For the first time Audi is offering a V8 engine in the R8 Spyder. The engine is an updated and more powerful unit that will also be fitted to the R8 coupé.
The capacity of the dry-sump V8 is still 4.2-litres, but power is up by 10- to 430hp - maximum torque is unchanged at 430Nm. The V8 is Euro 5 compliant and features an energy recuperation system to help reduce fuel consumption. Manual and R tronic automated manual gearboxes are available. Audi's performance claims are the same regardless of the transmission with 0-100km/h taking 4.8 seconds and a top speed of 300km/h.
The rest of the package should be familiar to anyone with experience of the V10 Spyder; including the electro-hydraulically operated roof that can be operated at speeds up to 50km/h. Compared to the V8 coupé, the interior gains heating and electric adjustment for the seats and Bluetooth with a seatbelt-mounted microphone for hands-free phone conversations. Finally, metallic paint is standard on the Spyder.
The new R8 Spyder V8 should be available from January 2011 at a price of €176,820.