Power boost, price cut for Audi R8 V10 Spyder

AUDI has announced that the drop-top version of its V10-powered second-generation R8 supercar has gone on sale in Australia for $388,500 plus on-road costs, representing a $7300 drop over the previous-gen V10 Spyder.

The R8 Spyder uses the same 5.2-litre aspirated V10 petrol as its coupe sibling, which pumps out 397kW/540Nm, helping propel it from 0 to 100km/h in 3.6 seconds (0.1s slower than the coupe), and on to a top speed of 318km/h.

Mated to a seven-speed S Tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission, the V10 sends power to all four wheels through Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system, which is capable of sending 100 per cent power to either the front or rear wheels, if needed.

The R8’s racing pedigree is boosted by Audi’s claims that half of the components in the second-gen supercar are based on motor racing technology.

Fuel economy has improved by 10 per cent thanks to the R8’s freewheeling mode, which decouples the engine while coasting and results in a combined fuel economy figure of 11.7 litres per 100km and emissions of 277 grams of CO2 per km.

Only one R8 Spyder variant is being offered after Audi dropped the entry-level V8 when the new-gen car launched in June last year, while the more potent 449kW/560Nm V10 Plus is not being sold rag-top form.

The cloth top can be opened or closed in 20 seconds up to 50km/h and includes a rear window that can be retracted or extended.

Adding the cloth roof gives the Spyder an unladen weight of 1720kg, 50kg more than its coupe counterpart.

Inside, drivers are treated to Audi’s virtual cockpit digital instrument cluster which is projected on a 12.3-inch display and has smartphone integration and a performance-oriented view that displays driving dynamics information.

Making phone calls and voice commands with the roof down is made easier with seatbelt-integrated microphones, while the car’s Bang & Olufsen sound system includes two speakers integrated into the electronically adjustable sport seat’s headrests.

Extensive optioning and customisation is available for the R8 Spyder, including carbon-fibre trim for the front spoiler, rear diffuser and sideblades.

Futuristic LED lights with laser technology are fitted, which can put out white light four times brighter than traditional LED or Xenon lights.

The R8 range now contains three variants consisting of the V10 coupe from $354,900 before on-roads, the V10 Spyder and the range-topping V10 Plus coupe, which just edges out the Spyder on cost with a pricetag of $389,900.