AUDI R8 GT SPYDER BREAKS COVER!

Just a couple of months after delivering the Audi R8 GT Coupe to Mzansi customers, Audi has now officially taken the wraps off the Spyder edition of the same car. Spyder is fancy for cabriolet or convertible. In Germany the car will be priced at €207 800 (R2 million).

Based on the R8 GT Coupe, which itself is based on the R8 V10, the GT Spyder will be one of 333 units produced for the entire global market, the same number as the GT Coupe. Its power comes from the naturally aspirated 5.2-litre V10 engine with dry sump oil lubrication and an aluminium crankcase. Maximum power is 412kW and peak torque is 540Nm at 6500rpm. Through its R Tronic transmission the car can accelerate from 0 – 100km/h in just 3.8 seconds, reaching a top end of 317km/h.

It weighs 85kg less than the V10 Spyder, or just 15kg more than the normal R8 V10, thanks to extensive use of light materials like carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP), aluminium and others. While quattro AWD is still in full effect, the car is rear-wheel-biased, although at the same time more torque can be sent to the front axle if need be.

The interior features nappa leather, alcantara upholstery as standard, white dials, automatic air con, a Bang & Olufsen sound system and satellite navigation. Racing bucket seats are available as options.

No word on a South African allocation from Audi SA yet.