Audi R8 V10 Spyder arrives in Frankfurt
A stunning new take on the much lauded Audi R8 opens to the public, quite literally, at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show (September 17-27). The new R8 Spyder with fully automatic lightweight fabric hood brings added wind-in-hair intensity to the already extreme driving experience delivered by the lightweight aluminium, mid-engine and quattro-equipped super car. Based on the 525PS, 5.2-litre FSI model, but featuring a bespoke body incorporating additional weight-saving carbon fibre composite panels, the new open-air R8 will be available to order in the UK from November in six-speed manual and six-speed R tronic automated manual forms priced at £111,955 OTR and £117,155 OTR respectively. UK deliveries will start in the first quarter of 2010.
The sculpted lines of the emotion-packed R8 have been subtly re-interpreted to create the new Spyder. The absence of the distinctive side blades that extend into the roof of the fixed head R8 Coupe has been compensated for by the use of elegantly curved new side panels made of carbon fibre composite that blend beautifully with striking arched and vented cowls behind the cockpit which flow apparently seamlessly into the gently curving carbon fibre composite cover for the hood compartment.
Whether in this compartment or attached with absolute precision to the windscreen rail, the soft top blends harmoniously into the R8 design, and weighing in at a mere 30kg it also avoids impacting negatively on the dynamic aspects that have brought this car worldwide acclaim.
Electrohydraulically controlled, the hood opens and closes in 19 seconds at speeds of up to 31mph, and when lowering folds like a Z beneath the automatically activated cover of its storage compartment above the V10 engine. The heated glass window, which is separate from the fabric hood, is lowered into the bulkhead. It can be independently raised and lowered at the touch of a button, with the top up or down. An additional net-like wind deflector is fitted as standard and can be latched into the bulkhead behind the seats in two easy steps.
