Paris: V8 Audi R8 Spyder

Open R8 finally gets its V8 option, plus miscellaneous tweaks

By A1GOY / Thursday, 30 September 2010 / Loading comments

If it wasn't for the new Quattro concept, this is what we'd all be looking at on the Audi stand - they've lopped the head off the V8 R8, and Paris is the new model's show debut.

The new V8 Spyder (and the coupé) comes with a slightly updated engine to comply with the Euro V emissions regulations, which isn't bad news at all, as the update helpfully gives it 10bhp more than before at 424bhp.

Transmissions on offer are standard R8 fare - a six-speed manual or the six-speed R-tronic automatic. Both options will take the V8 Spyder to 62mph in 4.8seconds and on to 186mph. Where legal, naturally.

To make the Spyder a little more enticing it gets a few more standard options over the coupé. You get electrically adjustable heated seats, Bluetooth, seatbelt mounted mics (for roof-off motorway phone chats) and extra metallic paint options.

If that sounds like your cup of tea, be prepared to drop at least £95,545 for the manual and £100,855 for R-Tronic 'auto. Deliveries begin in January 2011.