I can tell that our Daytona Gray Pearl 2008 Audi R8 looks pretty intimidating on the highway by the way most of the left lane squatters skedaddle out of the way upon our approach.
Some motorists switch lanes even if it means falling in behind a slow-moving semi to get out of our path. And one time a Silverado 2500 almost switched lanes in front of us as we were cruising along, saw us in his driver side mirror and then moved back to his original position in the other lane as if to say, "Oops, pardon," he didn't want to get in our way. That NEVER happens.
But with all its badass looks, the R8 is still awfully comfortable and roomy inside. After 800 miles when the novelty of being in the supercar sorta mellowed, I settled into its high-quality Tuscan Brown leather seat, had my iced grande latte at the ready in the center cupholder, stretched out my legs and almost felt like I was sitting at home in my leather armchair. That is until I looked up and saw Mt. Shasta passing quickly by outside my window.
In any case, it's such a different experience from sitting in other driver-enthusiast friendly cars I've been in whose cockpits fold me into a compact-size passenger and scream angry engine sounds in my ears (you know who you are, Ford GT and Ferrari 308). Don't get me wrong, I'm all for enthusiastic engines but for hours on end the Audi is great as it emits only a purr (unless you floor it in which case it snarls). Just nice to know that there can be something for both the driver and the passenger here.
Caroline Pardilla, Deputy Managing Editor
stingray454 says:
11:46 AM, 07/ 8/08
"And one time a Silverado 2500 almost switched lanes in front of us as we were cruising along, saw us in his driver side mirror and then moved back to his original position in the other lane as if to say, "Oops, pardon," he didn't want to get in our way. That NEVER happens."
Hehe - I usually get that when driving my 3/4 ton Suburban. It's like the driver does a quick calculation of my truck's stopping ability, and how much damage would be done if my truck hit their vehicle, and they quickly change their mind about cutting me off.
John DiPietro says:
01:40 PM, 07/ 8/08
In LA, I've noticed that the opposite is true -- the other driver would see you coming up in the passing lane and then slowly drift into your lane without warning.
This is usually done for no reason and at a speed differential at least 10 mph slower than your velocity.
incufan32 says:
03:49 PM, 07/ 8/08
Looks like you were right in downtown Portland when you took that picture (as the picture on the nav screen indicates), greetings to you but you are not the first R8 in Portland as i have already seen two Badassmobiles here this month alone.
2003expo says:
05:44 PM, 07/ 8/08
I LOVE THESE NEW HD IMAGES YOU GUYS NOW HAVE ON THE BLOGS...(new cameras?!?)