The Audi R8 Spyder is an old-fashioned supercar powered by a naturally-aspirated 5.2-litre V10 motor. The Spyder’s overall package is modern and has all the latest technology.
Some people dismiss the Audi R8 Spyder, calling it an expensive Audi TT. However, these people rarely have actually driven Audi’s supercar. Besides, we didn’t see the TT with a V10 engine. It was only available in a choice between 533bhp or 602bhp.
Technical highlights
Audi’s 5.2-litre FSI V10 engine is rightly praised for its dazzling performance, spine-tingling soundtrack, and, when necessary, its calm nature. The V10 engine in the Spyder is the same as the one found in the coupe’s less powerful version.
Technology, interior design, and technology
The new Audi R8 Spyder may look the same as the old model to the untrained eye. However, if parked side-by-side, the differences are much more obvious. It is 14mm shorter than the old Spyder but 36mm wider. This makes it appear impossibly large from outside.
With trapezoidal tailpipes that are flanked by a diffuser with vertical ribs, the rear gives off a sense of width. The rear lights feature 118 individual LEDs and are often extravagant.
The Spyder’s trick folding roof may provide a lot of kerb appeal but it also means that the Spyder cannot have the coupe’s glass engine cover. This means that the V10 engine will remain hidden from view.
The interior of the R8 Spyder is a masterpiece of design and fit, designed to place the driver at center of all the action. The dashboard wraparound is designed to be centered on the driver and allows you to access most functions without having to get out of the car.
The red starter button can be found on the flat-bottomed steering wheel. It is located opposite another button that allows you to choose from different driving modes. The R8 Spyder has a real ‘race car on the road’ feel.
Performance, engines and drive
You can turn up the heat if the evolution styling has made you feel a bit cold. The Audi R8 Spyder supercar is stunning, and the removal of the roof only enhances the experience.
The roof is lowered first. It weighs only 44kg and can be opened/closed in 20 seconds at speeds up to 31.1 mph. The Audi R8 Spyder is 50kg weightier than the R8 coupe but the torsional inflexibility of the R8 Spyder has amplified by 50 percent over the previous model.
On a public highway, drive the Spyder side-by-side with the coupe and you won’t be able to tell the difference. It’s easy to forget that you’re driving a Spyder with the roof up. That’s a big compliment. Even on roads with rattling hatchback interiors, there isn’t much wobble to the structure.
The Audi R8 Spyder has a roof down and delivers its main USP: the sound. You can enjoy the full sound of the V10 engine without having to lift a piece of aluminium from your head and the bulkhead glass partition behind you.
It’s like turning up the Marshall amp to 11 and removing the aero screen behind the seats. It’s like sitting in the front row at Last Night of the Proms. Hit the 8,500-rpm mark. Only the V10 can be more melodic. He doesn’t even wear a Union Flag cap.
MPG, CO2 & Running Costs
R8 Spyder buyers won’t prioritize fuel economy or CO2 emissions, but this supercar is remarkable efficient.
The R8 Spyder’s lighter weight is a plus, but fuel efficiency is improved by the freewheeling mode. This allows the R8 Spyder to coast even when the engine is not engaged. Additional ‘tricks” include cylinder-on demand technology which shuts off five cylinders when they are not needed and a stop-start system.
The ‘standard V10’ could return up to 24.1mpg in a combined cycle, while V10 plus returns just 22.6mpg. If you want to get into the 20s, you will need to be gentle with your right foot.
Depreciation
The Audi R8 Spyder has the highest depreciation rate on the market due to its combination of brand image and performance. Prices for even the oldest models of the first generation are higher than PS60,000.