2017 Audi R8 is high in cultured good looks

The biggest visual change on the 2017 Audi R8 is the bisected side blade.

You want carbon fiber? How about carbon-fiber engine compartment, front and rear spoiler, rear diffuser and exterior mirror housings.

The R8 comes with dynamic turning signals in the rear, essentially a very fast sequential signal that is sure to get noticed.

The front fascia has gotten a bit of an uplift, bearing LED headlamps and daytime running lights.

Beneath that hood is a frunk with enough space for, well, not much. But really, who cares? Pack lightly and enjoy the ride.

The rear spoiler is fixed on the R8 V10 Plus. A deployable spoiler graces the rear end of an R8 outfitted with the detuned V10 engine.

While 19-inch wheels are standard, this test model came with 20-inch forged wheels with a titanium finish.

The mid-engine V10 Plus puts out 610 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque.

There is also a base R8 available, with 540 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque. The price difference? About $27,000.

Drivers can choose from Comfort, Auto or Dynamic modes. A Performance button allows for further customization to dry, wet or snow.

The optional 20-inch wheels are staggered 245/30 in the front with a wider 305/30 in the rear, wrapped with summer tires.

Flat-bottomed steering wheels, you make my rocking world go 'round (with apologies to Freddie Mercury).

The Audi Virtual Cockpit 12.3-inch display has custom views. Here in dynamic mode is a large tachometer front and center with navigation on one side and a g-meter on the other.

You can scroll through various bits of information on the screen, here going from navigation on the left to tire pressure monitoring.

You can also choose to have navigation fill the entire screen. The Google maps can be displayed in graphic or satellite view.

A full interior leather package is an extra $3,000.

Yowza!

The only thing missing on the R8 is the gated manual shifter from the R8 of yore. Alas, it is not to be. A seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is the only way to get the power to the pavement.