Audi web catches new R8 roadster

How do you make a more exciting Audi R8? You wedge in a 500+ hp V10 behind the seats. How do you make an R8 V10 more exciting? You chop the top off.

Introducing the Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI Quattro, with a fully-automatic cloth top and several carbon fibre body parts to help the lightweight two-seater get to 100 km/h from a standstill in about four seconds, on its way to a 313 km/h top speed. Launch control and Audi's Quattro all-wheel drive system (with a default bias toward the rear wheels) keep the tires from spinning away traction.

Shifting is handled by a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional six-speed automatic with steering wheel paddles for the driver who wants to handle the gear selection.

Unlike the coupe, passersby can't marvel at the engine behind the seats -two arched cowls extend to the spoiler lip and include large, integrated air vents to ensure the engine can breathe properly, while creating a unique profile that's still reminiscent of the R8.

Unlike other recent convertible introductions, the R8 Spyder features a cloth top (as does every other Audi convertible) that weighs a mere 30 kg in order to keep the car's total weight and center of gravity low.

Folding up like a "Z" over the engine, the top takes up little space and is the main reason for not including the R8 side blade design of the coupe. The top can open and close in just 19 seconds, at speeds up to 50 km/h.

Separated from the top, the rear window winds down into the bulkhead; it can be raised at the push of a button to act as a wind blocker when the top is down, or lowered when the top is up to create ventilation through the cabin. A wind deflector net can also be installed behind the seats.

The R8 Spyder comes in 11 exterior colours (all metallic or pearl finished), in combination with three coloured tops.

The interior is fully cloaked in Nappa leather (available in six colour choices and featur ing an infrared deflecting treatment to keep them cooler) with heated seats, a Bang & Olufsen sound system, navigation system and climate control.

An opt ional microphone system embedded in each seatbelt (three microphones in each) makes it possible for either occupant to carry on a phone conversation hands-f ree even when the top is down during highway cruising. A standard microphone is embedded in the windshield trim.

2011 Audi R8 Spyder.

Callout:

Fact file 2011 Audi R8 Spyder

MSRP range:Est. $200,000

Notable options:Ceramic brake discs; rear back-up camera; seatbelt microphone system.

Configuration:
rear engine/ allwheel drive

Available engines:5.2L V10 (525 hp/ 391 lb.-ft.)

Available transmissions:6-spd manual; 6-spd auto with sequential shift.

Fuel economy ratings

(L/100km):Euro cycle comb.: 14.9 (man.), 13.9 (auto)

Competitors:
Aston Martin V12 Vantage
Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
Ferrari F430 Spider
Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder.

Source : St. Catharines Standard - Ontario, CA

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DILEEP