. R8. There is no comparison. Yeah, Yeah, I know its the same engine and probably same AWD. But one is a luxury GT the other is a bottom of the line sedan with a V8. The main reason I like the R8 is that it is what the next gen NSX should be: Mid engine and V8. Decent looks but not jaw dropping. BTW, somebody mentioned Audi racing history. I know all about Audi R8's, and R10. I watched 2 races last year in person. The R8 street version has NOTHING to do with the track cars(unlike the GT3 and the Cup cars).

Used Gallardo = $150k. Doable. But maintenance is $$$, Lamborghinis are not track cars. Never have been, never will be. If I was going to spend 150k I would probably get a F360.

Personally I think its going to be either the Z06 or the 997GT3. I may have to wait for GT3 to get below 100k but the other cars are just not as involving to me as the GT3/Z06.

Iceman1

just to add to your dilemma, the R8 is available with a true 6-speed gated manual (i think the R-Tronic is an option)...

rai

[QUOTE=MDXLuvr,Jan 25 2007, 08:22 AM] Wife:

s2kpdx01

http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/arti...E/70124004/1009

The car is kind of pig and lacking in the performance, but so is the AMV8.