Introducing the Open Air Audi R8 V10 Plus Spyder (Photos)
The Audi R8 Plus Spyder is here, and it is definitely not a convertible you want to mess with. See what's new, and what's carried over on the Plus Spyder inside.
1. Fastest Convertible Ever
With the release of the R8 Spyder V10 Plus, the R8 model line is now complete, says Audi managing director Stephan Winkelmann. The 2018 model also makes its mark as the fastest convertible offered by the brand ever, by pushing out 610 horsepower from a 5.2-liter V10 engine. Winkelmann goes on to say that the car, "benefits from our many years of experience in motorsport and combines breathtaking dynamics with the emotion of an open-top sports car.” Audi now has a worthy competitor to go up against Porsche’s 911 Turbo S Cabriolet and McLaren’s 570S Spider.
2. Little Differences
When it comes to the exterior of the car, there aren’t many differences from the coupe version of the V10 Plus to focus on besides the roof. The two biggest changes are both on the rear of the car, where the Spyder has an added black spoiler, and a quad pipe exhaust system. Oh, and where the engine glass would give you a showcase of the V10 in the coupe, there is now a vented hood. The car you see above is courtesy of a new package called the Micrommata Green. With this option, you’ll get not only this gleaming super car coat of green paint, but also a dark grey “single frame” grille and black tailpipe tips.
3. A True Spyder
Those who think that Spyder just means a drop top car are right, but not completely. Spyder actually denotes that a car comes with a lightweight fabric top, instead of a metal roof. The top on the R8 uses an aluminum and magnesium frame, operated by way of a electro-hydraulic drive that gets things opened and closed in a scant 20 seconds. Putting the top up or down can be done at speeds of up to 31 mph. The rear window can also be extended and retracted independently to allow however much air you desire into the cabin.
4. Interior Design
The interior of the Spyder is nearly identical to that of its older coupe counterpart, save for a few features. The steering wheel now has a flat bottom and a smattering of controls for driving preferences and infotainment settings. The sport seats are upgraded with added lateral support, and options include Nappa leather and Alcantara. The dashboard has also been the recipient of a facelift, with the MMI display replaced with a 12.3 inch new air vents and a center console. Check off the box for the Micrommata Green package and you get jet black Nappa leather with perforated inserts and contrasting green accents dotting the interior.
5. More Power
That marvelous naturally aspirated V10 engine is hooked up to a seven speed dual-clutch transmission and Quattro AWD to get up to 62 mph in 3.3 seconds. The R8 V10 Plus has an extra 70 horses over the regular model, which was no slouch with 540 ponies and 398 lb-ft of torque. Just like the coupe V10 Plus, the Spyder can send up to 100 percent of its power to either axle under dire circumstances to get you out of trouble. The Spyder is almost as fast as the Plus coupe with a top speed of 204 mph, and is just a tenth of a second slower to 62 mph.
6. The One to Have
Though the R8 Spyder has already been out a year, the Plus version is definitely the one to buy if you are in the market for the ultimate convertible from the brand of four rings. While not as quick as its supercar competitors to top speed, it is right there with them in every other department. If you are a fan of the Lamborghini Huracan, then this is a must drive, as they are very similar under the skin, and the Audi is a bargain in comparison.
For help with service and maintenance of your car, check out the how to section of AudiWorld.com