Audi R8 better than a Porsche, says owner
Brian Hayward
WHILE most car enthusiasts can only dream of what it‘s like to drive the Audi R8 sports car, which retails from R1,3-million, for Nelson Mandela Bay businessman Siegfried Lokotsch, of Hercules Hedge Fund, it‘s a dream come true.
What made you decide to buy the Audi R8? I wasn‘t looking for a car, but I heard from a friend that an R8 was available. It was the look of the car that sold me on it.
What other cars did you consider buying and what made you choose the R8? I compared it to Porsche, but the R8 got the heads up because I believe it‘s completely unique. You can be driving three Porsches next to each other and they‘d all look the same.
For how long have you owned it ? I‘ve had it for six weeks.
What does your wife think of it and why? Initially she didn‘t like it, but now I let her drive it as long as I‘m in the passenger seat, and she loves it. I won‘t let her drive it without me, though.
What do your friends think about it? They love it, because it‘s a magnificent vehicle and it just elevates one‘s status. People take a good look – it makes them pause and take a moment.
What is the longest trip you‘ve taken in it so far? I have taken it to Grahamstown. At first I was a bit scared, because of the power of the car. It takes a bit of time to learn to trust it, but once you understand it, it‘s fantastic. You have to change your mind-set when you drive a car like that because when you‘re in fourth gear and driving 200km/h, it feels like you‘re travelling half the speed.
Do you get a lot of looks while driving around town and do people come up to you randomly and talk to you about your car? I‘ve had people driving behind me taking pictures of the car on their cellphones. I don‘t mind. I let them look at it and I sometimes offer to take them for a drive.
What does it feel like driving such a powerful sports car? You cant actually find words to explain it, because its more than the driving experience – it‘s totally encompassing.
What do you like most about the interior? Probably the display for the navigation unit and for the sound system and the docking station for my cellphone which is in the centre.
What music do you listen to while driving about? I have the latest Now 50 compilation CD. I like to pump up the sound through the 14 speakers.
Have you got a name for it yet? Not officially, but I like the name of Blue Thunder .
What is the top speed you have reached in it? I‘ve gone up to 250km/h on the open road. I haven‘t gone faster than that, but would probably only go faster on a racetrack. It can reach a top speed of 301km/h.
Do you feel safe inside it and why? Totally. It feels like you‘re one with the car and you sit very low down.
What travel changes have you had to make? I try and avoid roads with speed bumps and if there‘re potholes, I‘ll look at an alternative route. I also take open roads more, so I can really open it up.
Have you had people try and race you on the open road yet? Not yet, because they would just lose. This car has got serious power.
What is your favourite aspect of the entire car and why? I love the engine at the back which you can see from the outside of the car.
What does the car represent for you? I would say it represents speed and thrill – it‘s like you‘re driving a jet.
Do you think it‘s better than a Porsche and if so, what aspects and why? It‘s much better. It looks better and its performance is better. It‘s also cheaper than a Porsche.
What advice would you give to another would-be R8 buyer? Buy it tomorrow – don‘t even think about.
