#SDAutoShow: REVISITED! In Terms Of DESIGN, Who Did It Better? Audi R8 vs. Acura NSX...

Last night as I was taking inventory of Agent 001's shots from the San Diego Auto Show, I started to look at two supercars. That would be the Audi R8 and the Acura NSX.

Both really strike a kinship with another. That's because the original Acura NSX made the Audi R8 possible — the first-gen NSX pioneered the idea of a daily driver supercar. 

San Diego Auto Show / Detroit Auto Show Preview




And I'd argue that both vehicles' second-generation efforts are a departure. The NSX moreso than the R8. 

Not only because the NSX leverages all-new technology but because its design is a revolution when compared to the pop-up headlights and narrow bodied, first-gen NSX. Having seen a handful of NSXs in person and on the road, I have to admit that its exterior design does make an impact. 

It doesn't have me bowled over though, if I am honest. 

Not that the second-gen Audi R8 has me seeing hearts either. While the first-gen R8 was groundbreaking, this second-gen car lacks a certain something. And though I chided early commenters that said its design seemed kit car-ish, I now see what they mean.

When you walk up to it in the flesh there's something off about its "face." It does look kit car-like.

That all said, I wanted to ask: Solely in terms of DESIGN, WHO did it better? The Audi R8 or Acura NSX?

What say you, Spies?


San Diego Auto Show / Detroit Auto Show Preview

cidflekken - 12/30/2017 12:30:38 AM

+7 Boost

The more and more I see it in person, the NSX just looks better and better. I've seen it in non-pearl white, valencia red, and blue pearl and it's seriously gorgeous.
The R8, to me, just doesn't come off with the same level of presence. Maybe it's because it's just an evolution of the first generation and I've seen tons of them already. Or maybe, like many of Audi's new products, Audi managed to remove any semblance of passion in the design.

Agent00R - 12/30/2017 1:56:20 AM

0 Boost

I must admit, the more I see the NSX the more I like it. One thing to note though, its interior is still hot garbage.

cidflekken - 12/30/2017 4:09:22 AM

+3 Boost

While I don't disagree about the interior, it wouldn't be a dealbreaker for me.

TheSteve - 12/30/2017 1:10:18 AM

-1 Boost

Although what Audi has done to the R8 breaks my heart, I'd take it over the NSX, but not because I think highly of the R8. The NSX is more like driving a video car app than driving a supercar. And with those "Brother of ILX" looks, it leaves me dead cold.

Agent00R - 12/30/2017 1:57:14 AM

-1 Boost

I think if it were my hard-earned dollars and these two were my choices I'd go R8 just because I dig the engine and interior over the NSX's comparables.

TheSteve - 12/30/2017 3:44:04 AM

+1 Boost

Agent00R: I agree. The R8 has a glorious engine! I feel the interior is designed well (solid ergonomics and layout). I just prefer a more "traditional" design (styling), like you see in the 911 and in previous gen Audis.

Motospies - 12/30/2017 7:24:30 AM

+1 Boost

Audi R8 coupe. But i think first generation R8 was definitely better seamless and iconic design and it got harder for Audi designers to improve upon the original.
NSX design doesn't do anything for me.

MDarringer - 12/30/2017 8:41:26 AM

-2 Boost

In the battle of the high-priced Fieros, the NSX wins. The R8 has always been ugly as sin first with the stupid plastic blade and then the dumbed-down, fat-assed second generation. Everyone knows it's wannabe Lamborghini and if you own one, everyone knows you can't afford a Lamborghini. The Audi is for old-men posers.

The NSX is only slightly better looking, but it is eons ahead for technology.

CANADIANCOMMENTS - 12/30/2017 9:00:33 AM

0 Boost

Both are a fail design wise and I would never have either of them. They do have presence on the street as both are very low and wide in person amongst a see of CUV's and sedans. If you like them then buy one, but not for me.

qwertyfla1 - 12/30/2017 10:30:09 AM

0 Boost

I'd rather look at the cars and keep my money in my bank account honestly. Neither is compelling enough for me to part with my Benjamins.

MDarringer - 12/30/2017 12:14:59 PM

-2 Boost

I agree 100%. Both of these are in the "I had better not drive it because it could get scratched." price realm. Money in pocket is always my default when it comes to cars.

Agent00R - 12/31/2017 3:09:41 PM

0 Boost

I hear you as neither would be my choice for the money but we're just having fun here in a hypothetical situation...

carloslassiter - 12/30/2017 4:01:11 PM

0 Boost

Hate the NXS. Can't get past those cheap crappy-looking headlights.

Agent00R - 12/31/2017 3:10:25 PM

+2 Boost

Yeah?

Funny, I think they look pretty great/badass especially with the cover of night.

TheSteve - 1/1/2018 6:41:18 PM

+1 Boost

^^^
Agent00R re "...especially with the cover of night..." -- Is that like telling someone "you look good with the lights off"? ;-)

MDarringer - 1/1/2018 7:22:25 PM

-1 Boost

I've done my share of favors to ugly people in the dark.