2011 Audi R8 5.2 quattro prices to start at $161,000

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:

2010 Audi R8 Spyder 2010 Audi R8 Spyder 2010 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