Audi R8 GT Spyder (Sketches)

When the Audi R8 originally made its debut, we thought it was the perfect car from the brand to feature a lot of special-edition models like Porsche’s 911. Well, Audi is doing just that. Following the debut of the Audi R8 GT, the company has now confirmed plans to launch a lightweight GT version of the R8 Spyder in early 2012.

Click here for more news on the Audi R8.

Power is likely to come from the same setup in the Audi R8 GT, which is powered by a modified version of the 5.2L V10 making 560-hp (an increase of 35-hp) and a peak torque of 398.28 lb-ft. Top speed will come in at 193 instead of 198.84 like the coupe since it will be a convertible.

Also like the Audi R8 GT, production is expected to be limited to 333 units. You can expect a full public debut of the Audi R8 GT Spyder at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

Audi R8 GT Spyder (Sketches):

2011 Audi R8 GT:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoCar

2011 Audi R8 Spyder 4.2 quattro

So you want the 2011 Audi R8 Spyder but don’t want to pay $161,000 for the R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro manual or $170,000 for the R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro R tronic. Well, luckily Audi has just announced pricing on the 2011 Audi R8 Spyder 4.2 quattro, which is powered by a 430-hp V8 engine. 0-62 mph comes in 4.8 seconds with a top speed of 186 mph.

Prices will start at $127,700 (excluding $1,275 destination charge, taxes, title, options, and dealer charges).

The 2011 Audi R8 Spyder 4.2 quattro will go on sale alongside the coupe R8 4.2 quattro, which will start at $114,2000 Both V8 versions of the Audi R8 will be available in late 2010.

2011 Audi R8 Spyder 4.2 quattro:

- By: Zain Haq

2011 Audi R8 4.2 FSI

The 2011 Audi R8 Spyder in Europe is now available for sale in the UK with the 4.2L V8 FSI engine alongside the existing 5.2-litre V10 FSI. The latest version of the 4.2L V8 gets an output increase from 420-hp to 430-hp with a maximum torque of 317 lb-ft. That allows that Audi R8 Spyder 4.2 FSI to go from 0-62 mph in 4.8 seconds with a top speed of 186 mph.

The Audi R8 Spyder 4.2 FSI comes standard 6-speed manual transmission and the optional 6-speed R tronic automated manual – prices start at £95,545 ($147,492 USD)  and £100,855 ($155,689 USD) respectively.

Don’t worry, the Audi R8 Spyder 4.2 FSI isn’t only for the European market – it will me coming to the United States as well.

2010 Audi R8 Spyder:

Press Release:

AUDI ANNOUNCES A NEW SPECIES OF R8 SPYDER

Open-air R8 adopts eight-cylinder power for the first time as it takes on the upgraded Audi EU5 V8 engine in conjunction with the coupe

- New 4.2-litre FSI version of ‘convertible’ R8 now available to order with six-speed manual or six-speed R tronic automated manual transmission priced at £95,545 OTR and £100,855 OTR (pricing incorporating forthcoming 20% VAT rate) ““ first deliveries in January 2011

- Latest generation V8 gives 430PS at 7,900rpm, 430Nm from 4,500 to 6,000rpm, 0-62mph in 4.8 seconds, top speed 186mph, combined mpg 20.9 (R tronic)

- Fully automatic lightweight fabric hood helps to minimise weight in conjunction with Audi Space Frame aluminium construction enhanced by additional carbon fibre composite panels

- Standard specification mirrors R8 V8 Coupe but adds metallic paint, electric seat adjustment, seat heating and Bluetooth mobile phone preparation incorporating seatbelt microphones

UK Product Communications ““ Milton Keynes, September 9, 2010 — The Audi R8 Spyder is about to perform a pincer movement on the open-air supercar establishment as it adopts a new generation 4.2-litre V8 FSI petrol engine to run alongside the existing 5.2-litre V10 FSI. The new R8 Spyder 4.2 FSI quattro is now available to order priced at £95,545 OTR for the six-speed manual version and £100,855 for the six-speed R tronic automated manual. UK customer deliveries will begin in January 2011.

