Audi has pulled the covers back on its next-generation R8 V10 Spyder at the New York motor show, which introduces a revised electronically-operated fabric roof and a number of key performance improvements.
The new R8 V10 Spyder weighs in at 1,612kph and is built on Audi’s new Space Frame platform. The new platform, when combined with liberal use of aluminium and carbon fibre for the bodywork, means that this new model is more than 100kg lighter than the old model. Audi also says that torsional rigidity has improved by 50%.
Just like the coupe version, the R8 V10 Spyder features a mid-mounted 5.2L naturally-aspirated V10 engine, producing 397kW (532hp) of power and 540Nm (398lb-ft) of torque. While the R8 Coupe currently offers two different states of tune, the V10 and the V10 Plus, there is no word yet on whether the Spyder will follow suit. The Spyder will definitely get Audi’s new quattro all-wheel drive system though, capable of shuffling up to 100% of the power to either the front or rear axle as required, after being channelled through a 7-speed S-tronic automatic transmission.
Audi claims the R8 V10 will hit 100km/h in just 3.6 seconds, or almost half a second slower than the coupe version. Similarly, the Spyder’s top speed is listed at 318km/h, compared to 320km/h for the coupe V10 and 330km/h for the V10 Plus. Still, not really something you’d lose sleep over.
Audi have added a raft of new features to the cabin, including a brand new 12.3″ ‘virtual cockpit’ dashboard display, which not only displays all the vital information required to drive, but also additional functionality such as GPS navigation and smartphone connected features, meaning the driver’s eyes never need to stray too far from the road.
Full pricing and specifications will be released closer to the launch date.