2010 Audi R8 Spyder: Exposed!
Published Sep 10, 2009
INGOLSTADT, Germany — With a little less than a week to go before its official unveiling at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show, the Audi R8 Spyder has been exposed with a number of photographs. Audi is still not officially releasing information about the R8 Spyder, but based on our previously gathered spy information and close examination of the images seen here, we can say a few things about the upcoming convertible version of the sports car from Ingolstadt.
First, the chocolate-colored car seen here is the 5.2 FSI model, powered by the same 525-horsepower V10 that motivates the R8 5.2 FSI coupe. The "V10" badge is clearly visible on the front fender. Other trim details are carried over from the V10 coupe as well, such as the twin oval tail pipes, chrome-trimmed front grille, shiny black trim and -- wait, are those chrome wheels?! They might be polished cast-aluminum wheels instead. It's hard to tell. Either way, they're flashy for an Audi.
We have no word as to whether Audi will produce a V8 version of the Spyder. Our earlier spy reports said no. But we expect that the 5.2 FSI Spyder will be available with a proper manual transmission or the R Tronic paddle-shifted automated manual, just as on the coupe. Naturally all-wheel drive will be standard equipment.
There are a few distinctive Spyder-specific details apparent in the car's appearance. Consistent with Audi's customary treatment for convertibles, the Spyder's windshield frame gets an alloy-silver look instead of body-color paint. Also, the cosmetic sideblades that are a graphic signature of the R8 have disappeared, replaced by more conventional side scoops. And, sadly, it looks as if the engine-under-glass look of the coupe won't be part of the Spyder's style.
No word on when the Spyder will reach U.S. dealers, but it shouldn't be more than a year. We would expect a price somewhere in the $180,000-200,000 range.
Inside Line says: For maybe the first time in our lives, we can now say that we love a brown sports car. — Daniel Pund, Senior Editor, Detroit