The latest version of the high-revving, dry sump-lubricated 4.2-litre FSI V8, which will be shared with the Coupe, complies with EU5 emissions limits with the help of a new recuperation system that conserves energy during coasting and braking. Its increased 430PS output (previously 420PS) peaks at 7,900rpm, with maximum torque of 430Nm arriving at 4,500rpm and being sustained through to 6,000rpm. At least 90 per cent of this torque can be tapped into even lower down the range from 3,500rpm, and from the 6,000rpm peak through to 7,500rpm.

In conjunction with both the standard six-speed manual transmission and the optional six-speed S tronic automated manual, the R8 Spyder 4.2 FSI quattro can sprint to 62mph from rest in just 4.8 seconds, and in the appropriate circumstances can continue to a 186mph top speed.

The electrohydraulically controlled hood, which opens the R8 Spyder 4.2 FSI quattro to the elements in 19 seconds at speeds of up to 31mph, blends harmoniously into the advanced aluminium and carbon fibre composite body shell’s dramatic lines, and when lowered folds like a Z beneath the automatically activated cover of its storage compartment above the V8 engine. The heated glass window, which is separate from the fabric hood, is lowered into the bulkhead. It can be independently raised and lowered at the touch of a button, with the top up or down. An additional wind deflector is fitted as standard and can be latched into the bulkhead behind the seats in two easy steps.

Beneath the skin, the deceptively spacious cabin is equipped with the same comforts as the existing V8-powered R8 Coupe, but also adds heating and electric adjustment for the Fine Nappa leather-trimmed seats, plus Bluetooth mobile phone preparation incorporating innovative seatbelt-mounted microphones which make it possible to talk on the phone even with the top down on the motorway. Metallic paint is also added over and above the R8 V8 specification.

- By: Kap Shah

Audi R8 Spyder by Sport Wheels

Tuning companies often put out sports packages for moderately fast cars; even sports cars like the Porsche 911 Turbo can see design teams try to upgrade the package. Truly rare, however, is the package for a full-on supercar to receive an extensive tuning and design pack. One such pack has come from Sport Wheels, a German tuning company, for the Audi R8 V10.

The Level 1 pack, for 1500 Euros, involves a power boost and torque boost of 40 hp and 30 lb-ft. This puts the R8 V10 at 565 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque, ferocious numbers to be sure. These specifications are, however, put to shame by Sport Wheels” Level 2 pack for the R8 V10. At 591 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque, the R8 V10 enters a new class of speed for the customer willing to pay Sport Wheels 5,869 Euros. In addition to these performance upgrades, new rims and a sports muffler can also come with the package.

For the one Audi R8 V10 owner thinking of getting a faster car, this package should prove more than enough – it is available immediately.

Audi R8 Spyder by Sport Wheels:

- By: Zain Haq

Source: Sport Wheels (via WCF)

2011 Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 quattro

Audi has announce pricing on the 2011 Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 quattro, which will hit U.S. showrooms as early as next month. Prices will start at $161,000 for the R8 Spyder 5.2 quattro manual and $170,000 for the R8 Spyder 5.2 quattro R tronic.

Audi will also offer the Audi R8 Spyder 4.2 FSI quattro later this year, which powered by the same 4.2L FSI V8 from the coupe making 430-hp with a maximum torque of 317 lb-ft. That allows for 0-62 mph to come in just 4.8 seconds with a top speed of 186 mph. Pricing will be announced closer to launch.

Refresher: Power for the Audi R8 Sypder 5.2 FSI quattro comes from a 5.2L FSI direct-injected V10 making 525-hp and a maximum torque of 391 lb-ft. Mated a 6-speed manual (with an available 6-speed R tronic automatic), 0 to 62 mph in 4.1 seconds with a top speed of 194 mph. Fuel-economy comes in at an estimated 16 mpg when mated to manual transmission and 17 mpg when mated to an automatic.

2011 Audi R8 Spyder:

Press Release:

Audi sets 2011 Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 quattro prices; confirms Audi RS5 Coupe is coming to U.S.
- The first open-top Audi supercar will begin at $161,000 MSRP
- The V10 Audi R8 Spyder achieves 525-hp and a top speed of 195 mph

HERNDON, Va., Jul 23, 2010 – Audi today announced that pricing for the new 2011 R8 Spyder 5.2 quattro® supercar will begin at $161,000 with the first of the hand-assembled models reaching U.S. showrooms as soon as next month.

