Audi R8 Spider

[Dark Angel]

Audi will next year launch this open-top version of its R8 supercar. The Spider is one of a growing choice of R8s – buyers bored of the default 911 will soon be able to pick between two petrols and a V12 diesel, plus coupe or targa bodystyles. ItΆs typical of a car maker not exactly afraid of baffling buyers with extensive choice of engine/gearbox/driven wheels even in its most humdrum ranges.

ItΆs also a logical step as Porsche makes plenty of capital out of the 911 soft-top versions – and the R8 is aimed squarely at that domestic rival. Our artistΆs impression has been built using the exclusive sketch CAR smuggled out of Ingolstadt last year (image, middle right) and isnΆt mere fantasy. Expect to see twin speedster humps sprouting above the mid-mounted engine and a subtly truncated aluminium blade ahead of the rear wheels.

Audi R8 Spider: the hood

Our sources in Germany suggest that the roof of the Spider will be a removable targa affair, with detachable panels rather than a canvas hood or folding hard top. Although more flexible, the latter two would be hard to engineer with the mid-mounted engine sitting where youΆd need a cubby for the lowered hood and associated mechanism. As most of these cars will be sold in warmer climes of the worldΆs biggest soft-top market (think Florida), targa panels shouldnΆt worry typical buyers.

TodayΆs R8 coupe costs £78,200 suggesting the Spider will cost nearer £85,000 with the 414bhp 4.2-litre V8 engine option. But there is a raft of engines under development at Audi, creating a supercar range with a car for all tastes.

Audi has halted R8 development of the higher-powered twin-turbo Lambo V10 from the RS6; there have been fires in prototype development and other options – namely a naturally aspirated V10 – are now most likely. This yearΆs V12 diesel concept car (image, far right) points to the likelihood of a derv sports car, powered by the 6.0-litre bent twelve delivering a traction-troubling 493bhp and 738lb ft. Sounds mad, but Audi is deadly serious about putting this into production.

A diesel Audi sports car that can reach 62mph in 4.2 seconds and top 180mph? WhoΆd have thought it! But in this marketing-led age, it makes perfect sense: the perfect complement to AudiΆs racetrack activities and a sop to the eco-brigade (of sorts). ItΆs not going to challenge your A3 TDI for emissions, but the R8 derv concept did have AdBlue technology to clean up its emissions.

Audi R8: the future

The aluminium sports car has been a smash hit for Audi. ThereΆs still a waiting list of at least 12 months in the UK and even the cheapest second-hand versions are selling at above list price; you canΆt buy a used R8 for less than £80,000 (and thatΆs a left-hooker) while the priciest in the classifieds top £105,000 when we looked yesterday.

Audi hopes to keep the buzz going by gently expanding the range to have three engine options:

• R8: 414bhp naturally aspirated V8

• RS8: 500bhp naturally aspirated V10

• R8 TDI: 500bhp twin-turbo V12 turbodiesel

And two bodystyles:

• R8 Coupe from £78,200

• R8 Spyder from £85,000

An R8 for every pocket, you could say.

http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/Secret-new-ca...pider-revealed/

[madboy]

Ειχα την τυχη περσυ στην Γερμανια να οδηγησω ενα. ΤΟ αυτοκινητο. Ειναι το μαυρο στις φοτο

Edited August 12, 2008 by madboy

[Dark Angel]

Audi R8 Spider (2009): spy photos

By Ben Pulman

13 August 2008 11:25

This is the stunning new Audi R8 Spider with a fully convertible fabric roof. Snapped by CAR OnlineΆs spies undergoing development work at the Nurburgring, this is the first time the Audi R8 Spider has broken cover and our pictures reveal the folding roof. Contrary to previous reports the R8 Spider wonΆt have a lift-out targa-style panel, but a folding roof that will tuck away neatly next to the rear bulkhead.

WhatΆs the evidence the Audi R8 Spider will be a proper convertible?

The clues are obvious. The rear bodywork is new (see our photos for comparison with a regular R8), with a two-piece flat rear deck replacing the sweeping pillars of the coupe. This allows for a Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder-style folding roof, with small rear fabric buttresses.

In our photos these buttresses are partially disguised by the fake sloping rear screen. Beneath this, and on the production cars, youΆll find a glass cover showing the engine in all its glory. Expect most R8 Spider owners to tick the options box for the LED engine bay lighting.

Although not visible in our pictures, the other clue this R8 is a full drop-top has been the movement of the fuel filler cap. It no longer sits on the rear pillar, because that no longer exists. It has instead moved to a position just ahead of the rear wheelarch.

Cool. What else should I know about the Audi R8 Spider?

The car in our spy photos has different front and rear bumpers from any R8 seen thus far. Inspiration seems to have come from the TT Clubsport Quattro with chromed strakes dividing the front air intakes. There are also reprofiled side sills, and noticeable by their absence are the R8's famous side blades.

At the back this R8 Spider has twin exhaust pipes, which so far have only been spotted on the V10 prototypes. However, our car lacks the V10Άs distended side air intakes. Nevertheless, in the true Audi tradition of filling every niche, both V8 and V10 versions of the Spider will be available. WeΆve also got our fingers crossed that Audi offers this carΆs matt black paint.

Right, pricings and timings please?

An R8 currently costs £78,300 in UK money, so expect to cough up at least £85k for an Spider version. Add another £7k if you want an R-tronic gearbox and at least ten grand more for the V10 version. That car will appear later this year, while the Spider is expected in mid-2009, with a debut at either the Geneva or Frankfurt motor show.

http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/Secret-new-ca...009-spy-photos/