Skip advert
Advertisement

Audi R8 Spider

The convertible version of Audi’s R8 supercar has been spotted testing in Germany without a hint of camouflage

These latest images of the test car reveal that the new convertible will gain a conventional fabric roof but misses out on the R8’s trademark aluminum side blades. Other major changes for the new Spider that are expected to make it to production will be additional air intakes located behind the seats as well as a pair of safety roll-over bars. The placement of the fuel filler cap will also be changed due to the missing rear pillars, while changes under the sheetmetal will likely include extra chassis strengthening.

Advertisement - Article continues below

While the base model will likely stick with the hard-top’s 420hp (313kW) 4.2L V8 engine, there’s talk that Audi may shoe-horn the 5.2L V10 from the S6 and S8 sports-saloons into a mid-level model and reserve the 5.0L twin-turbo V10 from the RS6 for a high-performance RS-variant. The differences between it and the standard V8 model will extend beyond just horsepower outputs. The chassis has reportedly been modified to accommodate the extra power, gaining upgraded suspension, steering and braking systems. This particular test car is thought to be the top end RS version of the new R8. Tell-tale signs are the exhaust pipe and diffusers, which are the same as those fitted to Audi’s other V10 models, as well as the new grille design. Onlookers even claim the test car had the sound of a V10 and not a V8.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Porsche Taycan review – the most complete electric car on sale
Porsche Taycan – front
In-depth reviews

Porsche Taycan review – the most complete electric car on sale

The Taycan is one of the most broadly talented EVs you can buy, with class leading performance, range and genuine Porsche DNA in the way it drives
9 Oct 2024
BMW Skytop V8 roadster to go into limited production
BMW Skytop front
News

BMW Skytop V8 roadster to go into limited production

Just 50 examples of the M8-based Skytop are expected to be made, priced at over £400,000 each
11 Oct 2024
Used car deals of the week
Main used car deals
Advice

Used car deals of the week

In this week’s used car deals, we’ve sourced everything from a Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 to a McLaren P1
10 Oct 2024