Audi releases full details on R8 GT Spyder

13 years, 5 months ago - 7 June 2011

Audi first let on that it would be producing a droptop version of its limited-edition R8 GT when it released a few sketches of the car back in April, and the recent spy shots of a test mule roaming the streets were evidence that a production version was close at hand.

Audi has finally made things official and released full details of the new V10-powered convertible.

Much of what made the R8 GT Coupe special stands true for the Spyder. Audi's main focus was on weight reduction, and by using a variety of lightweight materials it has managed to remove 85 kilograms off the total weight of the car. Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic plays a large role in dropping the pounds, making up the cover for the soft top, the rear spoiler and the rear bumper. The largest weight-savers are the seats, though, which shed nearly 70 pounds.

Visually, the R8 GT Spyder sets itself apart with a dual-lip front spoiler, carbon fiber winglets on the front bumper, round tailpipes, a larger rear diffuser and dark LED taillights. Power output is identical to the coupe, with the 5.2-liter V10 producing 560 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque. Audi claims a 0-100 kilometer per hour (62 miles per hour) time of just 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 197 mph. We're assuming that's with the top up...

Like the coupe, production will be extremely limited, with just 333 units scheduled for production. That exclusivity will surely carry a hefty price tag, and while pricing has yet to be announced for the U.S. market (its 207,800 Euro tag in Germany translates to over $300,000), and we expect it to carry a premium over the coupe's $198,000 MSRP.