The R8 is quickly shaping up to be not only a favorite among performance enthusiasts and amateur racers but among the tuning and modification houses as well. The platform is so liveable yet also so incredibly powerful and dynamic, it’s hard to go wrong when using it as a base. One of the latest tweaks to the R8 is from PPI Automotive Design, a German firm. Their take on the R8 is being shown at the Essen Motor Show today.

Enhancing the already stellar R8 is no easy task, and PPI has risen to the challenge by employing a wind-tunnel to test their carbon-fiber aerodynamic modifications to ensure they actually enhance performance. Lightweight 19″ magnesium wheels improve handling by decreasing unsprung and rotating mass. Not to mention they look sharp.

More power is on tap as well, thanks to a new exhaust and throttle system. The ’stage 1′ kit improves power from 420hp (309kW) stock to 460hp (348kW), and torque is upped from 317lbft (430Nm) to 343lb-ft (465Nm). The muffler also enhances the exhaust note, making it more audible at lower revs and really letting it scream at high revs. Time through the sprint to 100km/h (62mph) is a scant 4.4 seconds and the top speed is boosted to 305km/h (189.1mph).

It’s almost impossible to improve on Audi’s excellent treatment of the R8’s interior, and PPI recognizes that by simply adding accents to enhance the performance look of the cockpit. Carbon fiber trim and a new ergonomic PPI designed carbon-fiber inlayed steering wheel with additional controls complete the customization.