When the Audi R8 was launched in 2006, the international press was arrested by Walter de Silva’s futuristic design that encompassed Audi’s technological prowess. Although the car shares much of its mechanics with the Lamborghini Gallardo, it is worlds apart in design but no less striking.

In the latest 2013 refresh, Audi has decided to take a predominantly ‘if it ain’t broke…’ approach to the design. From the front, the most obvious clues to the new car are the striking LED headlights that are starting to become common place on the latest Audis. The nose too has seen some updates though it would take a keen observer to notice the reshaped intakes and nose grille.  

The daytime running lights that were made famous by the brand have also seen a change in its structure. Much of the lower ‘eyelid’ has been deleted in favour of a row of DRLs that divide the headlamp cluster evenly.

Being the ‘Plus’ edition means getting some nice expensive carbon trimmings all around. The front splitter, wing mirrors, side blades and rear diffusers have all been given the carbon fibre treatment.

While the carbon fibre lifts the aesthetics of the supercar significantly, it can be unnerving for the owner. Rear carbon fibre diffusers are particularly sensitive to kerbs and are expensive to replace.

In the rear, the diffusers bear more than a passing resemblance to the Audi R8 LMS race car that the company regularly fields at international endurance races. While much of the rear is untouched, the exhaust has grown in size and are now black tipped instead of the chrome oval pipes on the previous version.

The R8 V10 Plus gets some rather nice shoes too. Wearing forged 19 inch 'Y' five spokes that compliments the car perfectly.