Audi continues to expand its vehicle range filling every possible niche in the market. After the recent debut of the A6 Avant, today, the Ingolstadt-based automaker revealed the convertible version of its hardcore R8 GT coupe, which was launched as a limited edition model in 2010 with only 333 cars being produced. The new R8 GT Spyder follows the same recipe featuring a more powerful V10 engine and a lighter body.
Power comes from an updated version of the standard car’s 5.2-liter V10 engine with a modified ECU that helps lift output from 525HP and 530 Nm (390.91 lb-ft) to 560HP and 540 Nm (398.28 lb-ft) of torque at 6,500 rpm. An R tronic sequential manual transmission and Audi’s quattro permanent all-wheel drive system with a strong rear-wheel bias completes the setup.
The open-air model rides on a tweaked suspension with aluminium double wishbones, and new set of 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 235/35 tires up front and 295/30 tires at the rear. The R8 GT Spyder also comes equipped with The large, lightweight carbon-fibre ceramic brake discs and an Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) that can be deactivated entirely.
Audi’s engineers managed to shave 85kg (187.39 lb) over the standard R8 V10 Spyder through the use of carbon fiber parts for certain parts of the body (5.5 kg or 12.13 lb).) and lighter components in the powertrain and interior. However, more than a third of the gains came from the new racing bucket seats that saved 31.5 kg (69.45 lb) of weight.
All these changes help the convertible accelerate from 0 to 62mph (100km/h) in 3.8 seconds (down from the standard R8 V10 Spyder’s 4.1 seconds) and reach a top speed of 317 km/h (197 mph).
Visual modifications on the outside include additional contrasting titanium grey trim elements, a front splitter with a dual lip, flics at the sides of the front bumper, red GT badges, round exhaust tailpipes, an enlarged diffuser and dark LED tail lights in a clear-glass design. Audi also offers an optional windscreen frame in matte CFRP.
Inside, the cabin is finished in black and can be trimmed in a choice of titanium gray or crimson red with Alcantara upholstery coming as standard and leather as optional.
Production of the R8 GT Spyder will be limited to 333 units with prices in Germany starting from €207,800 (about US$300,500). Ordering will begin later this summer ahead of first customer deliveries early next year.
