Roofless Powerhouse

2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-08-25 09:36

Audi is bringing its open-top sports car right on time for spring. The R8 Spyder only needs four seconds to reach 100 km / h, but not everyone will be granted this pleasure.

At the same time as the weather changes, Audi presents its answer to the open-top Porsche 911 Turbo: the Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro. At prices from 156,400 euros, the high-performance convertible is rolling out to dealers these days. The all-wheel-drive is powered by the 5.2-liter V10 direct-injection petrol engine with 386 kW / 525 PS, which is already familiar from the closed version. The drive accelerates the 1720 kilogram athlete from zero to 100 in 4.1 seconds. The end is only at 313 km / h.

"Smaller" engine only in 2011

The engine is linked to a six-speed manual gearbox, with a sequential automatic transmission available as an option. The permanent all-wheel drive is designed to emphasize the rear. Together with the limited slip differential on the rear axle, the 4x4 drive increases the athlete's stability when cornering at high speed. In contrast to the coupé, the air intakes of the convertible have a classic design. The aggressive front with a large grille and the large black air inlets under the curved LED headlights are identical.

The two-seater's soft top weighs just 42 kilograms. It can be opened and closed within 19 seconds while driving, and that up to a speed of 50 km / h. When the hat is open, a wind deflector ensures that the driver does not have too much wind blowing around the nose. The R8 Spyder has a microphone in the seat belt that is connected to the hands-free system so that it is also possible to make phone calls when driving without a roof. At the market launch, only the powerful V10 engine is initially available. In the coming year, the smaller V8 with 309 kW / 420 PS already offered in the Coupé will complete the engine range. (mid)