After many spy images and teaser images, we were finally granted the first official look at the long awaited Audi R8 Spyder last week at the New York Motor Show 2016; Audi was extremely proud to reveal the convertible version of its R8 V10 supercar, and so they should have been. The car is a clearly fearsome machine – and one of which we are itching to jump into the driver’s seat of.
Like it’s predecessor, the Audi R8 Spyder holds no place for the glass panel above the engine, as is existent on the Coupé, and instead adds extra cooling vents to the extended rear panel of the marque. The roof itself carries a heavy resemblance to the outgoing car, fabric and inclusive of a vertical rear window that naturally retracts when the roof is lowered.
Inside, the car features the renowned Virtual Cockpit display, as seen on the Coupé, while the quirky red starter button sits on the sports steering wheel.
What has changed on the new supercar, then?
Well, the definitive cloth roof now weighs only 44kg, and – similar to the new Mercedes-Benz SLC – can now open and close at up to 31 MPH in only 20 seconds. Moreover, air turbulence has been significantly reduced, resulting in a far quieter road and wind noise when compared to the previous Audi R8 Spyder. Audi also claims that the synthetic textile wind deflector will contribute in reducing airflow around the head by up to 90%.
The new Audi R8 Spyder will be far lighter than the previous model – 113 KG lighter, in fact, accredited to the carbon-fibre reinforced spaceframe, as well as additional stiffening to both the A-pillar and sills. Torsional rigidity has also improved by 50% over the previous model.
The Audi R8 Spyder will conceal the 5.2-litre V10 engine, producing 532 BHP and allowing the supercar to race from 0-62 MPH in a miniscule 3.6 seconds. Amazingly, that is only one-tenth less than the standard Audi R8, despite being 158 KG heavier, thanks to considerable body strengthening as compensation for the lack of a roof.
For those practical of mind, good news: the new Audi R8 Spyder has become more fuel efficient…10% better, in fact. It boasts 24.1 MPG, as well as lower CO2 emission figures. How these will hold up in the more powerful “plus” version of the R8 Spyder, promised towards the end of this year, we do not yet know.
Our own Signature Car Hire Audi Fleet proudly owns an Audi R8 V10 Plus Coupé within its ranks, and oh boy, does it fly. Breath-taking performance and superb road handling make the Audi R8 the perfect self-drive hire option; take control of the steering wheel and enjoy both the luxury of the cabin paired with that excitable growl of the engine – nothing says high-performance quite like an Audi R8.
We here at Signature Car Hire are always ready to welcome and assist you in Making your Marque.