Friday 3rd June 2011

In Pics: Audi's R8 GT Spyder

R8 Spyder goes lightweight for hardcore limited edition

---

Audi has revealed a soft-top version of its R8 GT special edition called - imaginatively - the R8 GT Spyder.

Like the coupe, power comes from a 552bhp, 398lb ft version of the R8's 5.2-litre V10, making the R8 GT Spyder good for a top speed of 197mph and a 0-62mph run in 3.8 secs.

Audi has also chopped 85kg from the regular Spyder's kerb weight, largely down to extensive use of carbon fibre, including the soft-top's cover, the rear spoiler and the rear bumper. Oh, and the seats - which save a total of 32kg over the regular car's chairs.

Visual clues to the R8 GT Spyder include a twin-lipped front spoiler, carbon fibre winglets on the front bumper, dark LED taillights, a larger rear diffuser and distinctive round tailpipes.

Production will be limited to just 333 units (as with the coupe version) Sterling-shaped prices haven't been announced, but in Euro-land the R8 GT Spyder is set to cost 207,800 euros (or around £185k)

[MX5guy]

Not that the original car is a piece of art, but this one just looks a bit rubbish compared to the original. It looks more aftermarket tuning company than Audi.

[Remagel2507]

I agree it does look a little OTT for an in house Audi job

[P4ROT]

Also alot of money for an Audi! Would much rather have the lp-560-4

[goron59]

I think the standard spyder would do very nicely thankyou.

[soad]

goron59 said:

I think the standard spyder would do very nicely thankyou.

I reckon so too, esp. after seeing one yesterday.


Do like lighter seats though.
Quite expensive this one

[British Beef]

Audi is trying far too hard with this one.

This really is the ugly brother of the Gallardo, but it is almost the same cost and wears and Audi badge.

I am not a badge snob, but for near on £200k I want a raging bull not 4 hoops on the front of my car!!!!

[Adrian W]

How many TT's can you get for that money, and no one would notice the difference

[Dr G]

Audi bashing? On Pistonheads?

Oh the imagine!

I think it looks great, personally (awful colour in the pics mind).

For my £££ I'd have a standard manual coupe instead.

[Gatsods]

I reckon another good clue to tell it's the GT is also the massive rear wing.

But maybe that's just me, haha.

As others have said, I like it but Lamborghini's will always feel more exclusive. You don't see many Lambo's about, whereas I see a surprising amount of R8's about, and there is going to be that day where a friend thinks he saw "you" in a 4.2 V8 spyder...

Nah, I'll save up a little more and get this, ta!

http://automotiveroom.com/wp-content/uploads/2011-...
http://www.evo.co.uk/videos/planetevovideos/262807...

[Mermaid]

P4ROT said:

Also alot of money for an Audi! Would much rather have the lp-560-4

will sell well in the Middle East, US & China - their target markets.

[Draexin]

I'm sure it'll go like stink and handle brilliantly... but it's not exactly a looker, is it?

[Mr Whippy]

MX5guy said:

Not that the original car is a piece of art, but this one just looks a bit rubbish compared to the original. It looks more aftermarket tuning company than Audi.

Yep, they have made a hardcore car, but kinda made it look a bit naff.

Seems a bit of a contradiction. It's more racer, but looks less racer than a standard one.

Hmmm...

Wheels are the worst bit. Yikes.

Ugly but very capable and fairly hardcore cars must sell I suppose.

Dave

[Johnboy Mac]

I don't care what anybody tells me or how anybody can justify £185k for this. The price is off the wall.

[MogulBoy]

VW controls Porsche & Audi.

VW tells Porsche to send one of its price-skimming experts up to Ingostadt for the day.

The above is the result.

[WCZ]

horrid looks, horrid price.

[White-Noise]

Like the idea but this one looks very fussy, too many bits and bobs on it

[gbbird]

In terms of looks, i would prefer the standard V8 coupe any day of the week

[JenkinsComp]

I love the way that car manufacturers quote a small drop in mass, and see this as enough to promote the same car as a new "light"weight model.

Which is actually still very heavy indeed, at 1640kg

[YarisSR]

Standard spyder for me as well thanks. Not a fan of it!

[M666 EVO]

HOW MUCH??? FFS

It is saucier than a direct hit on a Heinz factory though