That was my first thought, that maybe they actually meant A8. But I went back and checked, and this isn’t the first time the R8 has appeared on this list with reduced financing. It is the longest period of time they’ve offered it, though. Previously it was just for a couple of weeks at a time.

Just for the helluvit, I ran some figures through a car loan calculator. With tax, title and registration figured in, a $10k down payment, and the lowest rate they offer (5.38%), the payments on a base-price R8 (yeah, just try to find one for $109k) with gas guzzler tax ($2,100) and destination charge ($1,000) for 60 months would be $2,128.31.

Whatta bargain!

That’s not exactly cut-rate financing. Should be able to close to those numbers without any subsidy.

Believe it or not, not everybody who buys these things is loaded enough to pay cash for them. Even the upper crust borrows money to support its lifestyle. I have to wonder how many potential purchasers can’t actually pay when it’s their turn to buy.

Edit: As I think about it, that huge price premium may be the reason. It’s probably not possible to borrow nearly enough from a typical lending source to cover it, particularly now. In effect, Audi would be supporting those high out-the-door prices by making the financing possible when it otherwise might not be.

In January, Car and Driver reported that the R8 was sold out in Europe for the year. There are fewer than 5000 offered globally for the year and fewer than 1000 of those (I’ve seen 800 cited in some sources) will come to the U.S. Most dealers have already sold out of their allotment for this year. Those who haven’t are demanding high premiums for a spot on the waiting list.

Probably 20% down and 750+ beacon score.

Not liking the R8 anyway though.

I want a real Gallardo.