Audi R8 coupe - Interior & comfort

Audi’s typically brilliant interior quality is present in the latest Audi R8, which simply oozes supercar luxury. You sit low in the sports seats and the dashboard wraps around you. There’s carbon-fibre and brushed aluminium inserts everywhere and the gearlever looks like the throttle from a jet fighter.

Audi R8 dashboard

The standout feature of the dashboard has to be the Virtual Cockpit system, which was first introduced in the Audi TT. It consists of a large 12.3-inch screen where the instrument cluster would usually be found. This can display things like the speedometer, infotainment and satellite navigation system all in one place.

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The system gets unique graphics in the R8, with the rev gauge moved to the middle of the screen. The reliance on this screen also means that most of the R8's controls are centred on the steering wheel – which could take some getting used to. The steering wheel is where you find a circular Drive Select dial for adjusting the car's behaviour and a red starter button. 

Other than that, the dashboard is minimalist and clutter-free; the climate controls among the only buttons on the dash itself, but they’re very robust and feel great to use.

Equipment

The standard R8 V10 Performance RWD will still set you back around £130,000 without any options, with the range-topping Performance quattro Edition model coming in at more like £160,000. In addition to the extra power, the R8 Performance Edition gets a front splitter, 20-inch alloy wheels finished in a bronze colour, carbon side blades, black Audi rings and door mirrors, Nappa leather sports seats with diamond stitching and a Bang and Olufsen sound system. The car also comes with carbon-ceramic brakes as standard.

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All R8s come with LED headlights, heated, power-adjustable sports seats clad in Nappa leather, a DAB radio, Audi’s Smartphone Interface with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, Bluetooth, sat nav and a rear-view camera. Along with its upgraded performance kit, the GT version also gets a black and red interior theme, the option of the same Suzuka Grey paint as the Mk1 model and the build number of the car etched into the carbon fibre of the centre console.

Options

Options include various paint finishes that include ‘Audi exclusive’ options. There's also the ability to not only change the colour of the side blades but to have matte effect letters or graphics of your choice 'blasted' into them. Costing around £9,000, a Carbon Pack can be added to Edition models. adding a gloss carbon front splitter, side sills, rear diffuser, mirrors and engine cover. It also swaps the door sills, inlays and centre console for the material.