Introduced in 2006 at the Paris Auto Show the Audi R8 stunned many with its radical design, inspired by Audi’s victorious Le Mans racecars. After the addition of a 5.2-liter V-10 engine, Audi adds another variation of the iconic R8 with the introduction of the Audi R8 Spyder V10.
The R8 Spyder features an electrohydrolic cloth top weighing only 66.14 lbs, that folds over the V10 engine in just 19 seconds, even at speeds of 30 mph. With the top up at normal speed, the interior noise is only slightly higher than that of the Coupé. A heated glass window lowers into the bulkhead separate from the leak-proof cloth top.
The Audi R8 Spyder V10 has been designed to be powerful and dynamic. Although it lacks the sideblades featured in the Coupé, the Spyder retains the signature LED headlights. The daytime running lights are made up of 24 different LED’s, a tribute to Audi’s victories at 24 Hours of Le Mans. Fully functional front air intakes are painted in a high gloss black and send air to the three radiators. A fully lined underbody and rear diffuser allow for better aerodynamics, while a spoiler deploys at higher speeds to create a stable ride.
Proudly displayed on the side of the R8 Spyder are two badges that proudly showcase Audi’s 5.2 FSI. Revving all the way up to 8,700 rpm, the mostly hand built V-10 creates 525 hp at 8,000 rpm, and 391 lb-ft. of torque at 6,500 rpm. Displacing 5.2 liters and making 525 hp equates to an impressive specific power output of 100.9 hp/liter. Two transmissions are available, both with Audi’s outstanding Quattro permanent all-wheel drive. Standard on the R8 Spyder is a six-speed manual transmission, with an automatic six-speed R tronic transmission being optional. The R tronic transmission allows for gear changes as fast as a tenth of a second, and can be controlled via joystick or steering wheel mounted paddle shifters.
Fine Nappa leather and a Bang & Olufsen sound system are features on the standard full-leather package on the Audi R8 Spyder V10. Pigments in the leather seats reflect infrared sunlight allowing the seats to stay up to 68 degrees Fahrenheit cooler. An optional hands-free unit featuring three microphones integrated into the seatbelt and one in the windshield frame allow for easy hands-free communication even with the top down, a world’s first.
A light weight of only 3,792 lbs. (manual) is achieved using an aluminum Audi Space Frame (ASF) body weighing just 476.2 lbs. Audi magnetic ride technology is standard and can adjust the suspension in milliseconds to accommodate the driving style, achieving a comfortable yet sporty ride. Four ventilated and perforated disc brakes with eight-piston front, and four-piston rear calipers. Lightweight carbon ceramic brakes are available as an option. Ten spoke Y-design, 19-inch wheels are standard on the R8 Spyder with 235/35 front and 295/30 rear wheels with optional 305/30 tires available.
The Audi R8 Spyder V10 5.2 FSI Quattro will be built at the Neckarsulm plant in Germany, and will be mostly hand built. Eleven paint finishes, three top colors, and six different interior colors will be offered. The R8 Spyder will be released in Germany in the first quarter of 2010 with a base price of 156,400 Euros +/- $236,408.27 USD.
Engine
No. of Cylinders: 10
Compression Ratio: 12.5:1
Maximum Horsepower: 525 hp at 8,000 rpm
Maximum Torque: 391 lb-ft. at 6,500 rpm
Dimensions
Wheelbase: 8.69 ft.
Curb Weight: 3,792 lbs.
Wheels and Tires
Front: 235/35/19
Rear: 295/30/19
Performance
Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 4.1 seconds (manual)
Acceleration 0-200 km/h: 12.7 seconds (manual)
Top Speed: 313 km/h (194.49 seconds)
Power Output: 100.9 hp/liter
Power to Weight Ratio: 7.28 lbs./hp
