The taut lines of the new R8* can also be seen in the interior. It stands for aesthetic lightweight design, which is a fundamental technical principle at Audi. Its most eye-catching element is the “monoposto” – the large curved arch that encircles the area in front of the driver’s seat and conveys the atmosphere of a race cockpit. It also has knee pads in its lower area. The “monoposto” encloses the Audi virtual cockpit, which is integrated into a freestanding housing.

The entire instrument panel has a lean and lightweight look; it appears to hover without being joined to the center tunnel console. The new Audi virtual cockpit replaces the central MMI monitor that the previous model still had. In its place there is a large air vent and the control panel for the deluxe automatic air conditioner. Its cylindrical controls bear a visual resemblance to the jet engine turbines of an airplane, while the vents with their vertical louvers recall the air intake of a race car.

The wide console of the center tunnel is also oriented toward the driver. It has a row of switches for secondary functions and the newly designed, low-profile gear lever for the seven-speed S tronic. Behind it is the MMI terminal with MMI touch – the touch-sensitive rotary/push-button switch. A large storage compartment, which can be equipped with the Audi phone box as an option, completes the features.

The long wheelbase of 2.65 meters (8.7 ft) and shoulder width of 1.40 meters (4.6 ft) make the interior of the new Audi R8 spacious. Under the hood, there is a 112‑liter (4.0 cu ft) luggage compartment. The area behind the seats, upon which a golf bag can be stowed, offers an additional storage capacity of 226 liters (8.0 cu ft).

Operating concept: like in a race car
The driver sits in the new Audi R8 like in a race car. The entire operating concept focuses on the driver alone, who can operate all key functions without having to take the hands off the steering wheel or look away from the road.

The multifunction steering wheel plus has two large round satellite buttons – in addition to its push-buttons for the MMI. One is used to start and stop the engine, while the other is used to select the basic modes of Audi drive select. The performance steering wheel in the Audi R8 V10 plus (optional on the V10) adds two more buttons: one to control the exhaust system and the other to select the dry, wet or snow program of the performance mode.

The newly conceptualized, low-mounted seats integrate the driver and passenger into the vehicle perfectly – in a sporty, extended position. The new R8 V10 has standard sport seats with integrated head restraints on-board. They have power adjustments for height and seat back angle. Heated seats are standard. Optional features include power longitudinal adjustment and pneumatic functions for the lumbar supports, seat and backrest side bolsters.

On the new Audi R8 V10 plus, bucket seats with very high side bolsters are standard (optional on the V10). In the upper area of the seat back there is an embossed R8 logo. These seats offer power height adjustment, and longitudinal adjustment is manual. Each of the newly developed bucket seats follows a strict lightweight design approach and offers comfortable sportiness. Side airbags are standard with both types of seats.

The upholstery material in the R8 V10 is a combination of black Alcantara and leather. Audi can deliver fine Nappa leather quality as an option (standard on the V10 plus), and customers can choose from two color schemes. Together with the black instrument panel, there are the sporty tones black, rotor gray and express red. In combination with the granite gray cockpit, the elegant colors Vermont brown and pergament beige are also offered. The black covers may be upgraded to include contrasting stitching that matches the exterior paint.

In the fine Nappa leather interior, Audi offers versions that provide upholstery for various features. They include a dynamic diamond pattern which gives the seats a visually lean appearance – the diamonds grow larger from top to bottom. The options line-up is rounded out by two leather packages and four Alcantara versions for the headlining, including two with diamond pattern.

Matt CFRP is used on the Audi R8 V10 plus for parts of the “monoposto” architecture and for inlays that appear in the doors and on the instrument panel and center tunnel console. On the R8 V10 they are in anthracite colored anodized paint. As an option, Audi can also deliver this in CFRP, and in both engine versions it is also available for the housing of the Audi virtual cockpit and the air vents. Anthracite-colored titanium paint and a black piano finish look are offered as alternatives. On the top model, the pedals and foot rests are stainless steel (optional on the R8 V10).

In addition, quattro GmbH offers its customers a comprehensive line-up of options for further customizing the interior. For instance, illumination and personalization are available for the aluminum door sill trims. Customers can choose from many different upholsteries, trim panels and colors – the selection is nearly unlimited.

Regardless of which colors and materials the customer selects, the interior finish reflects the high Audi craftscale quality. It can be discerned in all of its details – from the precise decorative stitching on the upholstery to the narrow, accurate parallel seams to the climate control unit in piano finish look.

The equipment and data specified in this document refer to the model range offered in Germany. Subject to change without notice; errors and omissions excepted.