The R8 V10 Spyder is the convertible version of Audi 's mid-engined, 10-cylinder R8 supercar. As with its fixed-roof sibling, the R8 V10 Spyder is based on the same platform as the Lamboghini Gallardo and features an excellent balance of extreme performance and docile around-town driving manners. For those seeking a more affordable everyday exotic, Audi offers coupe anddrop-top versions of the R8 with a V8.
This 5.2-liter V10 engine delivers an impressive 525 horsepower at 8,000 rpm, along with peak torque of 391 lb-ft at 6,500 rpm. The sprint to 62 mph takes just 4.1 seconds, compared to just 3.7 seconds for the coupe R8 V10.
Accelerating to 124 mph is a similarly brisk 12.7-second trip. Top speed is 195 mph.
Fuel consumption for the six-speed manual version is rated at 12 city, 20 highway mpg. The R-tronic automated manual gearbox improves the city figure to 13 mpg - highway mileage remains unchanged.
Notably absent are the R8's trademark aluminum "side blades." Other visual changes for the Spyder model include additional air intakes located behind the seats as well as a pair of safety roll bars. The placement of the fuel filler cap was also changed due to the lack rear pillars. Changes under sheet metal are focused around chassis strengthening, but otherwise, Audi says the V10 Spyder is mostly unchanged from its hard-top counterpart. Cosmetically, the exterior gains high gloss black air inlet grilles, spoiler lip and rear outlet grilles. Exhaust tips are also swapped for oval tips.
It is worth noting, however, that both the R8 V10 and R8 V10 Spyder feature an aluminum double wishbone suspension which is tuned for higher performance than the suspension found in the 4.2 model.
The convertible top weighs just 93 pounds, helping to keep the car's center of gravity down low, and can be raised or lowered in just 19 seconds at speeds of up to 31 mph.
Uber-Audi Features
Befitting the car's considerable price, the R8 V10 Spyder comes standard with a host of features including a navigation system with 3D maps and a 6.5-inch LCD display, a 465-watt Bang & Olufsen sound system with 12 speakers, fine nappa leather sports seats, a rear parking camera that pairs with ultrasonic sensors and Bluetooth connectivity with seatbelt-mounted speakers for easy hands-free communication.
Befitting the car's considerable price, the R8 V10 Spyder comes standard with a host of features including a navigation system with 3D maps and a 6.5-inch LCD display, a 465-watt Bang & Olufsen sound system with 12 speakers, fine nappa leather sports seats, a rear parking camera that pairs with ultrasonic sensors and Bluetooth connectivity with seatbelt-mounted speakers for easy hands-free communication.
The V10 Spyder also features Audi's magnetic ride adaptive damping system with manual Sport and Normal sport modes.
Key Competitors
Although the R8 V10 Spyder provides an appealing mix of style, power and handling, these attributes are also shared by rivals like the Ferrari 458 Spider, the Aston Martin DBS Volante and the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster.
Although the R8 V10 Spyder provides an appealing mix of style, power and handling, these attributes are also shared by rivals like the Ferrari 458 Spider, the Aston Martin DBS Volante and the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster.
The R8 comes with two engines: a 4.2 V8 or a barnstorming 5.2 V10 engine. Even the V8 is blisteringly fast, powering from 0-62mph in less than five seconds. The V10 really is something else, though. It pulls like an express train no matter how many revs are on the dial. The optional S tronic semi-auto offers lightning quick shifts.
Thanks to bags of traction and strong cornering grip, the R8 can be driven safely as well as quickly. The suspension is taut, resulting in minimal body roll, yet the ride is surprisingly comfortable unless you go for the hardcore V10 Plus. The steering offers plenty of feel, although it’s a little slow and the R8 is prone to following ruts and cambers in the road.
The low-slung driving position is spot-on, plus visibility is surprisingly good considering how low you are to the ground and the fact there’s a mass of engine behind your head. Most in-car functions are operated by scrolling through onscreen menus, although the controls are a bit of a stretch to reach and the system is a little slower to respond than more modern rivals.
You'll need to watch your head as you slide behind the wheel, but once you're in, there's plenty of leg and shoulder room. While that steeply slopping bonnet provides a good view of the road ahead, we suggest ordering parking sensors to help you judge reverse parking. At a push, you can get a couple of sets of golf clubs behind the seats, but the luggage space under the bonnet is pretty small.
The R8 comes with all the essentials you'd expect in a car costing this much money, including a leather interior, climate control, 19-inch alloy wheels and satellite-navigation. However, there are still plenty of optional extras to choose from, including ceramic brakes and Audi’s Magnetic Ride suspension system.
Both engines sound terrific, but the V10 is particularly musical when you treat it rough. Both quieten down at a steady cruise, too, although there’s still more engine boom at motorway speeds than in a Porsche 911. The optional S tronic gearbox isn’t as slick at town speeds as the PDK ’box in the Porsche, either, with the V8 particularly prone to shunt. The R8 keeps out road noise better than the 911, though.