Anticipation has been building for the arrival of the first Audi open-top supercar since it appeared as the car of choice for main character Tony Stark in the blockbuster action film Iron Man 2. The newest Audi R8 maintains the perfect balance of form and function that has distinguished coupe models in the R8 sports car family. But the R8 Spyder adds innovative touches that integrate the soft top without altering the dynamic styling lines, optimal weight distribution or high-performance characteristics of the coupe models.

The 2011 model-year MSRP for the R8 Spyder 5.2 quattro is as follows:

2011 R8 Spyder 5.2 quattro (V10) pricing (excluding $1,250 destination charge, taxes, title, options and dealer charges):
R8 Spyder 5.2 quattro (manual) $161,000
R8 Spyder 5.2 quattro (R tronic) $170,000

Among the innovative features is the soft top, which weighs just 66 pounds and folds or opens in just 19 seconds up to 31 mph. It combines with a heated safety glass rear window that can be extended or retracted with the top up or down. The soft top features triple layer insulation for interior acoustics and comfort close to levels enjoyed in the coupes.

Inside, the Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 quattro seats use thermal-resistant leather, which is colored with pigments that can cool hot seats by as much as 68 degrees ““ even in direct sunlight. The sports car also includes the world”s first Bluetooth® integration with seat belt microphone that operates clearly even with the top down.

The 2011 R8 Spyder 5.2 quattro features the same V10 engine found in the R8 LMS racecar and the R8 5.2 quattro coupe. It achieves 525 horsepower at 8,000 rpm and 391 lb-ft of torque at 6,500 rpm. The top track speed for the R8 Spyder is 195 mph with a 0-60 mph time of 4 seconds.

One visible difference between the Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 quattro and the Audi R8 Coupe models is the absence of the signature sideblades on the Spyder ““ a design change that retains the coupe lines, while accentuating the unique characteristics of the open-top Spyder. Another significant difference on the R8 Spyder is the use of dramatic Aluminum Optic vents on the new rear engine cover and aluminum a-pillars.

Like all Audi R8 models, the R8 Spyder 5.2 quattro reflects the Audi commitment to lightweight construction for better handling and efficiency. The hallmark of the R8 Spyder is the industry-leading aluminum Audi Space Frame technology used for most of the body. The rear quarter-panel fenders and customized engine hood are made from Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers.

- By: Omar Rana

We’re eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Iron Man 2, which will hit theaters on May 7. Audi has just released a new commercial featuring Tony Stark driving and showing off his new convertible R8.

Check out the commercial after the jump.

Refresher: Power for the Audi R8 Sypder 5.2 FSI quattro comes from a 5.2L FSI direct-injected V10 making 525-hp and a maximum torque of 391 lb-ft. Mated a 6-speed manual (with an available 6-speed R tronic automatic), 0 to 62 mph in 4.1 seconds with a top speed of 194 mph. Fuel-economy comes in at an estimated 16 mpg when mated to manual transmission and 17 mpg when mated to an automatic.

2010 Audi R8 Spyder:

2010 Audi R8 Spyder:

- By: Omar Rana

Already making 525-hp from its 5.2L FSI direct-injected V10 engine, the Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI is already a very powerful convertible. However, if you work at tuner ABT Sportsline that is not the case.

The ABT engineers messed around with the 5.2L V10 engine to pump out a total of 600-hp, allowing the R8 Spyder to go from 0-62 mph in 3.8 seconds (standard model does it in 4.1 seconds) with a top speed of 198 mph (standard model comes in at 194 mph).

Of course ABT Sportsline didn’t stop there. To give the “roadster” a more aggressive appeal, the designers added a new front grille, front apron, side sills, rear apron and a new rear spoiler. Those who wish to customize their Audi R8 Spyder also have the choice of picking from a range of dual-color ABT alloy wheels.

ABT Sportsline Audi R8 Spyder:

2010 Audi R8 Spyder:

- By: Kap Shah

Here is a little something to make your dull morning a little more exciting. Audi TV has just posted a commercial of the new 2010 Audi R8 Spyder V10 5.2 FSI quattro.

Believe us, it’s definitely worth taking out 3 minutes for (because you’ll watch it twice).

