Friday 31st July 2009

Exclusive: Soft-top Audi R8 Revealed

Drop-top Audi R8 undisguised in unofficial Audi dealer ad

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R8 convertible may be V10 only

This grainy camera phone image is the best proof yet that a soft-top version of the Audi R8 is on the way.

It shows an undisguised R8 convertible and reveals that the fabric-hooded drop-top keeps the majority of the lines of its coupe sibling, although it loses the distinctive aluminium side 'blades'. It has been leaked onto the internet by Stafford Audi dealership, which had posted a classified ad (now removed, presumably at the behest of Audi high-ups) to say that it is taking deposits for the new soft-top supercar.

Although the looks remain similar to those of the coupe, the chassis is expected to be strengthened to cope with the loss of the roof, while extra intakes and a pair of roll-over bars will be fitted behind the seats.

Stafford Audi puts the price at an estimated £105k, but says that the only engine option will be the range-topping 5.2-litre V10. The ad also suggests that the car will be revealed in public for the first time at the Geneva motor show next March.

Spy image shows fabric roof

Despite the PH classified ad, and the rumours and spy images that have been flying around the web for some time suggesting the car could hit UK showrooms in 2011, Audi will not officially confirm the existence of the car.

Still, with evidence of such a polished prototype, and with dealers clearly keen to take deposits, we reckon it's a reasonable bet that an R8 convertible is headed for production.

[Mini1275]

Is it me or is it bloody awful!

[chickensoup]

You sure that is not just a TT?

[BBS-LM]

Well that a surprise.

[morebeanz]

Now you really can pay a fortune to drive what looks like a glorified TT!

I'm all for corporate styling cues, but I think they've made a mistake here...

[Speed_Demon]

Ewwwwww.

[dctvr]

I agree, they really should be looking at a targa type look, rather than a full convertible, as this looks bloody terrible!

DC

[Zod]

I love the R8, but that looks utterly dreadful.

[RBV8]

That pic is from the set of the movie Iron Man 2, the no. plate is "Stark 11", was in the papers a few weeks back if I remember.

Yup better pics here....

http://www.automotiveaddicts.com/5650/spy-shots-au...

[LuS1fer]

Looks like it's joined the ranks of the folding-steel roof badly-proportioned aberrations foisted on us by designers with no sense of proportion. Should suit celebrities with fake orange tans or footballer's wives.

[fastgerman.com]

The first and second images show a completely different set up for the roof.

First is a completely retractable roof

Second is a 'targa' top

I'm sure the real thing will look good!

I still think the 997 C4S Convertible is the best sub 100k soft top at the minute

[Streetrod]

Ok folks lets look at some decent pictures of R8 Spyder. And too all those who still insist on beating the old "It looks like a TT" line I suggest a trip to Spec Savers would be in order.

Oh and its nice to see that the coolest Super Hero in the world also has great taste













In the last pic it looks a lot like a Gallardo

Edited by Streetrod on Friday 31st July 13:52

Edited by Streetrod on Friday 31st July 13:53

[posterboy]

Very nice, on my list!

[matg]

Perfect for shopping at B&Q judging by that last picture.

[DP 1]

With the roof down I actually think it looks nicer- not a fan of R8s though- they just don't have the badge or sense of occasion (interior too similar to TT) for something over 100k imho

[fastgerman.com]

Dam that looks good in black!

[AndrewW-G]

He had a V10 in the first film before they came out, so not supprised Tony Stark's driving another preproduction toy in the second . . . . . . . . my favourite of all the Marvel film adaptations

[Azimat]

With the roof down it looks like a slipper

will have to buy two now

[Streetrod]

AndrewW-G said:

He had a V10 in the first film before they came out, so not supprised Tony Stark's driving another preproduction toy in the second . . . . . . . . my favourite of all the Marvel film adaptations

Sorry Andrew it was the V8 in the first film, but you are right about the film, it was great

[fastgerman.com]

Azimat said:

With the roof down it looks like a slipper

will have to buy two now

A sailor?!

I do like a good Aqua Riva

[cheshire_cat]

Wow, I love it. The V10 would sound amazing with the roof down.