Autoblog

Video: A look inside the Audi R8 Spyder production plant

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 24 May 2010 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Plants/Manufacturing, Videos, Audi, Luxury

A look at the Audi R8 Spyder being built - Click above to watch video after the jump

What we dig about European plants that build high-zoot cars is that it always looks like each car gets everyone's full attention, every step presided over by workers who want to make sure they've done everything they could. Its most telling examples were the lab-coated workmen assembling the Carrera GT or SLR McLaren and the one-engine-one-worker method of AMG, but the gents looking after the Audi R8 Spyder keep up the tradition.

This peek around the production plant making Iron Man's car is a little light on drama, but there are plenty of other nuts-and-bolt's reasons for the enthusiast to spare three minutes to watch it. Follow the jump for the clip, and don't forget to put a few pennies away today for a deposit on one of your own. Hat tip to Steals

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: A look inside the Audi R8 Spyder production plant

Video: A look inside the Audi R8 Spyder production plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 May 2010 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Video: Confusing, but awesome Audi R8 Spyder commercial

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Audi

Audi R8 Spyder commercial - Click above to watch video after the jump

This Audi commercial for the R8 Spyder has a tagline that sounds more like two spies verifying each others' identities - "Mirror. Signal. Outmaneuver." - and it has a supporting cast stranger than a man in a nuclear-powered suit. Not that it needs to be comprehensible since it's got that topless white beast in it, and we'll be fine with that, thank you.

Follow the jump for a little Fellini-esque trip through Audi's mind.

[Source: Audi via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Confusing, but awesome Audi R8 Spyder commercial

Video: Confusing, but awesome Audi R8 Spyder commercial originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Apr 2010 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Video: 2011 Audi R8 Spyder. Y'all ready fo' this?

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Videos, Audi, Luxury

2011 Audi R8 Spyder promo film - Click above to watch video

In case you haven't already, Audi wants you to give this angry little mongrel, the 2011 R8 Spyder, a chance. To encourage you to lean in its favor, Audi has put together 91 seconds of rather dramatic footage (and screamin' 5.2-liter V10 audio) to show you what it can do for you, if only you would allow it the opportunity. Not to put too fine a point on it - we're sold.

Follow the jump to check out the vid and decide if it changes your mind - or only makes it up more.

Gallery: Detroit 2010: Audi R8 5.2 FSI Coupe and Spyder

[Source: Audi via Autoblog UK]

Continue reading Video: 2011 Audi R8 Spyder. Y'all ready fo' this?

Video: 2011 Audi R8 Spyder. Y'all ready fo' this? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Jan 2010 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Audi R8 Spyder gets an early unveiling

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 23:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Convertible, Performance, Audi, Luxury

Audi R8 Spyder - Click above for high-res image gallery

With all the leaks leading up to the Frankfurt Motor Show, we knew this one would pop sooner rather than later. And here it is: the Audi R8 Spyder. No more spy shots or speculation. The drop-top bomber from Ingolstadt has arrived... and it's achingly gorgeous in this chocolate hue.

Without any official information to go off of, we can't comment on weights and measures, but we do know Audi will only be offering the Spyder with the Lambo-derived 5.2-liter V10, putting out 525 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. On the styling side, there's not much to report. Along with the removal of the roof, the sideblades have been dispatched in favor of a duo of scoops ahead of the rear wheels, while the windshield gets framed in brushed aluminum and a set of vented bulges trail off from the seats. Unfortunately, we don't have any shots of the R8 with the top up, but when we get an eyeful in Frankfurt, we'll get our first glimpse of the retractable soft-top and the R8's new profile. Until then, check the images in the gallery below.

Gallery: Audi R8 Spyder

[Source: Carscoop]

Audi R8 Spyder gets an early unveiling originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 23:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

VIDEO: Audi R8 Spyder uncorks its V10 on the Nürburgring

Chris Shunk — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Videos, Supercars, Audi

2011 Audi R8 Spyder - Click above to watch a video after the jump

We're definitely looking forward to our first official glimpse at the 2011 Audi R8 Spyder, but unfortunately, we don't know exactly when that will happen. While it was widely expected to bow at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September, we've recently heard that it could show its V10-only face as late as Detroit in January.

Fear not, though, because we've got some high-quality footage of the R8 Spyder as it takes its 525 horsepower whoopin' stick to the Nürburgring. Hit the jump to view the future crown jewel of the Audi lineup as it comes hard after some of the most famous curves in the history of race tracks. If seeing the uncovered R8 Spyder on the track isn't exhilarating enough for you, make sure to turn up the volume. The sinister growl emanating from the rear of Audi's supercar in waiting is enough to send chills down the spine. We like.

