Audi Sport GMBH has completed the R8 line-up with the launch of the top-spec R8 Spyder, powered by a 602bhp, V10 engine. The R8 V10 Spyder Plus is priced at Rs 1.50 crore (price excludes Indian taxes and duties) in Germany and the first deliveries are expected to begin in a few months from now.
Powered by the same 5.2-litre, V10 engine as the coupe version, the Spyder Plus is faster than the regular V10 convertible by 0.3 seconds. Its 602 horses (and 560Nm) also help the Spyder go all the way to 328kmph, an improvement of 10kmph. It is mated to a 7-speed DCT gearbox. Driving modes include comfort, auto, dynamic and individual.
Coming to the main feature of the Spyder, the roof. The magnesium alloy roof is relatively lightweight at 44kg and helps maintain the structural balance. The electrohydraulic roof takes 20 seconds to close/open. The roof is Z-folded and housed over the flat storage compartment over the engine. Audi’s ‘Space Frame’ reinforces aluminium and carbonfibre components to keep it lightweight, yet strong. At 1695kg, it is lighter than the regular variant by 25kg. To reduce the weight, Audi has also added R8 bucket seats, carbon ceramic brakes and alloy forged wheels.
In India, Audi sells the R8 only in the top spec V10 Plus coupe format, currently.