We’ve had quite the selection of vehicles coming through the shop recently, but rarely do we get double vision like this.
Having matching Suzuka Grey Audi R8 GTs lined up in the schedule is not something we see very often, and obviously we couldn’t resist taking the opportunity to spend as much lens time with them as possible. With one returning for a detail & the other receiving our satin clear wrap treatment, we set to work capturing every second of the matching pair as we could with a short video montage!
Since that bit of eye candy most likely left you wanting more, here’s a full inside look at the satin wrap process performed, and even a few glamor shots from the after hours photo shoot Blake had with the twins…
Seattle Auto Detailing NorthWest Auto Salon Satin Wrap Suzuka Grey R8 GT
As always, we started the pre-wrap procedures with our complete 24-step handwash, blasting out every nook & cranny of the R8 GT with compressed air and making sure to decontaminate completely so that it would be ready to be disassembled and ensure a clean film application.
Seattle Auto Detailing NorthWest Auto Salon Satin Wrap Suzuka Grey R8 GT
Typically, wraps begin at the flattest & broadest points on the vehicle. Matt started off by fitting the roof film first, before working his way down the hood and on to wrapping the front bumper before moving on to the sides & rear.
Seattle Auto Detailing NorthWest Auto Salon Satin Wrap Suzuka Grey R8 GT
Trimming is key. Even if they’re hidden from sight, a smooth & consistent edge is always better than a rough, jagged cut!
Seattle Auto Detailing NorthWest Auto Salon Satin Wrap Suzuka Grey R8 GT
Seattle Auto Detailing NorthWest Auto Salon Satin Wrap Suzuka Grey R8 GT
Seattle Auto Detailing NorthWest Auto Salon Satin Wrap Suzuka Grey R8 GT
Carefully working over all the cracks with the plastic blade and pushing out the large bubbles with a sweep of the arm, the R8’s new satin sheen began to take shape. This wet application satin clear bra film is much different in texture & plasticity than our other opaque color film solutions, but it offers equally unmatched paint protection & durability!
Seattle Auto Detailing NorthWest Auto Salon Satin Wrap Suzuka Grey R8 GT
Seattle Auto Detailing NorthWest Auto Salon Satin Wrap Suzuka Grey R8 GT
With the wrap buttoning up, it came time to reassemble the masterpiece. We refit the mirrors, spoiler, and badges securely on the new satin surface, gave it a quick spritz and wipe down with our matte detailing spray, and started pulling out the lighting equipment as the sun started to drop. Time being of the essence, Blake decided to stay late & spend some extra hours with both cars, making the most of the abnormally dry spring evening.
Seattle Auto Detailing NorthWest Auto Salon Satin Wrap Suzuka Grey R8 GT
Seattle Auto Detailing NorthWest Auto Salon Satin Wrap Suzuka Grey R8 GT
Side by side, the difference in paint reflection & overall aesthetic is pretty staggering. The satin finish is soft & diffusing to the R8 GT’s sweeping curves, while the gloss seems almost cold & more aggressive, accentuating the sharper and more angular lines of the car.
Seattle Auto Detailing NorthWest Auto Salon Satin Wrap Suzuka Grey R8 GT
If you’re a fan of Audi or the R8, then you probably already know there are only 333 R8 GTs in existence, and reportedly only 90 or so of those have been delivered in to the United States! This color offering (Suzuka Grey) is an Audi Exclusive color option and has always been one of Blake’s favorites. Suzuka Grey is offered from Audi in the gloss or the matte finish option, of which is a premium over their gloss standard. With the beauty of the matte finish comes the risks of damaging the already exquisite appearance, if a bit of spirited driving happens to kick up any road debris, or damage done from bird etching, regular wash scratches etc. Worth it for a collector perhaps, but for those who really want to put these beautiful machines to work, our protective satin solution offering yields a finish that looks factory if not better!
Seattle Auto Detailing NorthWest Auto Salon Satin Wrap Suzuka Grey R8 GT
So similar, and yet still distinct. One sports anthracite wheels, while the other is rocking a polished appearance to match the gloss finish. As you may have spotted in the video, the satin R8 GT is also a bit more naked, with the badge free nose & tail. Their dry carbon canards, splitters, spoilers & mirrors accentuate both the satin & the gloss finishes excellently, and even the flat appearance on the carbon ceramic brakes & GT badges adds a simple touch that is often overlooked with a standard gloss or bare metal caliper.
Seattle Auto Detailing NorthWest Auto Salon Satin Wrap Suzuka Grey R8 GT
It’s quite the sight to see them side by side. Another upside the satin film is when it’s placed over the Suzuka Grey paint (or similar, less metallic tonalities) it creates an almost pearlescent -esque appearance that doesn’t translate in typical matte finishes. There’s greater depth to the paint surface, smoother diffusion of light on the body lines, and an unmatched “wow” effect that it has on nearly every viewer who lays eyes on it. Just ask all of the attendees at the last recent Red Square Car Show where the satin R8 GT made it’s first public appearance and stole the show!
Seattle Auto Detailing NorthWest Auto Salon Satin Wrap Suzuka Grey R8 GT
Seattle Auto Detailing NorthWest Auto Salon Satin Wrap Suzuka Grey R8 GT
Seattle Auto Detailing NorthWest Auto Salon Satin Wrap Suzuka Grey R8 GT
Seattle Auto Detailing NorthWest Auto Salon Satin Wrap Suzuka Grey R8 GT
It was a pleasure working on such a beautiful pair, and we couldn’t have made it happen without our friends at University Audi. After all, they were kind enough to bring us the Suzuka Grey R8 V10 Spyder which we performed an Enthusiast Detail on just a handful of months back, and helped line up the pair for an appearance at our shop!
Seattle Auto Detailing NorthWest Auto Salon Satin Wrap Suzuka Grey R8 GT
If you have any questions about vehicle wraps, clear bra film protection, or any of the automotive reconditioning & detailing services we offer, feel free to contact us for more information!