The most powerful Audi engine ever destined for series production is about to raise the tempo in what is already one of the most intoxicating driving machines offered by the brand – the open-air, high intensity R8 Spyder is to adopt the gloriously vocal 610PS V10 from the R8 V10 plus Coupé.
The new R8 Spyder V10 plus is capable of 0-62mph in a mere 3.3 seconds and a top speed in excess of 200mph, spurred on by its significant 70PS power advantage, and by a significant 25kg weight reduction, versus the ‘standard’ V10 Spyder.
Set to become available to order in the UK later this month, the R8 Spyder V10 plus will be priced from £147,470 OTR, and will feature a standard specification list that reflects the sporting credentials and premium positioning of this high-performance flagship.
Highlights include R8 bucket seats, liberally applied carbon fibre-reinforced polymer components inside and out, ceramic brakes, the R8-specific Audi Virtual Cockpit and the option of an exclusive micrommata green paint finish for an even more cutting-edge look.
“The Audi R8 Spyder V10 plus completes the R8 model line,” said Stephan Winkelmann, Managing Director of Audi Sport GmbH. “The Spyder is now also available as a 610PS top version in addition to the Coupé. It benefits from our many years of experience in motorsport and combines breath-taking dynamics with the emotion of an open-top sports car.”
Behind the V10 there is a seven-speed S tronic transmission with lightning-fast action. The dual-clutch transmission, with its short transmission ratio, sends power to the quattro drive system in the front axle via a cardan shaft. Its key component is an electro-hydraulically activated multi-plate clutch. It is water-cooled for maximum performance. Depending on the driving situation, distribution of the drive torque by the clutch is completely variable, and in extreme cases sends up to 100 percent to one axle. A mechanical rear differential lock provides confident traction and maximum dynamics.
The R8 Spyder V10 plus has an athletic stance on the road. It is 4.43 metres long and 1.94 metres wide, but just 1.24 metres tall. The most distinctive element on the front is the wide and flat Singleframe grille with its gloss honeycomb mesh, chrome-plated frame and the Audi Sport emblem. Below it stretches a low-lying carbon spoiler, which directs air around the large wheels.
Optional Audi laser light in the LED headlights provides farsighted vision at night. These feature distinctive illuminated, anodised blue dividers as well as the dynamic turn signals.
A continuous shoulder line spanning the flanks emphasises the taught line of the body. The distinguishing features of the open-top mode are the sideblades, sill trim, lid on the convertible top compartment and the fixed rear spoilers all constructed from carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP). If desired, Audi can paint the sills and rear spoiler in the colour of the car at no extra charge. In the rear, large, glossy black trapezoidal exhaust tailpipes flank the opening of the wide diffuser, another component made from CFRP. Its suction literally holds the Audi R8 Spyder V10 plus on the road – with about 100 kilograms of downforce pushing down on the rear axle at top speeds.
Typically Audi: the exterior skin of the cloth top is fabric, the substructure is primarily made from lightweight materials like magnesium and aluminium.
Consequently, the cloth top weighs just 44 kilograms and contributes significantly to the low weight and low centre of gravity of the R8 Spyder V10 plus. Two fins running to the rear tighten the top. An electrohydraulic drive takes 20 seconds to open or close the top, even while driving at speeds up to 31mph. Folded in a Z-shape, it is housed in a flat storage compartment over the engine.
The rear window is sunk into the bulkhead and can be retracted and extended electrically. With all of the windows closed and the optional wind deflector installed, the wind passes gently over the driver and passenger. Two steel sections pretensioned by springs in the convertible top module serve as roll-over protection.
R8 bucket seats are fitted as standard in the flagship convertible. They are light, highly contoured, mounted low and bear the R8 embossing. They are upholstered in fine Nappa leather with special pigmenting that stops them from heating up in the sun’s rays. Decorative inlays are made from carbon; the pedals and footrest are in glossy stainless steel. The defining element is the “monoposto”, a large arc running around the cockpit. The dashboard appears to float weightlessly. Its lower section contains buttons and controls for the air conditioning, shaped like turbines.
As in a racing car, drivers can operate all important functions without having to take their hands off the steering wheel. The standard R8 performance leather steering wheel features integrated multifunction buttons as well as two large control satellites. The driver uses these to start and stop the engine and control Audi drive select. Two more buttons including a rotary wheel are used to control the performance mode and the exhaust flaps.
The large 12.3-inch, fully digital Audi virtual cockpit presents all information using rich 3D graphics – if desired, in a special performance view that puts the focus on the rev counter. It also serves as a gear shift indicator – when the seven-speed S tronic is being operated in manual mode, its scale has a colour background at higher engine speeds. Next to it are indicators showing output, torque, g-forces, lap times and the temperatures of the tyres, engine and transmission oil.
