the one thing I have read concerning the GT3 is that the front spoiler height is so low that you'd have to watch out on driveways and what if you come on a speedbump?

I don't know to what extent other cars like the Z06 or the Elise etc.. have the same issue?

I'll report back after the WCD event (should get some seat time in the GT3).

 

lol-
yup, thats me on the r8 forum!!

recently posted a link on that board back to s2ki.com - cause someone here posted a great thread about an r8 on the dragon run... with pics -

my car (r8) is prob a year away- at first i was told end of the year, but they are building a new factory for this car and its taking longer than expected to begin production. add to that the fact that my dealer's allocation is likely to be reduced even more (prob cause of the production delays), and that puts me close to a year out- maybe i will have a chance at an '09 (was hoping to have a first year r8 to accompany my first year s2000)!

 

I am aware of this.

So far I haven't gone for a high power car. I could own a C5 Z06 instead of a S2000 if that was a main priority.

The R8 is slower than a 600hp Viper or 500hp Z06 or 500hp F430 (etc..). Same as the S2000 is not the quickest whip. Same can be said of the Aston Martin Vantage.

I can't say that power/speed are not important at all. However, I think in real world situations the R8 has enough power and speed. But there will be others that want more (V10 R8) etc..

However for example a Viper 600hp of Blue Devil, Turbo etc... can be both 'different' as well as quick for around the same cost. Doesn't need to be either or can have both.

All said, I would rather have a R8 over a Viper or Z06 and probably over a 911 turbo if it was my DD. All the same thats not to say I would send it back if it was quicker than it already is. I mean MB AMG has easy 500+HP V8s that are in even cheaper cars (they don't even need a V10).

 

May be for the best to work out the devils if any. My 3rd year S2000, was glad to have a few improvements. But you will miss out on the first car brand new-ness.

 

the GT3's daily driving issues are pretty focused on the front lip... so much so that ive heard talk that the piece of plastic, which is unpainted is easily and cheaply replaced...

the 911 vs. R8... i love both cars... this is my take... owning a porsche is sorta a right of passage... after you've owned your first Porsche (911 or not), you dont feel troubled about spending a $100K on another sports car... but the first $100K sports car i buy, is probably gonna be a Porsche (unless i already bought one for $90K)

 

Rai, my Z06 was scraping and even high-centering everywhere. With just a modest drop, still using the factory suspension, I had to add frame wheels in the front and aluminum rails (both from A&A) under the rocker panels. Those saved a lot of wear. Maybe something similar for the GT3?

DV, even with $10K (!) off sticker the Cayman S isn't a no-brainer. The BMW M Coupe is still seriously cheaper ($10K or more) and has more motor, though handling is said to be more of a handful (makes it more fun?). And as I mentioned, the Exige S model is coming and, if I could live with Elise entry/exit, might just be the "most" sports car for me. There is also the C6 Z06 to consider (though I said F.U. to GM after my C5 Z06, that is a mean ride). And a real Skyline is coming.

Have I left out any other serious sporting machines that could be cross-shopped up to $75K? I even checked out recent used GT3's but it looks like I'd have to pony up $80+K.

My situation is improving. I convinced the wife to trade in her Liberty last weekend, a ride I hated, on a left-over '06 Grand Cherokee Limited with the 5.7L hemi. Drives better than her old G.C. so that is our family vehicle and I don't mind. That engine is, as the ads go, sweet. That frees me up to go back to an extreme ride in a year or so. There's some chance I'll be restoring a 1962 XKE (a.k.a. E Type) roadster starting this year and if that happens I won't have funds for anything else, nor any room in the garage, for at least a few years.

 

now THAT is worth pursuing!

DO IT....DO IT....DO IT....

 

good point...
got the 911 outta my system a few years ago-
actually was gonna buy the boxster when the s2000 came out.
bought the s2000 and never looked back. especially enjoyed the first few years when the s2000 was rare (especially compared to the boxster).
kinda how i got to the r8- very rare compared to the 911s...
porsche makes great cars, and i have never owned an audi-
but the r8 looks like a great next toy!

 

It is a strange world we live in where there are markets for 'alternative' $110k cars.

 

and $130k cars like the r8!!

(worse than that, the dealers are taking deposits and do not even have prices yet... other than "about $130k"!)