When the Audi R8->ke1440 was introduced back in 2006, one of its more notable features was that it was a supercar->ke177 that could be used as a daily driver. Yes, it was a very fast and capable handler, but it could also be driven to the grocery store if the need arose. Unfortunately, for most people, all of that was overshadowed by the fact that the R8 was an absolute stunner. Even with a base price of over $100,000, it had the kind of good looks that made it look more expensive than it actually was. The Porsche 911 4S still runs the risk of being confused for a Cayman, but as distinctive as the R8 was, there really wasn't anything on the road that it would be confused with.

It isn't 2006 anymore though, and despite a refresh in 2012, the overall design is still eight years old. With the R8 no longer looking as fresh and cutting edge as it did at one point, what is the discerning buyer to do? How can you make sure that your R8 stands out in the sea of more than 20,000 other R8s?

Enter the Audi R8 XII GT Aero-Kit by SGA Aerodynamics. With a full body kit and new set of wheels, an R8 owner can make sure that his car not only stands out visually but also possibly even handles better than a stock R8.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2014 Audi R8 XII GT Aero-Kit By SGA Aerodynamics.

2014 Audi R8 XII GT Aero-Kit By SGA Aerodynamics

Specifications
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  • Model: 2014 Audi R8 XII GT Aero-Kit By SGA Aerodynamics
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Audi R8 XII GT Aero-Kit By SGA Aerodynamics in detail

If there's one thing that supercar tuners are known for, it's taking a perfectly good supercar and ruining it with ridiculous, awful, terrible body kits. It's like they already know that the vehicles they're "refining" are about as close to perfect as they can be, so instead of actually making those vehicles more attractive, they intentionally make everything worse. They add ten vents to the front because the manufacturer only includes one. They add 28-inch wheels because the manufacturer doesn't offer anything larger than 22-inch wheels. They offer their kit in pink and neon green because the manufacturer only sells boring colors like black and red.

SGA's XII GT Aero-Kit, on the other hand, is a breath of fresh air in a segment filled with the gaudiest of the gaudy. The package doesn't necessarily look stock, but it actually looks pretty good and perhaps even tasteful. Up front, new intakes add a more aggressive look, but SGA also claims that the new look adds downforce as well, contributing to improved handling. Around back, there is a redesigned bumper that mimics the look of the front and also houses the MAE Design racing exhaust. The new exhaust is claimed to also come with a valve system that can control just how much noise it makes. Finally, a new diffuser and aero-wing are added to contribute to the racy appearance of the package, as well as increase downforce and manage air flow for even better handling.

No package is complete without a new set of wheels, and you won't be disappointed here, as the XII GT Aero-Kit offers 21-inch MAE forged wheels at all four corners. Combined with a fully adjustable coilover kit from MAE, the ride height has been adjusted to compensate for the body kit and wheels as well. Altogether, the XII GT Aero-Kit certainly succeeds at offering a more stylish look for the Audi R8, but it does it while still remaining somewhat classy and restrained. For that, SGA Aerodynamics should be applauded.

2014 Audi R8

Introduced in 2006, the R8 is Audi->ke14's mid-engined, all-wheel-drive supercar based on the Lamborghini Gallardo. It is sold in both coupe and convertible styles with either a V-8 or V-10 engine available for each. The V-8 currently makes 430 horsepower, while the V-10 makes 525 horsepower. The V-10 can also be had as a Plus model, which makes 542 horsepower. All engine configurations are available with a seven-speed S-Tronic gearbox or a six-speed manual. The six-speed manual transmission is one of the last gated shifters on the supercar market, and while it might take a little while to get used to, it's absolutely gorgeous and is one of the most gorgeous shifters on the market today.

Pricing for the Audi R8 starts at $114,900, while the convertible version is going to cost you a cool $128,400. Jumping up to the V-10 costs significantly more, starting at $151,200, and the V-10 Plus begins at $170,545.