When Audi Chairman Rupert Stadler said in May the R8 was sold out for “months to come,” we assumed he meant three or four — maybe six at most. We were wrong. America spokesperson Christian Bokich has publicly stated the popular sports car now has a waiting list in excess of 18 months.
At over a year and a half, the wait for an R8 is quickly approaching exotic territory — Ferrari customers have been known to wait two years or more for their cars.
Bokich told Edmunds strong worldwide demand coupled with limited production capacity is to blame: no surprises there. Audi is only able to produce 25 units per work day, or about 6,000 R8s in total per year. Starting at a relatively modest $113,700, the R8 is attainable enough that demand has been very strong.
Of course, most people are paying a great deal more than the suggested retail price. Like any car in strong demand, the R8 is selling well above MSRP at most dealerships.
07/28, 10:44 AM
posted by:
moto-racer13
I only got to sit in one, but after just sitting in it I can understand the waiting list. Ultra high quality interior, beautiful inside and out. Not the fastest sports car but fast enough.
07/28, 11:14 AM
posted by:
Rafa LL
I couldn’t stand that, by the time I get my “brand new” R8, it will be a facelift/new model in the dealer.
07/28, 11:31 AM
posted by:
Madcapp
Looks like the product placement of the R8 in the movie “Iron Man” worked.
07/28, 12:09 PM
posted by:
RaineMan
18 months for an Audi? Come on… gimme a break. I’d rather walk down the street to the Chevy dealer… pick up a Z06 off the showroom floor… and still have 50k left over.
07/28, 12:40 PM
posted by:
jonmiles
18 months? Our list is up to 4 years….
07/28, 12:46 PM
posted by:
peacemf
@RaineMan you buy a Z06 then! it doesnt even look that great!
also you have to understand the kind of ppl who buy these cars..
a normal person buys a t-shirt at say $15 (£10), these guys buy it at $100(£60) for a t-shirt!!!!!
waiting 18months is nothing, they’ll just drive their bentley’s till then
07/28, 1:04 PM
posted by:
brassmonkey
Wonder how many will catch fire by the end of 18 months. Audi is a VW with better leather.
07/28, 2:20 PM
posted by:
shaver
Finally saw one last month, looks better in person then pics. But it is not nearly as pretty as Ferrari or Lambo. Or as ferocious sounding. I would not wait more then 18 days for one. And a Z06 will smoke it on track day.
07/28, 2:45 PM
posted by:
auto.observer
Looks like a lot of people here don’t understand what the R8 is for.
People who like the R8 don’t care if you smoke them in a Z06. They’re content just knowing they’re more comfortable and have a more reliable a/c.
It’s like comparing a hardcore US marine to James Bond. One is clearly better trained in combat, the other has style. Which would you rather have as your wingman?
07/28, 4:41 PM
posted by:
F3INT))AP3X
^Perfectly stated, this thread can close.
07/29, 4:12 AM
posted by:
JohnnyBlazE
Exactly.
James Bond gets the poon.
And he’s European, (specifically British however so one up on the Audi), not some filthy American.