Audi drops the top on its flagship R8 sports car and sets its sights on the Italian competition. This new iteration of the lamborghini derived mid-engine coupe promises success.Powertrain and Performance:
The R8 convertible ("Spyder") shares the same powertrain with the R8 V10 Coupe. Under the hood is a 5.2 liter direct-injection V10 that is good for 525 horsepower and 391 lb
-ft of torque. This monstrous engine propels the car from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 4.1 seconds, only .2 seconds slower than the coupe.
The standard transmission option is Audi's six-speed manual with a gated shifter. Optional is the six-speed R-Tronic sequential manual transmission. This transmission is a manual transmission but with an automated clutch. All the driver has to do is pull a paddle on the steering wheel to switch gears. This transmission does not offer the rewards of a traditional manual, but it rips off shifts far quicker than even the most accomplished race driver could.
Handling and Engineering:
In creating the convertible, Audi engineers worked hard to save weight throughout. The Spyder only weighs 194 pounds more than the 3,597-pound coupe. The aluminum spaceframe, beefed up for extra stiffness only weighs 13.2 pounds more than the coupe's. The fabric roof and opening mechanism only weighs 93 pounds. Light aluminum is used for the hood and door panels, and a carbon-fiber compound is used for the quarter-panels and the rear-decklid. A dry-sump lubrication system allows the engine to be mounted low in the chassis.
All of these bits combined, this Spyder version promises to be as competent on the road as its coupe sibling. The car is extremely well balanced, and the Quattro all-wheel-drive system secures every last inch of grip on the road, allowing for more confident driving. On normal roads, no unwanted chassis flex, vibration, or cowl shake is detected. Even though the top is off, don't expect this car to be any less ferocious on the road.
Styling and Interior:
Engineering is important, but personality isn't everything. This audi backs up its serious performance with some great looks. "We didn't want to make the convertible look the same as the coupe," said Jurgen Wacker, the Spyder's project manager. First of all, and sadly, the Spyder lacks the gl
ass engine cover of the coupe. It is a little disappointing not to be able to show off the heart of the beast. Props to the designers, though for cleaning up the engine cover with some stylish vents. The car also lacks the characteristic R8 sideblades of the coupe. Some may find the clean flowing, sidebladeless look of the Spyder a little more easy on the eye, but I think it removes some character from the car.
The interior is still beautiful and very well appointed. Soft, hand stitched leather covers
the sport seats and dash. Carbon fiber and brushed aluminum trim adorn the cabin and add to its sporty, focused look. Full iPod integration and a Bang&Olufsen sound system are standard. The real music comes from the massive V10, and the sound is only enhanced with the top down.
The Verdict:
This R8 not only offers the pleasure of open-air driving, but also retains the serious sportiness of its coupe sibling. This car can seriously compete with its italian rivals from Lamboghini and Ferarri, as well as the Porsche Turbo's. At a price of $165,000, this car isn't cheap. It surpasses the coupe's price by about 20 grand, but it still undercuts its rivals by that same amount. Price, luxury, and exclusiveness combine to create a powerful combination.
Photo Credit: www.netcarshow.com
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