Audi unveiled its new R8 Spyder today at the New York International Auto Show, which will allow drivers to revel in the mighty roar of the V10 engine whilst driving 'al-fresco'.
V10 Power
As mentioned, the R8 Spyder will be powered by a naturally aspirated 5.2 litre V10 engine which will give the Audi 532 bhp and is mounted in the middle. This powerplant gives the R8 a 0-62 time of 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 197 mph. The V10 is sure to give a loud noise but if that isn't quite loud enough for you then you get the optional sports exhaust system which gives the engine note an added edge and more noise. Mmmmmmmm.
The V10 engine is mounted to a seven-speed S Tronic gearbox which uses two clutches for a rapid change. The R8 will also use Audi's famous Quattro system and will offer better handling thanks to a 50% improvement in torsional rigidity. The driver can select from four driving modes to best suit the mood they happen to be in and the car will also drive all power to the rear wheels in extreme cases which is sure to make matters interesting,
Audi Space Frame
The Spyder weighs in at 1,612kg thanks to the German firm's newly developed 'Space Frame'. In essence the system uses a aluminum and carbon fibre to provide a body that is not only strong, but light. This means that the car will be safer as will as more dynamic to drive. The car also uses lightweight aluminum wishbones, the kind of thing you would expect to see in motorsport.
Cloth, Not Metal
Unlike the new Mazda MX-5 RF, the R8 will opt for a cloth hood which will help with lightness and can be folded away in 20 seconds at upto speeds of 31 mph. The car that is, not the roof. Improvements have been made to reduce road and wind noise in the cabin as well as air turbulence when the roof is down. There is a textile to wind deflector to help with unwanted wind flow with the rear window also acting as an additional wind deflector.
The new R8 Spyder will go on sale in the UK soon with no prices announced, although the likely price is £130,000.
