Sideblades

The large, dark sections you see aft of the doors are called "sideblades"--air deflectors that sweep between the wheel arches and roof section, delivering air for the V-8 to breathe, as well as air for cooling. ❋ Unknown (2006)

The Audi R8 has been getting rave reviews and a lot of attention for its "sideblades". ❋ Not A Sheep (2007)

I just saw an old Top Gear repeat and then I found out where those "sideblades" were first seen... ❋ Not A Sheep (2007)

One visible difference between the Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 quattro and the Audi R8 Coupe models is the absence of the signature sideblades on the Spyder - a design change that retains the coupe lines, while accentuating the unique characteristics of the open-top Spyder. ❋ Unknown (2010)

I still can't justify ever buying one of these without sideblades. ❋ Drew Johnson (2010)

The rear bumper and the sideblades of this same material save an additional 5.2 and 1.5 kilograms (11.46 and 3.31 lb), respectively. ❋ Unknown (2010)

Unlike the Audi R8 Coupé, the Spyder does not have sideblades behind the doors. ❋ Unknown (2010)

The defining element of the side view are the sideblades, which direct air to the engine and in the R8 GT are also made of matte carbon. ❋ Unknown (2010)

The rear bumpers and sideblades are also made from CFRP. ❋ Unknown (2010)

The vertical air scoops (sideblades) on the sides are also indicative of the engine location. ❋ Unknown (2009)

A few visual tweaks too: all-LED headlights, bigger sideblades, new diffuser. ❋ Unknown (2009)

Its sideblades are more accentuated than in the eight-cylinder version. ❋ Unknown (2009)

Unlike the Coupé, the Spyder does not have sideblades behind the doors. ❋ Unknown (2009)