Straight from the LA Auto Show floor, Stefan Zieter introduced the Audi R8 to Webridestv.com. A gorgeous vehicle by any standard, the R8 is Audi’s first entrance to the mid-engine super car market, and shares much of its heritage with the race version of the Audi Quattro and the current Lamborghini Gallardo. The Gallardo chassis and transmission are the last of its shared parts however; as production of the R8 involves 70 workers fitting 5000 unique parts by hand - the factory produces only 25 cars a day! The Audi designed V8 puts out 420HP and is capable of speeds near 200MPH. Performance aside, the new R8 is aggressively beautiful, with a low stance and slim front grill.
The wrap around headlights that narrow to points at the grill are menacing, accented by small ultra white LED’s that line the bottom edge of the headlight. The smooth and flowing body lines that sweep back across the long hood and then curve gracefully to the rear fastback style imply the fluid grace with which the R8 is able to handle at high speed. Other aesthetic features include an automatic spoiler that pops up once a certain speed is reached, while a panel just behind the door that comes in complementing or contrasting colors provides a break in the long lines resulting from the wide wheel base.
Razor sharp body lines and ultra clear glass as well as the striking color options distinguish the R8 from other cars in its class. The interior is just as impressive, with silver bezels framing flat gauges that angle slightly towards the driver. The gauges are illuminated bright red, accenting the silver and carbon fiber dash. Sport bucket seats finished in leather add both form and function. The interior door panels are color matched to the outer body panel behind the door, providing a sense of continuity and attention to detail seldom seen in other models.
Aside from the incredible power and craftsmanship, the Audi R8 features cutting edge technology. Featuring shift by wire, paddle shifting, and regular manual transmission shifting options, as well as electronic stability control through magneto rheological dampers, the R8 provides the ultimate amount of control for the driver.
