Well, I respect the R8 for its technical qualities.

I saw one in person, and was deceived. The front is too Audi, the side is too long, the rear is better.
Overall, it looks like a stretched TT with a strange piece of thing in the side to mask the fact that the proportions are just wrong.

Not ugly, but put it near a Gallardo and it just vanishes.

So, the V8 is ok face to the Gallardo, less pricey, but is useless in V10 because it has no chance face to the Gallardo.

IMO, this car benefits from the Wow, nem effect, but won't last.

The 911, for me, is the king and remains the Daddy here. Like I said, everytime I see one (and there are a lot of these where I work), well, wow. That car is just perfect... The noise, the look, the image...So much emotion also... Everything is perfect. It is not flashy as a Gallardo or a Ferrari, but has infinitely more class than an R8.

I love the 911, all the 911 (except the 997 Turbo, that I don't like at all, and the 996, where I only like the GT3). The 997 is one of the very few modern cars I truly love.

Concerning the finition in a Ferrari...who cares, honestly? This is such a motor...such a beast... if the dashboard has not the best plastics, honestly...

So the R8, face to the Gallardo or 911, does not stand a chance imo. The 911 appeals to rich mens who want a sportcars that does not look too much, and to drivers loving the rear motor, noise, balance and history. The Gallardo appeals to people wanting one of the most beautiful and brutal-looking cars in the world. The Aston appeals to those who wants a stunning looking sportscars, that does not look too much, and is more on the luxurious side.

The R8 is a compromise.
Not looking like a Lambo, not classy and perfect and eternal like a 911, not luxurious and wonderfull like an Aston...
it is very good in lots of things, but everytime something is better than it.

It does not look the best, does not drive the best, does not sound the best, it is everytime "almost", "very impressive"...

it is not enough.

Very impressive car. But sounds more like a showcase, than like a legend.