The Audi R8 was a true masterpiece of automotive design

The Audi R8 is based on Frank Lamberty and Julian Hoenig's Audi Le Mans Quattro concept car. The vehicle was launched at the 2003 International Geneva Motor Show, and three years later, on September 30, 2006, the groundbreaking R8 road car was unveiled at the Paris Auto Show.
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[@ricardomarques18]

Even though Audi’s design is not as elegant and timeless as it used to be, I still think they are doing a better job than BMW and Mercedes. Their design hasn’t changed drastically as it did with the other two brands, especially BMW. I see some people say that the fact that Audi’s look kinda similar between facelift’s and all that stuff just makes them boring, and even back then, when Audi was making some truly good looking cars, many people (specially car reviewers) were always saying that all the Audi’s looked the same. I’ve always disagreed with those thoughts, I just think they have a really strong brand identity, a bit like BMW until the late 90’s. I can agree that their cars nowadays are a bit more overstyled, but they haven’t felt the need to revolutionize their philosophy, which, for me at least, makes them the only brand of the big three (Audi, Mercedes, BMW) that still has that germanic touch. Talking about the R8, as I said in a previous video you did about it, I think the pre facelift of the current gen looks pretty good as well, mainly, because it has a more modern approach to the original R8 design language, but still maintaining that elegant look. But yeah, the first R8 is an amazing looking timeless piece of design.

[@Cheizfluit]

Please look at the audi a3

[@randomtuner8786]

They really have changed their identity a lot in the past few years though. Their older designs were always very simple but recently they’ve added a ton of lines, grilles and vents everywhere. Everything has to look as aggressive as possible enen on an a3, the main grille has stayed but it has evolved but that’s about it if you want to consider brand identity and that’s no better than BMW. We’re comparing the (imo) three worst major car companies when it comes design here though

[@ricardomarques18]

@@Cheizfluit I agree with you, their newer designs are more complicated. The facelifted Q2 and the new A3 are the best examples of that. But what I was trying to say is that the main design elements are still there, like the shoulder lines, the proportions, the grille, even though it is bigger and with slightly different shapes between models, etc. For me the best design era for Audi was between the late 90’s and 2017(ish) and throughout that time they definitely made some of the best looking mainstream/premium cars on the market. In the end, and this is my opinion of course, Audi is doing a better job at designing cars than Mercedes and BMW, because I feel like they haven’t just thrown all of their identity in the bin and started making something completely different. Also, thanks for sharing your opinion as well, this is one of the things that I love in the car community.

[@CantDcdeGoodNamsTakn]

@@ricardomarques18 agree with everything you said. My favorite designs were the b7 rs4 sedan & b6 S4

[@Kev27RS]

Well said! I think that one of the best looking AUDI models from the past 10 years, is the A3 Sedan/Limousine. Even the 2017 facelift! It's sharp but not overly designed like most other models. It was still a pretty clean design.

[@Raven-uu7lb]

The first gen Audi R8 is one of the great examples of "concept-to-production" transition. I love what Audi did with the first gen R8. I do love the latest gen but the first gen is the car that I love the most

[@crossphaded]

I love the Gen 1 so much, I bought one. Gated V10. It's a car I plan on keeping(and driving) forever!

[@spinnetti]

Same, Silver gated v8 for me.

[@Stigman11]

Black V8 gated here

[@scotthiebert4979]

Daytona Grey gated V8 here.

[@Kai-jj8gf]

Yeah the R8 always stood out to me. Easily my dream car.

[@347leo4]

the 6 cylinder diesel v12 truly is a goated engine indeed (3:25)

[@torpano]

😉

[@128Cores]

I'm confused.

[@ryannatividad3137]

This was the era of peak Audi. The first R8, along with the A/S5, and the whole lineup were gorgeous and modern. I also like the connections of the R8 roofline with the first gen TT. The whole Audi lineup was very cohesive, yet each car had its own flavor (at least for their sports cars, coupes, etc.). These days, Audis seem a bit confused in terms of design language and don't stand out in the way they used to between 2007-2011 or so. Interior and exterior designs seem almost busy and for some reason look lower quality than older Audis when I've seen newer ones in pictures, videos, and in person

[@carlosandleon]

Not the A5/ S5 with that fucked up shoulder line

[@muhammadzailani7313]

The S8 V10 was good too.

[@egooooooooo]

@@carlosandleon i dont know what you’re talking about but the first gen a5 was gorgeous

[@carlosandleon]

@@egooooooooo Not with that weird shoulder line.

[@Kev27RS]

I agree! The 2006 - 2010 era of AUDI's line-up was gorgeous!

[@fenrirslip]

The model you're comparing to the first gen is the 2019 facelift of the second generation R8. The 2016 R8 is more restrained in the front compared to the 2019 facelift.

[@Kev27RS]

True!

