AUTOMOTIVE
Racecar feelings inside
Recognizable design features of the Audi R8 V10 performance quattro
The overly sporty design is inspired by its GT4 siblings . Elements of this include the broad , flat Singleframe radiator grill in matte black with an R8 emblem flanked by large air intakes , the front splitter and rear air outlet grid as well as the oval tailpipes . The slit under the front hood is
reminiscent of the legendary Audi Sport quattro . The new R8 is available in ten color options . One of them is Ascari Blue Metallic , a color that was previously only available for the R8 V10 performance quattro45 . The “ R8 performance ” design package boasts an interior with black Alcantara leather , contrast stitching in Mercato Blue and decorative carbon inlays .
The tight lines of the design set the tone inside the car as well . Its most eye-catching element is the “ Monoposto ” – the large , heavily contoured arch that spans the area in front of the driver ’ s seat and is strongly reminiscent of a racecar cockpit . The “ Monoposto ” encloses the Audi virtual cockpit with a 12.3-inch screen , which is integrated into a freestanding casing . The R8 leather steering wheel with Multifunction plus offers two or , in the performance version , four control satellites , each for using Audi drive select , to start the engine , to activate Performance Mode and the engine sound as well as to control the Audi virtual cockpit . Drivers and passengers can enjoy the ride in their newly available R8 bucket or sports seats , upholstered in leather and Alcantara . A badge with the RWD emblem shimmers in front of the passenger seat .
Production largely by hand
The R8 V10 performance RWD is built – largely by hand – in the “ Böllinger Höfe ” plant at the Audi location in Neckarsulm , Germany . This is also the production site of the LMS GT4 racecar , which is derived from the series model and uses roughly 60 percent carryover parts . Approximately 40,000 square meters of production space are used , with up to 1,000 highly qualified employees working in sports car assembly .
10 The Art of Luxury Issue 49 2021