6 Cars You Could Buy Instead Of The New Audi R8

We’ve known for a good while how much the new Audi R8 costs in the UK and the rest of Europe, but it’s only now we’ve found out how much it’ll be for those on the other side of the pond. Audi has announced that the MSRP for the standard V10 model is $162,900 and $189,900 for the V10 Plus, with order books opening in April. On top of that, you’re looking at a $1250 destination charge, plus taxes, title and dealer charge.

So, that’s the best part of $200k for the fastest version, before you’ve started adding pricey options. The question is, if you were fortunate enough to have $200k to blow on a fast car, would you be heading to the Audi showroom, or elsewhere? Take a look through these alternate options and cast your vote!

McLaren 570S - $184,500

The V10 Plus’ most obvious rival is a relative newcomer: the ‘baby’ McLaren 570S. In most parts of the world (where the 540C isn’t available) it’s the cheapest McLaren, costing just over $5000 less than the range-topping R8.

With 562bhp to the Audi’s 602bhp figure, it’s down on power, but at 1430kg it’s 125kg lighter (helped by its carbonfibre ‘monocell’ chassis and by having two fewer driven wheels), meaning it does the 0-62mph sprint in exactly the same time as the R8: 3.2 seconds. The top speed is only 1mph down on the R8 too, at 204mph.

Things are slightly less exciting in the powertrain department with a turbocharged V8 (no V10 N/A heroics here), but from everything that’s been reported about the 570S thus far, it’s safe to say it’s the more involving car to drive. It’s a car we’ll be driving soon, so stay tuned for our verdict.

Aston Martin DB9 GT - $201,075

If a flipping quick mid-engined sports car sounds a bit frantic for you, how about a front-engined grand tourer like the DB9 GT? Like the R8 it’s rocking a big N/A engine - something which is becoming rather rare - in this case a 5.9-litre V12 kicking out 540bhp. It’s an engine that won’t be around for much longer, with a 5.2-litre turbocharged 12-pot) on the way to power the next generation of Astons.

The DB9 is a far more relaxed affair than the other cars here, but is still damn good fun when you’re pressing on. It’s not cheap at over $10,000 more than the R8, but the gorgeous looks alone make it worth the money.

Porsche 911 Turbo S - $188,100

Late last year the new 911 Turbo S was revealed, and with even more power than its already ballistic predecessor. A 20bhp boost brings the 3.8-litre flat-six up to a punchy 572bhp, and while that’s still a little down on the R8, the 911 is quicker, dispatching 0-62mph in 2.9 seconds. 911 Turbo acceleration figures have in the past been a tad conservative too, so it’ll probably accelerate quicker still, while matching the Audi’s 205mph top speed.

It’ll be just as useable as the R8, with the bonus of a pair of small rear seats for kids or really, really short people. It’s also the closest in terms of price, with an MSRP just $1800 lower than the Audi.

Maserati Gran Turismo MC Stradale - $143,850

The MC Stradale is outdated, expensive (for what it is), and has a navigation system so rubbish that it’ll actually make you angry. But it appeals on an emotional level like few other cars, is a hoot to drive, and is the only thing here that can rival - maybe even beat - the R8 for its exhaust note. The glorious 4.7-litre N/A V8 up front is good for 444bhp, which may not sound a lot compared to the others, but this car isn’t about raw numbers.

Acura NSX - $156,000

Moving from a left-field alternative to a more obvious rival, we have the Acura NSX. Its mid-mounted, twin-turbo V6 is arguably the least interesting engine here, but it’s plenty powerful, with 571bhp (once the electric motors are factored in) making 0-62mph possible in 2.9 seconds. Like the Audi, it’s four-wheel drive and has been designed with everyday usability in mind, but it goes about it in a very different way with its hybrid system and trio of electric motors. Response from the world’s motoring press has been mixed thus far, though.

Dodge Viper ACR - $118,795

We have the Aston Martin DB9 GT as our softer option, but what if you’re after something more hardcore? Like, a lot more hardcore? I give you the Viper ACR. It’s the only other car here with a V10 - the venerable 8.4-litre lump, good for 640bhp - and has proven itself to be an utter beast on track by picking up 13 lap records on US circuits.

It may be a lot less sophisticated than the Audi, but it’s a damn sight cheaper. Over $70,000 less in fact; almost enough to get yourself a Chevrolet Corvette Z06 on the side, if you fancied.

So, which gets your vote? Or if you’d rather buy something else entirely, let us know in the comments!