The new Audi R8 Spyder, the soft-top version of the German car maker’s mid-engined flagship model, has made its public debut at the New York motor show.
As sibling to the second-generation
R8 coupé, the svelte two-seater is set to go on sale in late 2016, rivalling the recently facelifted
Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet. It is expected to have price premium of around £8700 over the fixed-head model, which starts at £119,500.
The 2016 R8 Spyder is based around a modified version of the R8’s aluminium and carbonfibre spaceframe body structure, which uses added stiffening measures within the A-pillars, windscreen surround and sills to offset its lack of a fixed roof structure.
Audi claims a 50% increase in overall rigidity and 113kg reduction in kerb weight over its predecessor, launched in 2009.
Wider and shorter than predecessor
At 4426mm in length, 1940mm in width and 1244mm in height, the new Audi is 14mm shorter and 36mm wider than the previous R8 Spyder and the same height. Despite the altered dimensions, it continues to ride on the same 1650mm wheelbase as before.
Its fully automatic roof features two tapering buttresses that extend back over the engine cover at the rear, mimicking the styling treatment of its fixed-head sibling. It opens and closes in 20 seconds at speeds of up to 31mph. The fabric structure folds beneath a dedicated tonneau cover behind the two-seat cabin when stowed. The glass rear window can also be automatically extended and retracted within the rear bulkhead.
The R8 Spyder is powered by the same mid-mounted, naturally aspirated 5.2-litre V10 petrol engine as the R8 with 532bhp. With a claimed kerb weight of 1612kg, this provides the new Audi with a power-to-weight ratio of 330bhp per tonne. Torque peaks at 398lb ft.
The sturdy reserves are channelled through a standard seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox and electrohydraulically operated multi-plated clutch four-wheel drive system, as well as a locking differential at the rear, to all four wheels.
http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/motor-shows-new-york-motor-show/audi-r8-spyder-revealed
