The new Audi R8 Spyder V10 has gone on sale in Germany with a base price of €179,000 (c. £150,000).
The new R8 Spyder V10 is powered by a 5.2 FSI engine with 540bhp, accelerating the supercar from 0 to 62 mph in 3.6 seconds and on to a top speed of 198 mph. With a fast shifting, seven-speed S tronic transmission transferring power to the newly developed quattro drive system, the electrohydraulic multi-plate clutch distributes drive torque depending on the situation – up to 100 percent of it can even be directed to either the front or rear wheels in extreme situations for ‘precise handling’.
More powerful and faster than its predecessor the new R8’s torsional rigidity has been improved by 50 percent when compared to the outgoing model and features a lightweight roof tapering into two fins that stretch the cloth so it ‘harmonises perfectly’ with the car’s lines. Opening and closing is fully automated and at speeds of up to 31mph - the roof can also be concealed beneath the integral cover and reattached in 20 seconds. The rear window, sunk into the bulkhead, can also be retracted and extended at the touch of a button.
The various driving modes of the Audi drive select system influence the character of the R8 Spyder. Controlled using the standard ‘satellite buttons’ on the R8 sport leather steering wheel with multifunction plus, two additional control satellites are optionally available – one for the performance mode, and one for controlling the exhaust flaps. All functions are driver-oriented keeping the driver’s hands on the steering wheel. The 12.3-inch fully digital Audi virtual cockpit displays all relevant information in elaborate 3D graphics.