REPORT: Audi R8 Spyder coming in 2011
Autoblog visits the R8 assembly line in Germany – Click above for a high-res image galleryPacified as we've been by the appearance of the 5.2-liter FSI V10 and LMS competition spec versions of the Audi R8, it's been a while since we've heard anything about the roadster version. But reports citing unnamed company insiders suggest that the ruthless roofless supercar is scheduled to hit the market by 2011.
Since Ingolstadt opts to stick with soft-tops on its other convertible models, the R8 Spyder is expected to follow suit in order to save on space and added weight. Earlier reports suggested a partial convertible targa-style roof opening, but the drop-top flagship is likely to get a more conventional and complete solution. The big question mark remains over whether the convertible variant will be limited to the V8 powertrain or whether it will get the more potent 5.2-liter V10... we'd hope that if they can manage to pack it all in behind the buckets, a V10 roadster would prove a delectable alternative to the likes of the Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster and Ferrari California, to say nothing of the R8's own sister Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder.
[Source: What Car?]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
waiownsyou 4:30PM (4/30/2009)
I don't know if I'm just that childish but I giggled when I saw that guy under the car as I scrolled down the page.
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Sea Urchin 4:55PM (4/30/2009)
You can peep up someone's skirt at 13 or 35.
Ligor 4:34PM (4/30/2009)
that hood reminds me of the bar of soap sitting on my bathroom sink
a more boring looking supercar that this one does not exist IMO
and it still gets whooped by most of it's competition so this one is pointless
the interior might be it's only savior
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Mazda FTW! 4:49PM (4/30/2009)
Ever seen one on the road? At night. In a downtown setting with neon streetlighting reflecting of it? No? Didn't think so.
zamafir 5:04PM (4/30/2009)
yawn, just ignore the trool, the world automotive press loves the car, anyone who's driven it enjoys it, it looks great in person, don't dignify him with a reply.
That said, a spyder doesn't do much for me. I realize it's a way to get some easy sales but i'd rather see a v12 tdi.
Mike 6:42PM (4/30/2009)
Had the pleasure of driving an R8 6spd a couple weeks ago, and not that I needed to be sold on the car to begin with but 10 minutes behind the wheel exemplified exactly why there is so much praise surrounding this car. It is unbelievable. After driving this I then drove a C4S PDK about 30min later and it is just a different beast completely. The former feels every bit like a supercar the latter more like a muscle car (no, not in the mustang/challenger/camaro way) but anyone who has driven both will know what I mean. The R8 has so much finesse, the 911 is more brutal in it's power delivery and the way it handles corners.
Ligor 6:28PM (5/01/2009)
i've seen one at night
i seen one at hte autoshow and it still looks like a bar of soap
m
maybe you need to use soap once in a while to wash yourself and then you'll have a used one to compare to thei Audi (a joke)
the automotive press also loves he Accord and Camry, but they're boring as they get
versionII 4:40PM (4/30/2009)
I care just as much as my chances of affording one...
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Tmoguy 4:44PM (4/30/2009)
I love the understated look. We will see how they pull off the spyder.
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Sea Urchin 4:48PM (4/30/2009)
Why do the call sporty cars Spyders? Why not a Kangaroo? Or a Weasel? What is so sporty about a spider?
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UCJR 4:56PM (4/30/2009)
For a car like this (or any exotic), I think the ragtop versions should be called "mardigras" editions.
They're hot, and they're topless. And generally appear when it's hot, sunny, and possibly under the influence of alcohol.
2ZZ MR2 7:18PM (5/02/2009)
spyder is a term to describe a midengine convertible, not sure where the term originated but that's generally the type of car it's been reserved for.
LC Teran 5:28PM (4/30/2009)
I love the car, but by then it would need a refresh, right now it is a tired design... what do you think...
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nastinupe 6:55PM (4/30/2009)
I think that you're smoking some bad weed. The car's design is only a year and a half old and it looks absolutely beautiful.
Exotics don't need to be redesigned every 3 or 4 years like an Accord. This design should hold for another 4-6 years. I'd say do a redesign in 2014.
LC Teran 7:12PM (4/30/2009)
I respect your comment, maybe you´re right, but Im not saying it needs a total redesign, just maybe a midlife refreshing or i dont know, maybe a new set of wheels, somethings that makes it look different, it is two years away, im just saying... its only my opinion