2011 Audi R8 Interior, Exterior Styling

Exotic vehicles often overstep the bounds of traditional beauty in their efforts to surprise and stupefy, leading to exciting but odd designs. The R8 sidesteps this pit and achieves a nearly flawless fusion of traditional beauty and exotic styling. Audi proudly notes that the same designers who designed the award-winning Le Mans prototypes developed the R8’s standout body. The long, wide and low-slung body starts at the high-gloss black grille and full LED running headlamps, then swoops along a clamshell hood to a voluptuous roof and culminates in a gently sloped rear which includes a high glass black rear air diffuser and two sets of eye-catching dual chrome exhausts. Optional Silver Sideblades not only capture rejuvenating air but also complement the R8’s smooth lines.

The interior is almost as fabulous. Audi does not beat about the bush – the R8 is about driving. The two most conspicuous items are the instrumentation panel and shifter. The cockpit is designed around the driver, so important controls are within the driver’s reach, although some, due to a stylish swoop of the dashboard, may require a bit of yoga. The asymmetrical flat-bottomed steering wheel is typical of Audi’s sportiest creations. But all the gadgetry does not compromise creature comforts. Seating is comfortable and possesses more than enough for two occupants, and is far roomier than many other supercars. Storage space, however, is laughable at an awkward 3.5 cubic feet. Minus any cross-country travel and storage difficulties, the interior remains finely furnished from quality materials and is comfortable for driver and lucky passenger.