Skip advert
Advertisement

Lid lifted on Audi R8 Spyder

Beautiful soft-top uses coupé’s V10 to take fight to Ferrari California

The ultimate Audi is being opened up to a whole new audience! Feast your eyes on the R8 Spyder – the soft-top version of the supercar.

Powered by the same 518bhp 5.2-litre V10 engine as the coupé, the convertible will accelerate from 0-62mph in 4.1 seconds, and go on to a top speed of 194mph.

Aside from the roof, differences from the fixed-head R8 include body-coloured side intakes, twin vented flying buttresses and a carbon fibre cover for the soft-top’s storage compartment.

Under the skin there is a strengthened chassis which, says Audi, adds only 6kg to the car’s kerbweight.

Elsewhere, the super-light 30kg fabric hood (which helps to lower the centre of gravity) opens or closes in less than 20 seconds. And it can be operated while the car is travelling at up to 30mph.

There’s a heated rear screen, which lowers independently of the roof, while an attachable wind deflector is standard.

Every Spyder will get quattro four-wheel drive, and the choice of a six-speed manual or fast-shifting R tronic twin-clutch box. Audi’s adjustable magnetic ride technology is also available.

The R8 Spyder will be launched early next year. It’s set to cost from about £120,000 – undercutting rivals such as the Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder and Ferrari California.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £18,505Avg. savings £3,678 off RRP*Used from £15,895
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £4,856 off RRP*Used from £15,499
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,135Avg. savings £5,639 off RRP*Used from £12,890
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,261 off RRP*Used from £12,800
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: BYD Seal – signed, sealed and delivered for less than £305 a month
BYD Seal - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: BYD Seal – signed, sealed and delivered for less than £305 a month

The BYD Seal is a Tesla Model 3 rival, and a very good one at that. It’s our Deal of the Day for 31 March
News
31 Mar 2025
Best April Fools' Day jokes by car companies 2025
Best April Fools' day jokes 2025

Best April Fools' Day jokes by car companies 2025

We round up this year’s best car-related April Fools’ jokes, along with a few of the more famous japes from years gone by
Features
1 Apr 2025
Skoda Enyaq review
Skoda Enyaq 85 - front

Skoda Enyaq review

If you're looking for an all-electric family SUV that will fit effortlessly into daily life, the Skoda Enyaq is an excellent choice
In-depth reviews
31 Mar 2025