I bet a C2S with a powerkit would've had better lap times, especially if the driver aimed to slide around less and carve a nice line. Those guys were over driving and could have been much more smooth. A C2S would be lighter, and able to turn in just a little better as well as acelerate out of the turns a little bit better (earlier and more throttle before understeer). Given what appeared to otherwise be great traction conditions, the AWD would offer no significant benefit in the straights.

I also reckon that a GT3 could be had for similar money and offer a significant performance jump.

While I haven't driven an R8, this remains, for me, a no brainer: 911

The Corvette, Aston, R8 etc are all doing a good job advertising for Porsche!