New Audi R8

Created Date: 09/03/2011

Beautiful may be an understatement for Audi’s newest R8 model, as it manages to amplify what was great about the old models by twofold. This convertible dubbed the ‘Spyder’ takes everything that was great of the previous versions – stunning looks, incredible performance, comfort and handling, and then lets you do it all while your hair freely blows in its wake. You’d think it would be difficult for Audi to improve on a machine that has already won numerous awards and being voted car of the year for several big car magazines, but they have achieved it here in style.

Obviously the main new feature of this car is the folding roof, which definitely isn’t a typical fiddly soft-top folding affair that plagues many a supercar. The R8 Spyder incorporates a fully functioning automated electric roof that at the mere push of a button will fold away to reveal the world around you. Should you want it up however, you can be rest assured that its aluminium roof will also insulate the sound to the same level as the hardtop models, as it comprises the same materials as the rest of the car. Also, being that it’s built from the same materials it’s very sturdy and definitely shouldn’t be blowing off if you do anything above 30mph. Thankfully, they’ve even managed to keep some space for a boot which many convertibles lack because of the roofs folding mechanism. It may only be 100 litres, but at least you actually get one.

Under its bonnet the impressive trend continues, as there’s no compromise in power like some other convertible models tend to give. You get the same V10 that graced the previous year’s models, available in either a 4.2 or a 5.2 litre version. You’ll be getting 512bhp and a 0-60 time of roughly 4.1 seconds in the larger engine – only 0.2 slower than that of the hardtop, and 424bhp and 0-60 in 4.8 on the other. Both will achieve speeds of up to 195mph flat out, which is only one second slower than its hardtop wearing cousins. You can also pick from a tronic gearbox for easy shifting or a standard six speed-manual for that authentic driving feel. Fuel economy ratings for both models are a modest 19.6 and 19mpg for the 4.2l and 5.2l models respectively, which for a supercar is an impressive figure.

The interior carries across the R8’s previous styling of brushed metals and polished leather finishes, but offers a few technological upgrades to what’s already there which enhance the experience. A microphone has been mounted into the seatbelt for easier hands free calling when driving and the seats now feature a high tech anti-reflective fabric that repels the sun’s rays to keep your seats nice and cool on those warm summer days. The seats still feature a beautiful shiny leather finish with an abundance of chrome trimmings and R8 labelling that run throughout the car. Not compromising on sound quality either, the Spyder comes equipped with a 500 watt Bang & Olufsen sound system comprising of 14 speakers and two amplifiers. A neat little party piece of the system enables it to turn a standard two channel audio CD into a full five channel surround sound experience, meaning even the audio enthusiasts should be pleased with their purchase.

The R8 Spyder is definitely the convertible Audi that people have been waiting for, as thankfully it manages to avoid the flaws that sometimes plague the inevitable convertible models. With a true folding hardtop that is actually functional when not retracted and even a small boot for storage, the Spyder is beyond doubt a practical supercar that can be driven on a regular basis. It manages to keep up with its cousins in terms of performance and style yet adds the bonus of a fantastic, functional folding roof for the summer - you can’t really ask for more than that.

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Article written by Thomas Wellburn...

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