Between The Big Sleazy and the Texas border we've made a few friends. First was this long haired older guy in his new black on black Aston Martin DB9 droptop. We ran together for a while at about 85 mph and nailed from a roll just once. I'd like say we blew his doors off, but the cars were pretty even...
We also got nice wave and the friendly eyeball from this Louisiana State Trooper. Despite our speed, however, Buford T. Justice just wanted to check out our wheels. The best part? Thirty minutes up the road he nabbed some kid in a Saleen Mustang.
Probably gave him a ticket for poor purchase judgment.
Scott Oldham, Inside Line Editor in Chief @ 7,703 miles
estreka says:
02:46 PM, 06/18/08
Looks like you guys are traveling down I-10?
How are those LA roads treating you, btw? ;-)
louiswei says:
03:39 PM, 06/18/08
Well, since I am the "hater" I might as well live up to the expectation...
I know that straightline acceleration is just one aspect of the performance but running evenly with an Aston Martin DB9 is nothing to write home about for a so called "super car". Cars that cost much less can probably achieve that easily. Oh, just to name a few, like M3, C63 and the Z06...
thyvinci says:
04:12 PM, 06/18/08
Seattle, WA
Enjoying reading about this R8 road trip.
Question for Scott:
Just curious--how come the Trooper didn't cite you with a speeding ticket? Did you show your press credentials or say something that diffused him?
bimmerjay says:
04:31 PM, 06/18/08
Geez louiswei, who peed in your Cheerios?
desmolicious says:
04:58 PM, 06/18/08
What's wrong with not blowing away a DB9? That car makes 450hp. The R8 makes 425.
louiswei says:
05:36 PM, 06/18/08
Bimmerjay, someone has to be the devil's advocate here. This will be a boring place if we are all singing Kumbaya...
autoboy16 says:
07:14 PM, 06/18/08
isn't that 1487's job?
Hey if the cars were moving in the 2nd photo, I really want that camera! The R8 is nice looking, but there is a distinct "Large TT" I just don't like about it...
ewilfong says:
07:31 PM, 06/18/08
Autoboy, first, yes. Second, fast-moving things appearing to stand still is merely a product of fast shutter speed. If you're shooting on auto in high enough light, you'll likely get the same effect. Or if you have some manual control, you can set the shutter speed higher yourself.
cah11705 says:
07:55 PM, 06/18/08
the aston really aint that fast
its 450 hp v12 so its smooth and sounds good but its also the heavier and wobbly volante so its not much of a sports car
dougtheeng says:
05:54 AM, 06/19/08
I'd take the Aston Martin over the R8, but really its 6 of one, half dozen of the other isnt it?
syt_shadow says:
10:57 AM, 06/19/08
I think if we judge the R8 by straight line speed, it will be found lacking.
I mean, come on, what were they thinking at Audi? "Hey, lets grab the RS4's engine (first decent NA engine we've ever built), give it a dry sump and stick in into a baby lambo"
Please. A stock C6 is probably faster. Maybe you can find joy in its comfort, driveability or looks, but power? No way!