Audi reveals its fastest ever cabrio 15 | 06 | 2017
AUDI HAS REVEALED its fastest convertible ever, the 204mph 5.2-litre V10 R8 Spyder V10 Plus. Available to order now fro Scottish dealers, Audi has yet to confirm the price, but it’s expected to cost from around £155,000. (Related: Audi confirms three new EVs by 2020)
Powered by the same mid-mounted naturally aspirated 5.2-litre V10 engine found in the standard R8 Spyder, it benefits from additional performance tweaks. These increase the output to 602bhp, 70bhp more than the 532bhp figure of the non ‘Plus’ version of the convertible supercar. (Related: McLaren lifts lid on 570S Spider)
That means the R8 Spyder V10 Plus covers 0-62mph in 3.3secs, that’s 0.3s quicker than the ‘standard’ car. Top speed climbs from 197mph to 204mph. Set against the hardtop Plus, it’s a tenth-of-a-second slower to 62mph from standstill, while the 204mph max is officially 1mph down.
Audi has bestowed clever technology on the new cabriolet. It gets a cylinder-on-demand system, which can deactivate one of the cylinder banks. This transforms the engine into a five-cylinder when low demands are placed on it. And if the driver lets off the accelerator at speeds over 34mph, and a stop-start system is fitted, a coasting function means the engine disconnects from the drive.
However, there’s no getting away from the fact the R8 Spyder V10 Plus is the thirstiest Audi in the range, with a claimed 22.6mpg. It also emits 292g/km CO2.
As you would expect, the significant power is delivered to the quattro all-wheel-drive system via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Variable torque distribution means up to 100% of the torque can be sent to one axle if the driving situation depends on it.
Drivers are also able to tweak the cabrio’s set-up via the selectable driving modes which allow various drivetrain and suspension changes.
It’s also 140kg heavier than the coupe version, thanks to the convertible roof mechanism and additional chassis strengthening. Worth highlighting though that, thanks to more lightweight materials — including carbon-fibre reinforced plastics and aluminium components — it’s 25kg lighter than the normal R8 Spyder.
Primarily made from aluminium and magnesium, the folding roof is finished with a cloth exterior skin and takes 20 seconds to open and close. It can be operated at speeds up to 31mph.
A large carbon front splitter and gloss black grille at the front help mirror the aggressive look first seen on the R8 V10 Plus coupe. At the rear, there’s a carbon lip spoiler and a diffuser capable of generating 100kg of downforce. The cabrio also gets lightweight 19in aluminium wheels as standard.
Inside the cabin, occupants get deep bucket seats, while the fascia is trimmed in carbon and Audi’s virtual cockpit system is fitted as standard.
Related: Roadtest — Audi Q5 2.0TDI quattro S line S tronic
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Jim McGill