2017 Audi R8 Spyder V10 Plus – 610hp Option Now Available For Convertible

The Audi has added a new R8 Spyder V10 Plus variant to its R8 model family, essentially giving the convertible version of the R8 access to Ingolstadt’s most powerful series-production engine to date.

At present, the R8 is offered in both Coupe and Spyder bodystyles, both powered by a naturally-aspirated 5.2 FSI V10 engine offered in two states of tune – 540hp available with both bodystyles, and 610hp previously available only for the Coupe, but here extended to the Spyder version.

The most powerful series-production engine from Audi to date, the midship-mounted V10 powerplant pulls 560Nm of torque at 6,500rpm on the way to a heady redline of 8,700rpm. A dual injection fuel system allows better optimization of fuel consumption and power delivery at different driving loads. Engine is dry sump-lubricated, allowing it to sit closer to the ground and thus add to the car’s stability.

Engine is mated to a 7-speed S-tronic dual clutch transmission and quattro all-wheel drive as standard, allowing the R8 Spyder V10 Plus accelerates from rest to 100km/h in 3.3 seconds and is capable of reaching a top speed of 328 km/h.

The quattro differential features an electro-hydraulic multi-plate clutch the vary torque distribution between axles, said to be able to completely variable between 100% front or rear. The system gets a dedicated water-based cooling system.

Officially-rated fuel consumption is 12.5 litres/100km with CO₂ emissions corresponding at 292 g/km. Efficiency-enhancing technologies integrated into the engine include cylinder deactivation, auto stop/start, and free-wheel coasting operational above 55 km/h.

Under its sheet metal, the R8 Spyder utilizes the latest iteration of Audi’s multimaterial Space Frame chassis, combining aluminium with structurally-integrated carbon fibre members. According to Audi, the entire Space Frame weighs just 208kg whilst gaining over 50% in stiffness over the predecessor model. Tipping the scales at 1,695kg, the R8 Spyder V10 Plus boasts a power-to-weight ratio of 1hp to 2.78kg.

The use of lightweight materials extend to the cloth top as well, which incorporates magnesium and aluminium in its substructure – the entire assembly adds just 44kg to the R8 Spyder’s weight. An electrohydraulic mechanism allows the top to fully open or close automatically in 20 seconds and is operable on the move at speeds up to 50km/h.

The R8 Spyder V10 Plus is being built at the Audi Bollinger Hofe facility operated by Audi Sport and dedicated for production of the R8 family. A team of about 500 highly-trained technicians are responsible for the meticulous hand-building process to make these cars.

Orders are being accepted for the R8 Spyder V10 Plus with deliveries set to commence in late summer 2017; base price in Germany is €207,500.