reception for NSX replacement

Classic Audi is correct!

Several of you guessed correctly that it is an Audi. And yes, it is an R8...but just like the NSX, the R8 has several flavors. Interesting that the NSX has the original 3L, the upgraded 3.2L, and the type R (the rarest and most pure track model). There's a coupe and a T.

The R8 has the 4.2L V8 (420hp), the 5.2L V10 (525hp) and the tweaked 5.2L V10 (560hp). There's a coupe and a convertible. And now there is the GT coupe...the purest track version of the R8. That's what is being unveiled at the reception. It is the first one in Florida and one of the first in the US (first unit delivered in New Jersey three weeks ago). There will only be 90 stateside, 333 worldwide. Interesting that this coincides with Audi's announcement 7 days ago that the R8 LMS will be running the full Grand Am series here next year beginning with the 24 hours at Daytona in January. The R8 LMS has already won multiple titles in Europe. This is very similar to the NSX GT program in Japan.....but it was never brought here.

I have had the pleasure of driving all three variants of the R8 and they are quite different (just like the NSX coupe, the T and the R). In my search for a replacement for my NSX I wanted a practical exotic. A car that you could drive to the grocery store, take your wife to a nice dinner, and at the same time take it out on the track and slide it around.

When I drove the first R8 4.2L I loved it. But it needed more hp. Then I drove the new V10. More power, but I found the handling to be less sharp. The car was heavier. Then I heard thru the grapevine that Audi would be producing a new track version of the 5.2L V10....the GT. I waited over 1 year and got my name on the "list". Then Audi invited me to Infineon to drive the first copy brought to the US (it was actually a Eurospec car). I had a very willing instructor in the lead car who let me open it up. I was sold. Other than lawyer required stock understeer, the car was fabulous. We'll be dailing out that understeer at the first track event!

I've turned my two NSXs (CHINSX and NSX-RAY) into dedicated track cars....although both will still have license plates so I can drive them to social events with our local NSX group. The race seats are not good for daily commuting and my wife won't want to be a passenger in a cocktail dress! My turbo NSX (NSX=RAY) is probably faster than the R8 GT on track...just because the suspension setup has no regard for tire wear or ground clearance. Heck, NSX-RAY just turned a 2:12.5at Sebring three weeks ago....5 seconds faster than the current SCCA TTU track record! (NOTE: That was with my driving coach John Dean driving....my best is 2:18)

I (Chin Motorsprots) have a new trailer, a 36 ft. gooseneck, that will hold both NSXs or an NSX and the R8. This was a custom assembly by In Tech supervised closely by Mark Hicks (Chin Motorsports GM). That way i can bring both cars to the track to enjoy.

I look forward to seeing many of you at the dealership on Thursday. The car is there for YOU to enjoy. The car doors will be open and I encourage everyone to get in and check it out!

My only regret....I wish Honda would have made something like this. I would have purchased it without a doubt!

Wei-Shen
 
It must come to nsxpo!!!!!!!
 
very cool. now that the cat is out of the bag, the only thing i don't like is the AWD. adds weight and i don't need the traction. i'm guessing you don't need it in Florida, either. lol.

but i get what you are saying... its comfortable, visibility is high, its easy to drive, etc. etc. aside from the AWD, it certainly is like an NSX. congrats!
 
HBui39 said:
very cool. now that the cat is out of the bag, the only thing i don't like is the AWD. adds weight and i don't need the traction. i'm guessing you don't need it in Florida, either. lol.

but i get what you are saying... its comfortable, visibility is high, its easy to drive, etc. etc. aside from the AWD, it certainly is like an NSX. congrats!
Click to expand...

Agree. Interesting that the R8 LMS will be rear drive since Grand Am does not permit 4 wheel drive.

At least the added weight (probably around 100lbs) is low and between the wheels!
 
OK, we've been teased with snippets of conversation and hints, and some very, very focused (and artful, if I may add) shots of various parts of the car, but, for the benefit of those that could not attend in person this week, can you please post up a picture of the whole car? :biggrin:

Will you be in attendance at Chin Motorsports at Sebring on October 8 and if so will the car also be there? Hope so. (Sorry, don't remember if you said so in our private email exchanges last week.)

DJ and I will be there with the Track Rat Miata - hope to see you there.
 
dquarasr2 said:
OK, we've been teased with snippets of conversation and hints, and some very, very focused (and artful, if I may add) shots of various parts of the car, but, for the benefit of those that could not attend in person this week, can you please post up a picture of the whole car? :biggrin:

Will you be in attendance at Chin Motorsports at Sebring on October 8 and if so will the car also be there? Hope so. (Sorry, don't remember if you said so in our private email exchanges last week.)

DJ and I will be there with the Track Rat Miata - hope to see you there.
Click to expand...

Doug, here's a stock photo....since I haven't taken any photos of the whole car yet (can you believe that?)....but it is this exact car and this exact color....Suzuka Gray (interesting Japanese color with a racetrack name for a German car eh?)

And yes, it will be there Oct.8 for it's first laps around Sebring....
 

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nsx-ray said:
Doug, here's a stock photo....since I haven't taken any photos of the whole car yet (can you believe that?)....but it is this exact car and this exact color....Suzuka Gray (interesting Japanese color with a racetrack name for a German car eh?)

And yes, it will be there Oct.8 for it's first laps around Sebring....
Click to expand...

Oh, it's not all that interesting that a famed Japanese race track is a name for a German car color. Lots of liberties are taken in the world of automotive marketing. Think of one of the most historic racetracks in the US, heck, even the world, then picture the car named after it. . . . truly an injustice to the track . . . .

Sebring



:biggrin:

(Careful - this could end up totally hijacking this thread - Maybe I'll post in the appropriate place, yes, I think I will do that. Look elsewhere under Off Topics.)
 
Congrats on the new beautiful car Wei-Shen!! Thanks for letting us take part in her introduction and I can't wait to get a ride at the track.


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Thanks to the over 50 people who showed up to welcome her to our local car group! Some drove from as far as Sarasota to attend. Wow.

Can't wait to take her out on the track next week!

Wonderful photos Feetfxr. And yes, she is the right color.... :-)
 
Congrats again WS and Lynn! She is gorgeous! Hope to see her on the 2nd :wink:

Thanks for posting photos Feetfxr. That external flash helped.
 

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