AUDI R8 spyder V10 at the 2016 new york auto show

AUDI slices off roof to transform second-generation R8 V10 into a convertible
all images courtesy of AUDI

AUDI opens another chapter in the ‘R8’ story with an open-roof high-performance edition called the ‘R8 spyder V10’. the second-generation coupé made it’s debut at the 2015 geneva motor show, where it featured a V10 5.2 FSI engine available in two versions. the convertible continues with the same engine setups, but with a more captivating snarl and roar once the lightweight cloth roof top is dropped down.

the second-generation AUDI ‘R8 spyder V10’

the german luxury carmaker continues with the same profile, but with a wider stance than it’s coupé predecessor. the forward position of the passenger compartment, the highly accentuated wheel arches and the long back define the silhouette of a mid-engine sports car. horizontal lines at the front and rear emphasize the width of the ‘R8 spyder’, as does the large, low radiator grille. sculptural surfaces connect it to the wedge-shape headlights in each of the 37 LEDs.

the convertible is wider than it’s coupé predecessor

the newly developed roof is made of cloth and weighs only 44 kilograms, which contributes to the low overall weight of the sports car. an electro-hydraulic drive opens and closes the soft top at the press of a button is just 20 seconds, and can be done so while driving at speeds of up to 50 km/h. the roof tucks away behind the seats under a compartment cover.

the roof tucks away behind the seats under a compartment cover

the interior continues with AUDI’s consistent focus on the driver. the leather steering wheel features standard buttons for starting and stopping the engine, and for the driving dynamics system. also added are two extra buttons for the performance mode and one for the exhaust flap control to adjust noise levels.

‘R8 spyder V10’ with carbon fiber aerodynamic fins

the cockpit presents all the information in detail through a 12.3 inch monitor, where the driver can choose between three screens – the classic view, the infotainment view and the performance view. the displays around the speedometer and rev counter can be customized to individual preferences. be sure to check out designboom’s test drive in portugal of the AUDI ‘R8’ coupé here.

the added cloth roof weighs only 44 kilograms