The cockpit has a sheer sports racing atmosphere and is spacious and comfortable enough for a lengthy journey.

The central element of the cockpit's design is the monoposto, providing a visual echo of the world of motor racing.

The monoposto is a vast arc that envelops the driver, frames the steering wheel and visually connects all displays and controls.

It provides the driver with a tailor-made command centre, as in a racing car. Never before has driver-oriented architecture been applied as systematically.

The instruments together with their cowl are embedded in the monoposto; the monitor of the radio and navigation system with the MMI operating system and the controls for the automatic air conditioning are located to one side.

This marks the transition between the monoposto and the high centre tunnel with the gear lever.

The latter is extremely short, but is guided precisely through its stainless steel gate.

Alternatively there is the selector lever of the R tronic sequential sports transmission. On the opposite side, the monoposto continues into the door, with the door handle an extension of the frame.

The monoposto forms part of the diverse range of customisation options for the R8: as the basis it – together with the door handle and sections of the centre tunnel – can be supplied as an exclusive version in genuine Piano finish black.

Carbon fibre is the alternative for that authentic motor sport look: in this instance, the components are made from genuine carbon fibre.

The three-spoke sports steering wheel of course remains the focal point of the car's controls. It has a diameter of 365 mm and features a flat lower edge, that enhances the sports racing atmosphere and facilitates entry and exit for the driver.

The steering wheel is trimmed in Fine Nappa leather, with a die-cast magnesium core providing strength.

The most important criterion in the ergonomic design – particularly for high-speed driving – is short reach distances for all controls, to keep the time that there is only one hand on the steering wheel to an absolute minimum.

The instruments have an elegantly sporty design and can be read with precision.

In addition to the analogue speedometer, the speed is displayed digitally in the driver information system display between the instrument dials.

In addition to the traditional gauges the R8 features a lap timer: on a racetrack the on-board computer then processes the readings and displays the fastest, slowest and average lap times.

The basis for that feel-good experience on board the Audi R8 is the sports car's dimensional concept: the long wheelbase of 2,650 mm permits a good interior length, an optimum range of adjustment for the seats, space for luggage behind the seats and, finally, even a spacious footwell. The shoulder width is equal to 1,390 mm.

The R8 can count on 100 litres of luggage capacity beneath the front lid and a further 90 litres behind the seats (60 when loaded up to window level).