[@wyattcoe8825]

Still the goat. Gen 2 can’t hold a candle IMO.

[@wilbeugre]

You've nailed what I've been thinking since I saw the new R8 for the first time: "old" body+"new" interior (and mech+tech improvements) would be my dream Audi R8 Now, if I just had enough money to make it happen...

[@Kev27RS]

One of the best looking AUDI models and cars in general ever made!

[@Wvk5zc]

first gen R8 is the best. I remember seeing the first design concept in iRobot movie

[@kshitijkawadiya3732]

I believe That was the TT

[@TheEryk03]

My favorite supercar ever.

[@64Ahmed]

One of the best looking rear ends ever

[@almehgub]

glad to see that mine is your favourite

[@markalden]

Ever so grateful to say I own one. Was my dream car since I was a kid😊

[@alainprevost5374]

R8 gen 2 is overkill following superbusy design trends instead of making one of its own Gen 1 looked futuristic, classy, function following form

[@Kev27RS]

💯

[@dema1976]

Great video, I love this iconic designs series, more documentary style! 👍

[@Mistabushi]

Remember first time I saw RSQ as a design indicator for future and then R8. Still damn beautiful.

[@alonsocordaro4880]

First gen. R8, first gen. A7, first gen. A5 coupe, and first gen. Q7, are the best by far.

[@Kev27RS]

💯

[@lars9168]

I prefer the new one for all the reasons you gave xD I especially like the roofline that goes right to the end.

[@eljefeamericano4308]

I'm with you. The facelift version of the first generation was a beautiful car, and you could get it with a manual transmission! The newer ones look great on their own, but I came to like Audi for how understated their performance models were. They had a professionalism to them.

[@timmmobile187]

The GOAT to me! Upgraded my V10 R-Tronic in Suzugrey with proper 20“ OZ‘s & Bilstein B16 & Capristo-can‘t get better-had a 997 GT3 and AMG GT-S as well, but for me nothing comes over this N/A with R-Tronic (well you need some skills to drive the R-Tronic)

[@KN-jw7ts]

You need skill to drive an actual manual.

[@krlp9826]

100% agree with all you mentioned, awesome video!

[@117johnpar]

The car and its silhouette thats on literally every single cleaning product packaging ever, And also a ton of aftermarket products. Incidentally I didnt know about the LED implementation, It explains its ubiquity in the advertising of aftermarket lighting products.

[@marcellolorusso419]

I so much saw the noble comparison coming that I had to check the release date of the video in case it was just deja vu.

[@acura2171]

If it wasn't for the licensing issues we could've gotten a full battle of Sideways vs. Sideswipe. Still tho, what a beast!

[@JTSuarez]

Definitely a masterpiece of design, although I also like the gen 2, is more of an update of a great design than a full re-design

[@eddiericks6554]

My favorite car so far can’t wait for a clear sky and no salt 🧂 on the road 😂 to take her out

[@buckamoona]

the old one is just beautiful

[@richardike2342]

I prefer the old model too. However, l think the concept version had better proportion than the production. In addition, Audi should have called the V10 & V12 engined versions the R10 & R12.

[@benjireid798]

Wow you really broke that down so clearly that a layman like me could understand.

[@G_L918]

"Diode lights were replaced with LED lights" my guy; LED - Light Emitting Diode

[@MasterStupidify]

Bembli, what is your opinion on the design of the BMW E60? I think they aged pretty well, while looking still pretty modern after 19 years

[@Fanboy1222]

Thaught the same when i saw it last time. It aged well

[@Guythatlivesaquietlife]

If we know about Audi or care about it, it's all thanks to the r8

[@jasonw9431]

Bembli I would like to watch you critique architecture…. I would like to hear your thoughts and opinions on some modern house house designs. I don’t know how that would work with your current video format or which designs to choose.

[@bismarck6]

It's my single favorite modern car design

[@PQV-8898]

Lol had to have a chuckle at the title 🤣🤣

[@igormaroszek1400]

I like how he has skipped the pre-facelift 2nd generation for the second time

[@georgiaguardian4696]

The first gen is the most iconic design of two. Audi should have kept the curvy design

[@Alejandro_BoniIIa]

I’m halfway through university for mechanical engineering. I’m hoping this car doesn’t appreciate like crazy so I can afford it by the time I get engineering money. Currently they’re being listed for $65k-80k (1st gen)

[@T800-b2m]

Remember that scene from "17 Again"movie?

[@Puppet_masterUK]

I love your analysis, man 👍

[@tropixx8143]

the original R8 was one of, if not the most elegant looking supercars ever made in my opinion it lost most of that elegance in the 2018 facelift unfortunately I think

[@prancisfena]

What are your thoughts on the Mark 1 AUDI TT? Why don't you make a video on it (unless you already have? 🤔)

[@chrisblashill7265]

you compared the 2016 fastback design to the Noble saying it makes it look cheap, ignoring that VW owns Bugatti which is one of the most premier luxury car brands in the world, which also has the same fastback design as the current R8. The current 2016 design I think is more consistent with the VW/Audi/Bugatti design ethos than the original design.

