What is it?
It’s the new, ‘entry-level’ version of Audi’s drop-top R8. First launched with only the top-whack V10, the Spyder is now available with the regular 424bhp V8 motor - and a useful price saving of more than £20k. A manual V8 Spyder will cost from £95,545 - or around £7k more than a Porsche 911 Carrera 4 S Cabrio.
The V8 puts out 424bhp at a heady 7900rpm, and although there’s a bit of a weight penalty because of the added stiffening required, the R8 V8 can still hit 62mph in 4.8sec and a top speed of 186mph.
What’s it like?
Fabulous. The arrival of the Lambo-derived V10 in the range has overshadowed the R8’s 4.2-litre powerplant a little - perhaps because the more modest motor was, in essence, available in ‘lesser’, non-supercar models.
But that’s dreadfully unfair. It’s got bags of charm, with decent low-down punch and a soundtrack that’s every bit as alluring as the 911’s six-pot. Beyond 4500rpm there’s some exhaust trickery that really cranks up the volume; it’s an utter hoot in tunnels, and the ability to lower the roof to hear it better is a real plus point.
The cabin is beautifully finished and nicely laid out, and the hood installation is first-rate. No, it’s not quite as civilised as a hard-roofed R8 at motorway speeds, but it’s far from uncomfortable. And in an open-air environment it does a decent job of protecting occupants from buffeting.
Join the debate
ryaner
Re: Audi R8 Spyder V8
[quote Autocar]and a useful price saving of more than £20k.[/quote]
Or just buy an 18 month barely run in V10 spyder for the same money.
MattDB
Re: Audi R8 Spyder V8
Interior is a looking a bit dated now. They should have given it a facelift at the same time.
chris 997
Re: Audi R8 Spyder V8
As a weekend toy for people with monster bank balances, I'm sure this is a real rival to a 911 (although if you have that much money, why not go for a V10?!). However, for those of us who use their car every day and care about running costs and practicality I don't think it is.
I want one, but an just not prepared to pay the extra it will cost....3rd 911 in a row for me I think!
V8Vantage
Los Angeles
Re: Audi R8 Spyder V8
[quote chris 997]However, for those of us who use their car every day and care about running costs and practicality I don't think it is. [Audi R8 V10] [/quote]An impressive deconstruction of a new piece of shiny metal. If only auto-writers were that thorough.
chris 997
Re: Audi R8 Spyder V8
...but I missed the bit about the 911 being AT LEAST as much fun to drive of course!
V8Vantage
Los Angeles
Re: Audi R8 Spyder V8
[quote chris 997]I missed the bit about the 911 being AT LEAST as much fun to drive of course![/quote]Pointless stating the obvious. Treating readers as intelligent gains respect.
bomb
Re: Audi R8 Spyder V8
[quote Los Angeles]Pointless stating the obvious. Treating readers as intelligent gains respect. [/quote]
Was that the written equivalent of a pat on the head? :-)
Not sure I'd take an R8 in brown. Despite these chastened times I can't see this V8 version taking more than about 15% of R8 Sypder sales.
Los Angeles
Re: Audi R8 Spyder V8
[quote bomb]Was that... a pat on the head?[/quote]Hi Bomb!
More tongue in cheek. I liked Monty Python for assuming viewers were bright; who else would act out comedy sketches in which Karl Marx, Socrates, and Plato feature? Thus, two housewives trying to get a meeting with philosopher, Jean-Paul Sartre, go from their laundrette to his apartment door:
Inspired. But I am wandering off topic ...
Will86
Re: Audi R8 Spyder V8
I might be in a minority but I'd take the V8 over the V10, I just prefer the noise. As for the 911, it may be a great car but the R8 looks so much better.
chris 997
Re: Audi R8 Spyder V8
I agree, it does look better, but then so do most ferraris and aston martins. The fact remains that when it comes to real life, I have to question the assertion that motoring correspondents keep on stating that the R8 is an "everyday" suopercar in the same way as a 911. Look back at my first post and you will see why i don't think it is!
V8Vantage
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