Audi R8 Part 1: Design Review

Audi is perhaps best known for building sensible, all-wheel drive sedans and wagons with exceptional build quality. That they've managed to deliver such an impressively capable, mid-engined supercar on their first try is all the more shocking. Less surprising however, given the company's design successes dating back to the original TT, is that the Audi R8 is simply stunning.

We first got a glimpse of what an Audi supercar might look like when the German manufacturer gave us the Le Mans Quattro concept car at the 2003 Geneva Auto Show. And while that car was an absolute show-stopper, clearly it was only a concept.

Except that it wasn't, as we discovered when Audi dropped a bomb with the launch of the nearly identical R8 production car at the Paris Auto Show three years later.

With a waiting list measured in years, the desirability of the R8 is undisputable. Just seeing one drive by will stop you in your tracks, your eyes involuntarily following its gorgeous aluminum body as it disappears into the distance. But what is it about the R8 that is so riveting?

The long, low and wide proportions inherent in a two-seat mid-engine car clearly contribute to its good looks. But there are distinctive elements that add to its allure as well. There's the crisp line that defines the car's profile, flowing from the front intake graphic through the body side - rising seductively over the powerful fender forms - before dropping away, delineating the rear corner of the car and continuing around to the other side. There are details like the taillights, which are technically complicated yet simple in design, while integrating beautifully with the rest of the lines around the back of the car.

There is also a controversial element or two. Audi's single frame grille works best on this car, but isn't universally liked. And from certain angles the front overhang seems a bit much. But the most unique design element - and the one that polarizes opinions most - is the side blade. A graphic that runs vertically - usually a no-no in sportscar design - it defines the air intakes for the mechanical elements at the back of the car. Available in a variety of colors and finishes, it looks most sexy in carbon fiber. And while body color is an option, don't expect to see it on many R8s because instead of making the side blade less obvious as you'd expect, it actually makes it stand out as the odd vertical element that it is.

From above, we get a view of the fabulous engine in all its glory through the glass engine cover. If you can't get enough of this sight, opt for the super-cool LED engine lights that illuminate the engine bay when you lock or unlock the car. They work especially well if you also opt for the carbon fiber engine bay detailing. Interestingly, the clear cover exposes the engines off-set positioning. Situated slightly to the left, it provides just enough space for the prop-shaft that runs forward toward the front differential.

At the front of the car, we find what seems to have become an Audi trademark: the LED running lights. In combination with the aggressively shaped headlights and the gaping and straked intakes below, they lend the Audi supercar a menacing and serious face. There's no questioning the intentions of the car as it comes up behind you - this thing means business, and you'd be well advised to get the hell out of its way!

But the shape of the mid-engine Audi is not just about style. Like the R8 racing car that lends its name, function also plays a major role in its design. The clean shape of the R8 owes as much to great aerodynamics, as it does to great design. We can see proof of this in its completely flat underbody and in its active rear spoiler, which stays flush with the body until its added downforce is required.

Another thing the R8 race car and the R8 street car have in common is that they are both winners. The now-retired racing car won with its performance and efficiency on the racetrack, while the production car is winning with its performance and styling on the street. But personally, what makes Audi's magnificent, mid-engine masterpiece a winner in my book is that I want one. I really, really want one.

Watch the video
Read Part 2: Interior & User Experience
Read Part 3: Performance

Audi R8

Performance
- Acceleration: Great Quattro traction produces good acceleration numbers - amazing soundtrack - R-Tronic gearbox not as fast as other similar systems
- Handling: The single most entertaining aspect of the R8 - extremely rewarding - rear-biased Quattro willing to play hooligan when the mood strikes
- Braking: Quattro system and mid-engine layout provide impressive braking performance... massive brakes help too

Design
- Exterior:  Best looking Audi since the TT - can look a little awkward from some angles - lovely detailing
- Interior: Rich materials, great fit and finish and a driver-focused design equals a great interior - optional carbon fiber interior a must-have

Utility
- Comfort: Great seats and ergonomics - aluminum construction allows for low and narrow sills which help ingress/egress
- Space: Quite spacious for a mid-engined exotic - front trunk is deep, but will melt anything you place within it

Safety
- Dynamics: Quattro system keeps you out of trouble and provides great stability, even in inclement weather
- Technology: Two stage stability control system provides a welcome safety net along with four airbags and, of course, Quattro all-wheel drive

Value
- Price: Based on the price of its most obvious competitors, an incredible value - options add up quickly though
- Mileage: If you remember that you're in an exotic supercar, the numbers are pretty satisfying 

Emotional Appeal
- Heart thumpin' factor: Just looking at it makes you contemplate selling a kidney (and maybe a limb) to get one
- Fun to spank: Willing partner in hooliganism - happy to play the fool, or to cut through corners with precision and poise

SPECIFICATIONS

Layout: Mid engine / All wheel drive
Engine: 4.2 liter, direct-injected V8
Power (SAE): 420 hp @ 7800 rpm
Torque: 317 lbs-ft @ 4500 - 6000 rpm
Redline: 8250 rpm
Gearbox: 6 speed sequential manual
Curb Weight: 3580 lbs.
0-60 mph: 4.3 sec. 
1/4 mile: 12.7 sec. @ 112 mph 
Top Speed: 187 mph
Mileage: 15 city / 22 highway
Base Price: $109,000
Competitors: Porsche 911 Turbo, Aston Martin V8 Vantage, Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1