[@noiisserpmii]

I always said if i ever owned an R8 im putting the NFS Carbon livery on it.

[@ThatRedGTI99]

Idk why everyone is obsessed with the R8, honestly the 458 which came out 2 years later looks so much better

[@KN-jw7ts]

Guy, one car does make another less “cool”. Pretty understandable concept.

[@WretchedHobbit]

Forza Motorsport 3 made me fall in love with the R8

[@Blaid73]

The original R8 V 8 will increase in value because the less of it increases it.

[@ishave2506]

i dont think any car is beautiful but this is extremely close to being beautiful

[@deanrhodes1229]

100% agree pal 👍

[@TheCarKrazeOfficial]

Audi used to be so good in every aspect. Such a shame that they fell off so hard

[@MNGLD-do2kc]

I disagree. Back then, Audi was basically a less reliable BMW. Now, they’re an equal competitor to Mercedes and BMW.

[@TheCarKrazeOfficial]

@@MNGLD-do2kc new bmws and mercs are much more comfortable, better sound cancellation, better styling in the interior, and more innovative. Audis are just cars now. They used to have everything right 10 years ago

[@ForzaMonkey]

@@TheCarKrazeOfficialI’m gonna be real, I’m just gonna buy a cadillac CTS V or CT5 V if I want a luxury sports car. Because at least Cadillac knows how be be consistent.

[@thevenom4634]

@@TheCarKrazeOfficial bruh saying that BMW and Mercedes makes better looking car than audi is the dumbest thing i've heard today. Mercedes still makes decent looking cars but not as good looking as Audi. And nowdays BMW just makes trashy cars, their new cars like the m4, m3,m2, ix, 7 series, x7 etc. All of them are straight up trash and audis are masterpieces compared to them

[@MNGLD-do2kc]

@@ForzaMonkey it’s kinda ironic how you say Cadillac is trying to be consistent. Right now, it feels like they can’t decide whether or not to be a sports car company, a muscle car company, or a luxury car company.

[@kryo4828]

Can you do a Video about the Nissan Skyline r34?

[@jeffreybower]

How this video was made without mentioning the TT is beyond me. The R8 was inspired by the success of the TT and clearly is derived from that now iconic design. Even the interiors shared pieces. R8 would not have been what it was had the TT not been a smash.

[@adstache]

Audi’s design is a bit too fussy nowadays Yes or no

[@RotchildFrancoisJr]

I really don’t like what they’ve done to the S5 Coupe. The B8 looks timeless and modern but the current one looks... off. The front end doesn’t look like it matches the rest of the car.

[@Solotocius]

Nah

[@woodlandhamilton4348]

I would like to see a video on the elegant Mercedes 300SL and why this automobile is worth over 2 million dollars.

[@giltyakhtar]

It looks like a competitor to the James Bond Aston Martin car

[@djc2526]

I love Audis. Have owned a couple. Love the Avante's and the RS models.... But the R8 never made me feel anything. Just always looked like a Volkswagen sports concept to me.

[@HeroBny]

That’s a 2022 model. The 2016 model looks almost identical. You should compare a 2016 model. I would like to see it

[@hansdeutsch2602]

6:00 What you call the 2016 R8 is a type 4s 2nd generation facelift model from 2019. 2nd generation became available in 2015 and had a different front and much smaller exhaust tips than the facelift you showed (see here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audi_R8#/media/File:Audi_R8__-Mondial_de_l'Automobile_de_Paris_2018-__001.jpg). You should also mention that the air curtains in the front of the 2019 face lift model are 100% fake i.e. blocked. No airflow. I find it very sad that Audi (and even Porsche at the rear fenders of the GT3) use non-functional design elements on a sportscar.

[@KP-05]

You gotta make more videos like this. Great video

[@smokeguru4107]

I honestly like the new one way more. The brutality of the new R8 design really encapsulates that there’s a beast of a V10 under that window. And it feels like it’s more true to the LMS R8.

[@Blaid73]

A v10 can never change history.Original low mileages V 8 will be worth millions a copy v 10 can never be. Its a copy

[@matheusmatt165]

guess this is the first video where i disagree with Bembli, apart from the side blade, I also think they should've kept it in one piece. The current generation looks amazing but the 2008 is a classic, and aged really well.

