We knew it was coming, we just didn’t know when. Audi just officially announced production of the R8 Spyder 4.2 FSI quattro – the latest in the R8 supercar lineup. We already have the R8 Spyder 5.2, featuring Audi’s 525 hp V10, but now those seeking a bit less performance can opt for the excellent 4.2-liter V8 producing 430 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque.

The drop-top R8 is similar to the coupe – standard quattro (AWD) powertrain, available in 6-speed manual or R tronic gearbox, optional LED headlights and seatbelt microphone. The soft top weighs only 93 lbs, controlled with an electrohydraulic system that closes up in 19 seconds.

And for those of you afraid the soft top R8 is for wieners – well, you’re probably right, but it can still scoot. 62 mph from a stop comes in only 4.8 seconds, up to a top speed of 186 mph. That’s with both the manual or R tronic gearbox. And since fuel economy is apparently a concern in a supercar nowadays, the car comes with a regenerative braking system that recoups energy normally wasted while slowing down. This helps the car get an impressive 17 mpg (16 mpg with the manual) combined highway/city miles.

Germany will start seeing the R8 Spyder 4.2 on showrooms within the next few months; no word on bringing the car to the States.
Me, I’ll pass on the silly-looking convertible and head straight for the R8 GT, thank you.

Readers of German magazine “Auto Zeitung” recently gave Audi a few design awards. First up, Audi was voted “Brand with the most beautiful cars,” beating out over 50 other carmakers. In addition, the R8 Spyder was awarded “most beautiful convertible,” also finishing third for “most beautiful car model,” while Audi got additional props for the A5 Sportback finishing right behind it in fourth.

I don’t particularly agree with the R8 Spyder being very pretty, but you know those Germans…

photo by Mert Esmer

Abt’s latest creation they’ll be displaying at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, which is their take on the Audi R8 Spyder. Abt squeezed 75 more horsepower out of the 5.2-liter V10 engine, bringing the power up to nearly 600 hp. The results: The Abt R8 Spyder will reach zero to 62 mph in only 3.8 seconds with a top speed of 199 mph. Just couldn’t squeeze out that extra mph, huh Abt?

Aesthetics are all Abt, as usual, with modifications to the front, rear, and sides. Abt 20-inch and 19-inch wheels are available as well, giving the car an extra aggressive look. We should know more info about the car in a few days. In the mean time, check out the photos below, courtesy of gtspirit.com:

2011 Audi R8 Spyder

Audi is officially unveiled the long-awaited R8 Spyder at the Frankfurt Motor Show, and just released details on the car. The R8 Spyder is set to compete directly with the Ferrari F430 Spider, Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder (sort of,) and the Porsche 911 Cabriolet Carrera 4S. The 525 horsepower 5.2-liter V10 engine is phenomenal, and will be mated to a six-speed manual or dual-clutch R-tronic transmission. This combo will help the R8 Spyder reach 0-62 mph in only 4.1 seconds, to a top speed of 194 mph.

If you’ve been reading this blog, you’ll know I’m not a fan of the R8 Spyder. I think it’s ugly, and is one of those cars that aren’t meant to be convertibles. They got rid of the sideblade, which really gave the coupe character and helped visually shorten the body. The engine cover, which is clear on the coupe, is now opaque since nobody wants to see the folded-up top stored, but no longer allows you to see the engine bay; one of the great visual features on the R8. The aluminum-coated windshield frame catches the eye in a weird way and simply looks awful. And brown for the signature color? Come on Audi.

2011 Audi R8 Spyder rear

Despite my overall disdain for the R8 Spyder, I have to hand it to Audi for the engineering. While they need to fire the designers of this thing, the technical specs are impressive. Since it sports the same 5.2-liter V10 engine as the R8 V10, we already know the engine specs, but the Spyder version offers a few more features. All-LED headlights are a first, and a step in the right direction. I expect those to be in all Audis after a while. The top is made from a soft fabric to reduce weight and storage space – just like all other open-top Audis – and can be folded up or down in 19 seconds up to 31 mph.

A few interior changes round out the package, which turns out is not much different than the V10 coupe, just much, much uglier. Sales in Germany will begin early next year and start at 156,400 Euros, or somewhere around $228,563 USD. A big price to pay for such an ugly car. If you somehow like how it looks and like the idea of the R8 being a drop-top, you’ll be happy with the car. It’s very well-made and I’m sure it will be a blast to drive.

Check out the photo gallery and video below:

View Photo Album

Audi R8 Spyder

The Audi R8 Spyder was meant to be officially unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show on September 15th, but it looks like some photos leaked out online a bit earlier than that. From the looks of things, the R8 Spyder will feature a foldable soft top. While this keeps weight down and cargo space up, I’m sure it looks terrible with the top up.

The R8 Spyder, as previously reported will probably only be offered with the 5.2-liter, 525 hp V10 engine seen in the R8 V10 coupe. Other visual changes include the unfortunate removal of the sideblades, and a different, silly-looking engine cover.

I really wish they wouldn’t make this thing.

source: CarScoop

The good fellows at AutoExpress spotted the Audi R8 V10 Spyder used during filming of the movie Iron Man 2. The 525 horsepower car will exclusively use the 5.2-liter V10 engine at first, but will probably get the 4.2-liter V8 down the road as well. I still think the Spyder is an abomination and should be buried far, far away. For God’s sake, it doesn’t even have the sideblade! I’ll stick with the R8 coupe, thanks Audi.

Head over to AutoExpress for a few more pictures.

2011 Audi R8 Spyder V10

More spy shots have surfaced of the R8 Spyder, this time wielding the beastly 5.2-liter, 520 horsepower V10. The car was spotted circling the German Nurburgring test track, of course, and is expected to be unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Weight savings seems to be a focus of the convertible model, with a soft top instead of the heavier but more attractive retractable hard top. For the Spyder version, Audi has unfortunately removed the signature aluminum side blade, which added a sense of aggressiveness and broke up the long wheelbase, which otherwise looks a bit awkward. The coupe version of the R8 is a gorgeous car, and the convertible version destroys what made the coupe so pretty.

Some cars should not be made into a convertible, and the R8 is one of them. The R8 is one of my all-time favorite cars, but the Spyder version is disappointing.

More spy photos below.