Refresher: Power for the Audi R8 Sypder 5.2 FSI quattro comes from a 5.2L FSI direct-injected V10 making 525-hp and a maximum torque of 391 lb-ft. Mated a 6-speed manual (with an available 6-speed R tronic automatic), 0 to 62 mph in 4.1 seconds with a top speed of 194 mph. Fuel-economy comes in at an estimated 16 mpg when mated to manual transmission and 17 mpg when mated to an automatic.

2010 Audi R8 Spyder:

2010 Audi R8 Spyder:

- By: Omar Rana

• Key Competitors: Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder, Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet and Ferrari California.
• Power: 5.2L FSI direct-injected V10 ““ 525-hp/391 lb-ft of torque.
• Transmission: 6-speed manual standard, 6-speed R tronic automatic.
• Performance: 0-62 mph in 4.1 seconds; top speed of 194 mph.
• Availability: 2010.
• Pricing: TBA.

They say you should save the best for last – so we did exactly that. After making its debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, the 2010 Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro has dropped its top at the 2009 LA Auto Show for its North American debut.

Audi says that the R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro averages an estimated fuel-economy of 16 mpg when mated to manual transmission and 17 mpg when mated to an automatic.

Follow the jump for all the live high-res photos.

2009 LA: 2011 Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro:

All Photos Copyright © 2009 Omar Rana ““ egmCarTech.

2011 Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro:

- By: Omar Rana

Tony Stark spied driving Audi R8 Spyder: Tony Stark (aka Iron Man) was spied driving to work in his brand new Audi R8 Spyder, which will make its official debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. Power comes from a 525-hp V10 taking the R8 Spyder from 0 to 62 mph in 4.1 seconds with a top speed of 180 mph. – AutoExpress

First Tata Nano owner takes delivery: Ratan Tata handed over the keys to the first owner of the Tata Nano. – Ashok Raghunath Vichare of Mumbai. “I hope the Tata Nano will bring motoring pleasure to those who will be buying their first car as also those who currently own cars but want a modern, contemporary, emission-friendly city car,” said Tata. – Indian Autos Blog

House approves bill to stop dealer closings: As reported yesterday dealers have been lobbying Congress for its support claiming that the government and the automakers ignored state franchise laws by breaking dealer contracts as part of their restructuring. The House approved a spending bill yesterday that includes a provision to reverse the closing of 789 Chrysler dealers and the planned closing of more than 2,000 GM dealers. – Detroit News

- By: Omar Rana

At the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, Audi will unveil a concept version of its upcoming Q3 crossover and the drop-top version of its R8 supercar.

According to Auto Motor und Sport , Audi is also planning an electric concept version, or ‘e-version,’ of the R8 supercar. No word yet on whether the car will carry a fully-electric powertrain or a gasoline/diesel electric hybrid system.

Audi is also expected to show the A5 Sportback and the A7 in Frankfurt.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Auto Motor und Sport

Audi sources have confirmed that the Stuttgart automaker will introduce a convertible version of the R8 supercar in 2011.

Sources told WhatCar? that the Audi R8 Spyder will have a full-length soft-top convertible roof. However, Audi has yet to confirm whether the R8 convertible will use the V8 or the 528-hp V10 engine from the R8′s current lineup.

Pricing is expected to come in significantly more than the hard-top sibling. Audi is expecting to target the Porsche 911 Cabriolet, V8 Vantage Roadster and the replacement for Ferrari’s F430 Spider.

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

Source: WhatCar

With many automakers yanking their presence at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, Cobo may seem like a boring place to be next month. However a handful of debuts will make attending the show worthwhile. According to CARandDRIVER, the 2010 Audi R8 V10 will make its debut next month in Detroit and will be followed by the Audi R8 Spyder in 2010.

The 2010 Audi R8 V10 will make its world debut next month with a 5.2L V10 making a total of 520-hp with a maximum torque of 398 lb-ft.

The Audi R8 Spyder will hit European markets in fall of 2009 and will arrive in U.S. showrooms as a 2011 model in early 2010. The R8 Spyder will also be offered with two engine choices including the base 420-hp 4.2L V8 and the 520-hp 5.2L V10.

How will you be able to tell the difference between both? While the base R8 will be distinguishable with its dual-quad exhaust pipes the R8 V10 will feature wide double pipes. Of course you can also tell the difference by the sound the cars will make when they zoom past you on the road.

Audi R8:

Source: CARandDRIVER