Audi hones its halo, debuts 2017 R8 V10 in Geneva (pictures)

GENEVA – Audi's supercar halo gets a complete redesign at the 2015 Geneva auto show.

The new model's design is simpler and more geometric than before.

The R8's signature "side blades" are now less prominent and integrated into the curves of the sheet metal.

Though broken into two pieces, the general contour of the side blades remain. The R8 still looks like an R8 should.

The redesign pulls in design cues from the Audi TT, which debuted in Geneva last year.

Gone are the organically shaped headlamps and grill openings. The new R8 is all about sharp edges.

The headlamps feature standard full LED illumination with optional laser spotlight highbeams.

Only available in the European market, the laser spotlights augment the LED highbeams, doubling the length of their cast.

The R8 features underbody aerodynamics that help create downforce and reduce lift at speed.

Gasoline powered R8s are available in two trims: V10 and V10 plus.

The V10 plus is a slightly more hardcore variant that outputs more power.

Both models are powered by the same 5.2-liter V10 engine with slightly different tunes.

The standard model is good for 540 horsepower while the plus steps up to 610.

The plus model also features a variety of performance and styling upgrades that are optional or unavailable on the standard V10.

All R8 models feature extensive use of lightweight materials.

The coupe is built around an aluminum and carbon fiber reinforced plastic chassis that forms a light and stiff foundation.

The new R8 is over 100 pounds lighter than its predecessor, which is good for all around performance.

Direct injection, cylinder deactivation, and stop-start anti-idling tech help the new R8 reach up to an estimated 19.9 mpg.

In addition to more power, the plus also features aerodynamic enhancements.

Top speed for the V10 plus model is 205 mph.

The rear end is also features a more angular design than the predecessor.

A double wishbone suspension is standard for the R8, but an optional magnetic adaptive suspension can give the driver control over the ride quality.

Inside, the R8's cabin underoges an even more radical evolution than the without.

The start and drive mode buttons move to the steering wheel. We've seen a similar setup in Ferrari cars, but this design just screams "Audi!"

Like the TT, the new R8 uses the automaker's virtual cockpit: a fully digital instrument cluster that totally eliminates the need for a center stack display.

The driver can interact with the virtual cockpit with the MMI controller or with steering wheel controls.

The only gearbox available on the new R8 is a 7-speed dual-clutch S Tronic.

Of course, all R8 V10 models make use of the automaker's quattro all-wheel drive system.

The quattro system is able to shift up to 100-percent of available power to either axle as grip and conditions dictate.

The automaker also showcased a fully electric e-tron variant that will be available in limited quantities.

The new R8 uses a variety of race car technologies, so it only makes sense to take it racing.

The R8 V10 LMS is a fully race prepped and liveried race car designed to tackle the challenges of LeMans.

Check out the rest of CNET's coverage of the 2015 Geneva auto show.