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2009 Audi R8 Review

December 20, 2008

STYLING | 10 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

stunning good looks
Motor Trend

it garnered more unabashed rubbernecking and mouth-breathing than the Italian competition does
Cars.com

distinctive low-slung design
Edmunds

posh interior is loaded with electronics and bathed in leather and Alcantara
Kelley Blue Book

The relative rarity and exotic supercar styling of the 2009 Audi R8 still turns heads and causes jaws to drop.

Unique is the 2009 R8; Audi imparts a style that Kelley Blue Book describes as "unlike anything else on the road."

According to Cars.com, the 2008 Audi R8 doesn't just roll—"it stalks toward you, it awakens the senses. It stirs the emotions." Despite its superficial resemblance to the Lamborghini Gallardo, the 2009 Audi R8 has its own sense of style. With its mid-body-mounted V-8 engine visible through a clear cover (and illuminated by LED lights at night) and accented with carbon fiber trim bits, it's reminiscent of the Ferrari F430, according to Car and Driver, which describes this Audi as being "as much aluminum sculpture as it is machine."

At first glance, says ForbesAutos, the R8 Audi bears a passing resemblance to its smaller relative, the TT. However, this vehicle is longer and leaner, and it sits lower to the ground, giving it an aggressive look that is indeed suggestive of a large, powerful cat stalking its prey. Standard wheels are 19-inch twin spoke alloys in silver or new-for-2009 high-gloss polished versions thereof. But perhaps the most stunning visual feature on this vehicle is the pair of air intakes just behind the doors, giving it an even racier and more exotic appearance.

Inside, ForbesAutos describes the R8 Audi's cockpit as "minimalist and no-nonsense," while Automobile calls it "somewhat overstyled."

Conclusion

This 2009 Audi R8 was designed to be looked at as much as it was to be driven.

STYLING | 10 out of 10Expert Quotes:stunning good looksMotor Trendit garnered more unabashed rubbernecking and mouth-breathing than the Italian competition doesCars.comdistinctive low-slung designEdmundsposh interior is loaded with electronics and bathed in leather and AlcantaraKelley Blue Book The relative rarity and exotic supercar styling of the 2009 Audi R8 still turns heads and causes jaws to drop. Unique is the 2009 R8; Audi imparts a style that Kelley Blue Book describes as "unlike anything else on the road." According to Cars.com, the 2008 Audi R8 doesn't just roll—"it stalks toward you, it awakens the senses. It stirs the emotions." Despite its superficial resemblance to the Lamborghini Gallardo, the 2009 Audi R8 has its own sense of style. With its mid-body-mounted V-8 engine visible through a clear cover (and illuminated by LED lights at night) and accented with carbon fiber trim bits, it's reminiscent of the Ferrari F430, according to Car and Driver, which describes this Audi as being "as much aluminum sculpture as it is machine." At first glance, says ForbesAutos, the R8 Audi bears a passing resemblance to its smaller relative, the TT. However, this vehicle is longer and leaner, and it sits lower to the ground, giving it an aggressive look that is indeed suggestive of a large, powerful cat stalking its prey. Standard wheels are 19-inch twin spoke alloys in silver or new-for-2009 high-gloss polished versions thereof. But perhaps the most stunning visual feature on this vehicle is the pair of air intakes just behind the doors, giving it an even racier and more exotic appearance. Inside, ForbesAutos describes the R8 Audi's cockpit as "minimalist and no-nonsense," while Automobile calls it "somewhat overstyled." ConclusionThis 2009 Audi R8 was designed to be looked at as much as it was to be driven.  2009 AUDI R8 STYLING | [10 out of 10] Motor Trend: "stunning good looks" Cars.com: "it garnered more unabashed rubbernecking and mouth-breathing than the Italian competition does" Edmunds: "distinctive low-slung design" Kelley Blue Book: "posh interior is loaded with electronics and ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

Looks are deceptive. Although the R8 has an appearance that fits right in with Italian exotics, it isn't so much a competitor to the likes of the Ferrari F430 and Lamborghini Gallardo, as both of those vehicles appeal to a niche group of affluent enthusiasts and collectors who don't expect as much practicality in a vehicle and will wait in line for years for delivery. The Gran Turismo has a larger cabin and a backseat that's large enough for small adults, along with a distinctly Italian style, though it's heavier than the especially nimble R8; unless you’re with enthusiasts in the know, it probably won’t turn heads as much as the R8 either. The Aston is similarly heavier, exclusive, and luxurious, and it's a great grand-touring vehicle. The Porsche 911 remains arguably the most practical choice in the group, with its more spacious front and rear cargo areas, and an enviable record for safety--provided you don't think 911s are a dime a dozen.

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See the Audi R8 in Other Years:

2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008

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