[@LightningStriker]

Personally, my favourite generation is the 2016 version, and my least favourite is by far the newest 2022 one, there just too much going on. In the 1st gen, its a bit too smooth imo and in the 2016 one, imo, is the perfect R8

[@and79]

Title: true masterpiece of automotive design. Thumbnail: R8 with wide arch body kit , ducktail spoiler, air ride and aftermarket wheels……..😂

[@spinnetti]

Side blade was kind of shocking and disjunctive to me at first, but I have conservative tastes. After some years I get it now (and got one now - Gen I Manual). Totally agree old body and new interior would be the best combo, but alas..... First world problems!

[@Mgn-1]

When it came out I didn’t like it, thought it didn’t belong to the brand’s lineup. It grew up in me, but then 2nd gen came out and it lost the charm. Went from ‘look at me and follow the smooth lines’ to ‘look at me, I’m red!’ Adding lines to make it ‘aggressive’ but not good looking.

[@ZhiqiSevenseven]

4.2fsi are best looking ones，those v10 versions are bit too show-off and flashy

[@iluvhousemuzic]

The original was so much better then the second gen, but the same can be said about all Audi models that came after 2016. Audi really lost their mojo designwise. And they haven't regained it. Marc lichte designs are a mess with too many angles. Even their interior design is taking a hit and interior materials are noticably cheaper

[@Kev27RS]

I agree!

[@skywalk3x]

I have a 09 R8 do you notice my smile.

[@Cre8Lounge]

Pictures don't do this car justice

[@117johnpar]

The split of the side accent is what really sucked the personality out of the look of the car. Such an iconic design looks like it was chopped up and reassembled by a committee.

[@serga7486]

Audi r8 and viper have lineage to Lamborghini. Neat huh

[@grilledme]

of course the old r8 looks way way better both front and back.

[@United_Wings]

Yessir

[@erezyoal]

The R8 is the only audi To disaier

[@АйкШахпарян]

Best car, Iconic shapes ! Not the new one 🤢

[@Solotocius]

The new one's great as well and most certainly not something to "puke" to

[@RamjeProductions]

To be brutally honest, I don't think it's a design masterpiece, it's quite the opposite It's an unapologetically skeomorphic Audi. Putting _a single frame grill_ on a mid-engine supercar is like trying to play drums with a soft c*ck, it simply doesn't make sense. I also think the rooftop was always comically high, it suffers from the same problem as the VW New Beetle. Meanwhile they did create a more spacious cabin area to make it a daily drivable "supercar". The R8 was bold but far from a design masterpiece.

[@christopherwalker6056]

After watching your e46 M3 video AND learning that you're a 🐈 aficionado I subscribed to you. I agree with you on just about everything EXCEPT this! From the back, this thing looks good. From the side, the profile of this and just about every other angle this thing in my humble opinion is BUTT-UGLY. It looks like a 911 that got molested and smashed. Well, if you're wondering what my ideal beautiful car is, it is Ferrari. FERRARIS are BEAUTIFUL! Anyway, I do admire your enthusiasm for cars. I wonder if you have any videos about Ferraris?

[@kalmmonke5037]

modify it to be midengine muscle car, ft 1 supra concept, lexus lfa, lucid air, rolls royce phantom VIII series 1. lfa sexhuast sound is masculine as in its dosnt go high pitch, and it looks as much too, in graphics, in being tall, (compared to stuff lke porsche carrera which is also v10 ) etc.

[@EGmvka99]

Morocco 🇲🇦🇲🇦🇲🇦🇲🇦🇲🇦🇲🇦🇲🇦🇲🇦🇲🇦🇲🇦🇲🇦

[@slytheuberman2184]

I hate the Spyder design, it was very bland for me. Especially on the older generation when you lose that carbon blade.

[@QuoraHarshEntrepreneur]

was or is?

[@met00meno65]

Japanese auto maker needs to learn from the German not to design Completely different car from the previous generation. Example: new LFA concept, new Toyota Supra , New NSX..nope they haven't learn a bit and threw away millions..No one buys them...

[@carlossanz1062]

The second gen is so much ugly of first one. I love the curve forms for first one

[@bafattvahetere]

Hopefully it's not Hungarian built.

[@gregorygant4242]

In Győr? .The R8 wan't built in Hungary , but in Neckarsulm Germany . Only the Audi TT, A3 Cabriolet , A3 limousines and the V10 engines were assembled in Hungary .

[@strikerchooo]

This time I completely disagree. The R8 was one of the ugliest forms of automotive design for a sportscar. The shapes, the image of the company and especially the proportions of the car are what made it so wrong. A Lambo engine? Was it a true sportscar like a F430 or a 911, or a coupe like the Mustang? None of the above. That car was the Fiat Multipla of the sportscars, that's why it generally failed and we see so few of them.

[@OIIO_BEAMNG]

I personally think that this is one of the worst looking Audi. The proportions are just not good. It is a mix of a mid engine car and a front engine car. The only thing I like about this car is the big side air intake. The more recent generation looks good though.

[@محالمحمدمحمدالحبيب]

[@bafattvahetere]