Ferrari Mailing List: Re: [NFC] Audi R8

[Fellippe Galletta (fellippe.galletta]

On Mon, Mar 29, 2010 at 8:58 PM, Mike Fleischer <themightytoe [at] gmail.com> wrote:

I could be wrong about it, but pretty sure they make the R8 with an automatic/manu-matic if its really that much of a concern?

I have not sat in an R8, but a Gallardo has a decently stiff clutch (more than a 911).  Not sure If Audi departs from formula on the R8 for that.  Their normal street cars have pretty soft clutches though (IMHO).  Can't you go to a showroom and try it out? 

Mike

Most modern cars have soft clutches, exotic or not. You may even get a heavier clutch from a domestic brute.....after daily driving my GTO for 3 years, I went to Sicily for 2 weeks drove a Fiat with an extremely light clutch and when I got back I thought there was an issue with my clutch...I remember it was heavier but I essentially forgot it is a bit heavier than average. After a day or two all was normal. :)

I can almost promise you it will be light enough, but you never know with non enthusiasts.

Here are some comments I scoured for you from the forum:

"I recently drove a V10 car and it's an amazing easy and fun car to 
drive.  The clutch is very friendly to use."

"All modern cars have light clutches in my experience. I highly doubt the
 V10 would be any heavier than the V8."

"I drove the R8 V10 manual for a while, very light clutch, easy to 
drive...."

While on topic, I'd like to address cars with heavy clutches....I believe the pre-355 3 series cars and the 512 TR had the heaviest clutches I've driven. I remember Brian Burdette's Z28 having a heavier clutch than expected. 

Lashdeep remarked how his 308 had a monster heavy clutch...and then became lighter after '78 or so. 

And here's my wisdom for the day and I have YET to see evidence of the contrary:

"ANY car's clutch is light when you attempt to shift at redline"

:)

FG