Audi R8 Spyder

One of the Frankfurt motor show stars has leaked onto the internet early. The Audi R8 Spyder joins the four-ringed brand's other new models prepped for the show, but will no doubt attract a whole lot more attention. Even if it is brown...

Due to the nature of the leak there's no confirmed information on the car, but judging by the R8 V10-eque rear styling we're in no doubt it will use the R8 range's 10-cylinder, 5.2-litre engine. That makes it good for 518bhp and 391lb ft of torque, while we'd expect the Spyder's inevitable weight increase to raise and lower the coupe's 3.9sec dash to 62mph and 196mph top speed respectively, although not by much. It'll remain mid-engined and four-wheel drive.

Styling-wise, the drop-top differs from the coupe by its obvious lack of a roof (to be replaced by a soft rather than hard top, happily) and the missing carbon side blades. They're a trademark feature of the regular R8, but unsurprisingly couldn't be slotted into the Spyder's design. The windscreen also gets a new aluminium surround.

Sales will begin next year, with a price increase of around 15-20 per cent over the £99,580 R8 V10 coupe likely. We'll find out firmer details when the sheets are pulled from the R8 Spyder at the Frankfurt show on September 15. We'll be there providing live coverage, which you can follow here.

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