Audi R8 Spyder – dynamic open-sky supercar driving

New chapter in sporty vanguard of Audi

With this new Audi R8 Spyder, Audi opens a new chapter in the Audi R8 as Audi’s first supercar story.  It started in 2007, when Audi showed their original Audi R8 coupé.  This was followed in 2010 by an open-top version of the mid-engined convertible – the Audi R8 Spyder.  Audi gives an impressive total of nearly 27 000 Audi R8 sold.

The brand now shows the 2nd interpretation of the R8 Spyder, as the sporty vanguard of Audi. 

Wider than before, but still a V10

The preceding Audi R8 was not exactly a narrow car – it is wide, low and squat, fitting that V engine between the rear wheels.  It is now even wider than before, and the cab-forward design and general proportions stay… as does the non-turbo V10.  Strange that, with Audi’s history of turbo-charging (the ur-Quattro which made it so fierce in rally races, for example) and the general trend to put a turbo under just about every new car’s bonnet (and many supercars nowadays), that their flagship supercar does without a turbo.  The 5.2-litre V10 in the Audi R8 Spyder roars with 397kW, which is a lot, though 540Nm of torque is only at 6500 (no turbo, see).  Still, it is supercar fast, delivering the 0 to 100km/h performance in 3.6 seconds, and has a 318 km/h top speed.  The benefit of no turbo is of course more linear performance (no sudden whoosh) and an exhaust sound undisturbed by a turbo blow… which can be better experienced in the Spyder, of course.

Lightweight cloth hood

The Audi R8 Spyder has a lightweight cloth hood (roof) which, with some aerobatic folding, folds away to leave a long flat rear deck.  The roof weighs just 44kg, contributing to a lower overall dry weight of 1612kg.  It is available in the usual black, and also in brown or red.

Dynamic open-sky supercar driving

The Audi R8 Spyder brings the pleasure of dynamic open-sky supercar driving.

The new Audi R8 coupé has been available for about a year overseas, but is yet to arrive in SA, though scheduled for this year.  Will we see both Audi R8 coupé and Audi R8 Spyder land here…?