Audi R8 Spyder V10 Plus announced

Could a flagship drop-top be the pick of the new R8 range?

This is a coincidence, honest. Only yesterday we wrote about an R8 V10 Plus and here we are today with, er, another R8 V10 Plus. Sorry about that. It just wasn't expected this early...

Just in case they haven't heard you coming...

The R8 Spyder V10 Plus is the latest addition to the current R8 range, matching the 610hp of the coupe version and also featuring standard ceramic brakes and some carbon body parts too.

Now the 5.2-litre V10 is a big part of the appeal - indeed an "object of fascination", according to Audi - and so it's worth going into a little more detail. Peak power is made at 8,700rpm - eight seven! - and peak torque of 413lb ft is at 6,500rpm. It's the most powerful series production Audi engine too, a token 5hp ahead of the V8 in the RS6 Performance. Like the coupe the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is standard, contributing to a 0-62mph time of 3.3 seconds and a 204mph top speed.

20 seconds down, 20 seconds up again

Otherwise it's familiar from the R8 coupes and Spyders we've seen thus far, with carbon reinforced plastic used for the sideblades, sills and spoilers, those carbon ceramic brakes (380mm front discs, 356mm rear) and forged alloy wheels. For what it's worth, the R8 Spyder V10 Plus is said to weigh 1,587kg dry, 25kg less than a V10 Spyder; the brakes and wheels contribute to that, as do standard carbon-backed seats.

In fact the newest part of this Audi is the paint, the 'micrommata green' option now introduced and not dissimilar to the green seen on the AMG GT R. UK prices for both the paint and the car are due soon - more news when it's available.