Gallery: 2010 Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro

Source: Auto Wereld via Jalopnik]

Continue reading VIDEO: Audi R8 Spyder uncorks its V10 on the Nürburgring

VIDEO: Audi R8 Spyder uncorks its V10 on the Nürburgring originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Jun 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spy Shots: Audi R8 Spyder

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 15:07:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Spy Photos, Convertible, Performance, Supercars, Audi

Audi is testing its forthcoming R8 Spyder, and the car is wearing what appears to be a completely stowable roof, not the targa-style top that has been suggested as a possibility. Yet disappearing along with the roof could also be your view of the engine. The droptop in the spy photos and in Audi's official sketch features a solid engine cover and two curious structures adorned with gills that run up to the rear window. They could line up with an interior element when the roof is down, but it would have to be mighty cool to be worth missing out on that engine. Audi's 552 horsepower competitor for cars like the Vantage V12 and Porsche 911 Turbo Cabrio will bow at this year's Frankfurt Auto Show.

[Source: Fastest Car]

Spy Shots: Audi R8 Spyder originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 21 Jun 2009 15:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: 2011 Audi R8 Spyder will launch with V10 only, next A8 not coming to Frankfurt

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Frankfurt Motor Show, Convertible, Sedan, Performance, Europe, Supercars, Audi

2010 Audi R8 V10 - Click above for a high-res image gallery

It's been all but confirmed by Audi that the R8 Spyder is due to debut alongside the new A5 Sportback at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September, but according to two reports from Car and Driver, there will be one less vehicle on the show stand in Germany and only one engine available in the drop-top supercar.

The 2011 Audi R8 Spyder will reportedly be available with the 525 hp, 5.2-liter V10 at launch -- meaning no V8 -- with a standard six-speed manual gearbox or optional R-tronic automated transmission. The 420 hp, 4.2-liter V8 currently fitted to the standard R8 could be added later, but Audi seems to favor sticking with the V10 until the R8's replacement arrives a few years down the road.

Additionally, it was widely reported that the 2011 Audi A8 would be unveiled in Frankfurt, but C&D says that the launch has been pushed back sometime after the LA Auto Show in December. Apparently, the reason for the delay is two-fold: Audi doesn't want to risk quelling sales of the current A8 in some of its most important markets (China, Europe and the U.S.) and the automaker is (wisely) worried that the unveiling could be overlooked at a large auto show where too many models are vying for attention. As such, the A8 could be shown initially at a private event in Florida later this year, with the first public exhibition being the Detroit Auto Show in January.

Gallery: 2010 Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro

[Source: Car and Driver (1) (2)]

REPORT: 2011 Audi R8 Spyder will launch with V10 only, next A8 not coming to Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Jun 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Frankfurt Rumormill: Electric R8 concept joining Audi R8 Spyder

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 27 May 2009 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Convertible, Hybrid, Performance, Green, Supercars, Audi, Rumormill

Audi R8 V10 - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Reports out of France and Germany indicate that in addition to the all-new A8 and A5 Sportback, Audi plans to reveal two versions of the R8 at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September.

Both Auto Motor und Sport and L'Automobile report that Audi will finally reveal the R8 Spyder at the IAA expo, with the French pub saying the drop-top supercar will be available with either the standard 420 hp, 4.2-liter V8 or the newly released 525 hp, 5.2-liter V10, allowing Audi to compete directly with the 911 4S, Turbo and convertible models.

However, the big news is the rumored reveal of an electric version of the R8. Details are scarce, so it's unclear if the R8 concept will be a pure EV, a diesel/gasoline-electric hybrid, a limited production model or, more likely, just an indication that Audi is looking at future powertrains. Regardless, we'll be on the floor in Frankfurt to bring you both the reveals if/when they happen.

Gallery: 2010 Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro

[Sources: AMuS, L'Automobile]

Frankfurt Rumormill: Electric R8 concept joining Audi R8 Spyder originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 May 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Audi R8 V10 debuting in Detroit, cabrio coming in 2010

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 15:04:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Performance, Supercars, Audi

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Audi R8

While other automakers are dropping out of the Detroit Auto Show left and right, Audi is heading to Motor City with guns blazing, beginning with the 2010 Audi R8 V10.

Car and Driver decided to put the rumors to rest that the updated super coupe is officially coming to Detroit, packing a 5.2-liter V10 putting out 520 hp and 398 lb.-ft. of torque. Aside from the obvious aural and performance differences, the V10-powered R8 will make use of a pair of larger dual exhaust tips rather than the V8 model's quad outlets. Expect new wheels, upgraded brakes and a few changes to the interior as well.

The oft-rumored Audi R8 Spyder will hit the European market in late 2009, with sales beginning in the U.S. sometime in 2011. According to C&D, the reason for the delayed Stateside launch is due to dealers that "have their hands full allocating coupes." Whatever that means. The R8's stylistic party pieces - it's side blades - will be shrunken down to accommodate a power-operated soft top, and the interior will carry over unchanged.

We've got more Audi goodness for you at 6 PM EST tonight, so check back in a few hours for a sneak peak of the four-ringer's plans for the Geneva Motor Show.

Gallery: Audi R8 V10 spied at quattro GmbH

Gallery: 2008 Audi R8

[Source: Car and Driver]

Audi R8 V10 debuting in Detroit, cabrio coming in 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Dec 2008 15:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments