Well this is a bit more like it. The most recent motor show launches from Audi haven't exactly captured hearts and minds on PH, what with cars like the Q2 and the "individual" A4 Allroad. But a new drop-top
R8
A more successful look than the coupe?
Announced today at New York, the R8 Spyder will be offered initially with 'just' the 540hp V10; no 610hp Plus model has yet been confirmed, you'd imagine to spare Lamborghini's blushes with the Huracan Spyder of identical power. Let's wait and see. We're told removing the roof from the R8 offers "an even more intense experience" for enjoying that V10.
It uses a cloth roof, keeping weight down to a reasonable 1,612kg dry. Still 125kg more than the equivalent coupe though... Never ones to let achievements go unnoticed, Audi says the appearance of the roof "harmonises perfectly with the athletic design of this high-performance sports car." It can be raised or lowered in 20 seconds at up to 31mph, that speed of course perfect for any urban driving and/or posing required in the UK. Torsional rigidity is claimed to be up 50 per cent on the old car.
Performance has predictably taken a slight hit with that weight gain, 0-62mph taking 3.6 seconds - a tenth slower than the coupe - and the top speed 1mph down at 197mph. Still not exactly sluggish, and roof down with that engine promises to be quite the experience.
Not raining? Get the roof down!
There's no mention currently of any suspension tweaks to accommodate the additional mass, and elsewhere it's much as the coupe R8. There's an important change for the virtual cockpit though, with the possibility now to display "selected content" from your phone directly to that 12.3-inch screen. Any sensible suggestions on what that content might be gladly welcomed...
A UK price and launch date should follow soon on the R8 Spyder, but it surely can't be far off; what better car to be seen in this summer? It will of course face a wealth of rivals at c.£150K as well, the revised 911 Turbo Cabriolet, SL63 and Ferrari California HS all worthy alternatives. There's the cool Italian half-brother to consider too. And a 570S Spider can't be far off, can it? What a time to be a supercar cabrio buyer!