Audi R8 Spyder

Drop-top R8 makes its debut boasting V10 power and stunning looks

Auto Express Car Reviews

By Sam Hardy

10th September 2009

The hottest Audi ever has blown its top! These are the first images of the R8 Spyder, after pictures were leaked onto the internet ahead of its scheduled unveil at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

Official details will be revealed at the German expo but it is expected that the R8 Spyder will only be available in flagship 518bhp 5.2-litre V10 engined form, with four-wheel drive and the option of a six-speed manual or semi-automatic R-tronic gearbox.

Apart from the addition of an electrically operated fabric folding roof – which drops under the rear deck in front of the engine, just like its sister car the Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder – the big visual differences between this model and the coupe are the twin vented flying buttresses, the lack of side blades a brushed aluminium windscreen surround.

Expect the R8 Spyder to go on sale in Spring next year carrying a price tag of around £120,000.

4 Comments

Details

Love the detail on the rear deck...

By DanStrong on 10 September, 2009, 12:32pm

Looks fantastic but why in Choc brown?

I have had 2 R8's and currently await delivery of the spyder R8 next spring (had on order for over 2 years!) I am pleased with how they have dealt with the folding top, I think it looks great with the hood down and even better by dropping the side blades, however why have Audi chosen Chocolate brown for the pre launch pics, it does nothing for the car, my previous R8s were in grey and black, I will be either having the spyder in Lambo pearlescent orange if I have the courage, if not silver or black, but not choc brown!!

One other thing, I am pleased they only plan to offer in the v10, I drove one recently and it was awesome, the v8 is also fantastic but the extra 2 cylinders make all the difference, now Audi, what about bringing back on line the v12 ?

By monkeyboy28 on 15 September, 2009, 10:28am

BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics Concept Officially Unveiled at Frankfurt Preview Event

http://www.autoshortnews.com/bmw-vision-efficient-dynamics-concept-officially-unveiled-frankfurt/

By kolinnd on 15 September, 2009, 11:06am

The ideal plate for an Audi R8 Spyder

Hi there Monkey Boy28 and any other lucky people, who are looking forward to taking delivery of the stunning new Audi R8 Spyder next spring.

I have pre-ordered a plate for March 2010, which would be the finishing touch to this beauty, it is ' A V10 RBS' - A V10 (only engine available) R8 Spyder!, if anyone is interested, please let me know.
Joffski.

By Joffskis on 17 November, 2009, 10:37am

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