Competitors Include The Porsche 911 GT3

The R8 is based on the Audi Space Frame, which contributes to the car's relatively light weight. Competitors include the Porsche 911 GT3, Porsche 911 Turbo, BMW M6, and Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG. The transmission is either a manual gearbox with metal gate for the shift lever, or an "R-tronic" gearbox (single-clutch semi-automatic sequential manual transmission). These options are the same as those available on the Lamborghini Gallardo. A double-clutch gearbox (Direct-Shift Gearbox - DSG, now badged by Audi as "S-tronic") is not currently (as of December 2008) available. The R8 has a dry weight of 1560 kg (3439 lb). Its suspension uses magneto rheological dampers. As Audi AG owns Lamborghini (Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.), 15% of the R8 is shared with the Lamborghini Gallardo, including the transmission and chassis. The R8 is made distinct by its exterior styling, cabin, engine, and pricing. Safety features include Bosch ESP 8.0 Electronic Stability Programme with ABS, front dual-stage airbags, and side-impact airbags.

The single-frame grille, for example, is harmoniously integrated into the front end and with its angled top corners represents a new evolutionary stage. Its braces are arranged horizontally to emphasize the width of the front. The large, plastically modeled air intakes with their horizontal bars also contribute to the sporty appearance of the A1. The fog lights are located in their outer corners. The three-dimensionally styled headlights also have their own special look. The A1 looks determined and concentrated to the road. A strongly curved wing structures the interior of the headlights. As with every Audi, the daytime running lights are standard. With the optional xenon plus units, the daytime running lights are implemented using LEDs and a light guide. They appear as a homogenous strip that traces the wing. Powerful design element: the tornado line. The most striking impression when viewed from the side is the straight, slightly upward course of the lines, which visually stretch and accelerate the A1. The upper edge of the hood extends below the side windows to the rear end.

As with the Audi TT sports car, the point where the encompassing hood meets the fenders is the point of origin for a typical Audi design element - the tornado line. It continues in the door and the rear flank. The line runs closely and precisely above the wheel wells, giving the A1 a powerful road stance. The heavy shaded edge beneath the tornado line, the powerfully arched sheet metal surfaces on the flanks and the rising dynamic line above the sills are also characteristic of the brand’s design language. The same is true of the expressively shaped wheel wells, which provide shelter to wheels measuring up to 18 inches, and for the ratio of sheet metal surfaces to the greenhouse, which is two-thirds to one-third. The side mirrors are mounted on the doors like with a sports car; the door handles are distinctly bow-shaped. Another Audi feature is the sportily flowing roof arch, which is optionally available in one of four contrasting colors.

The arch flows into a C-pillar that is flatter than on a coupe, giving the rear end a dynamic outline that is further emphasized by the roof spoiler. When viewed from the rear, an encompassing luggage compartment hatch emphasizes the width - an exclusive feature new to the compact class. The hatch is distinctively shaped. The wedge-shaped single-piece tail lights also underline wideness and are plastically integrated into the design. In combination with xenon plus, the tail lights use LED technology. Because they cannot be seen when the luggage compartment hatch is open, the Audi A1 has additional LED lamps in its side flanks. This solution is another example of the loving attention to detail and enthusiasm for technology of the Audi engineers. The tail lights have a sporty red frame, with a curved bar dividing their chambers. Audi optionally equips them with light-emitting diodes and light guides - the tail light then appears as a continuous strip. A sporty black diffuser in the skirt forms the bottom of the rear end and visually places the vehicle firmly on the road.

Depending on the engine, the exhaust system ends in one or two tailpipes on the left side. Audi offers the A1 in ten exterior colors. The solid finishes are Amalfi White, Cumulus Blue and Brilliant Black; the metallic colors are Ice Silver, Phantom Black, Teak Brown, Shiraz Red, Scuba Blue, Misano Red and Sphere Blue. An Audi truism also applies to the A1: The body establishes the foundation for the quality, for the precise, sporty handling and for safety. Two-thirds of the body comprises high- and ultra high-strength steels of different strength classes. The strongest of these are the hot-shaped steels. The blanks are heated in a furnace to extreme temperatures then immediately shaped in a water-cooled pressing die. This rapid change in temperature imparts them with extreme tensile strength. Hot-shaped steels make up a good 11 percent of the body. They are used for the lower crossmember in the footwell, in the rear sections of the longitudinal members, in the B-pillars and in the roof frame - anywhere extreme strength combined with low weight is particularly important.