LA 2009: Audi R8 Spyder Drops Its Top In the Golden State

[Administrator]

It's sure to be one of, if not the car's largest market, so it's no surrise that Audi chose the Los Angeles Auto Show to introduce Americans to the new R8 Spyder. Having recently been given it's world premiere in Frankfurt Germany after years of speculation and spy photos, the 525-hp drop-top R8 is finally here.

Power comes from a Lamborghini sourced 5.2-liter V10 that pushes the R8 to 60 mph in 4.0 seconds flat and blast on to a top speed of 195 mph!

What might be most impressive about the drop-top R8 is that the exotic German sports car only weighs 13.23 lbs more than the Coupe, thanks in part to the R8's already stiff chassis and a light-weight soft-top instead of a retractable hard top. The total curb weight of the car is now 3,792 lbs. Additional weight savings were made through the use of carbon fiber for not only the side blades but also the rear tonneau cover for the soft top.

As for the soft-top, it opens and closes in just 19 seconds at speeds up to 31 mph and Audi claims the interior noise with the top up is almost identical to that of the coupe.

As for the style of the R8 Spyder, it is certainly stunning, with a bold chrome grille, gloss black detailing and a rear tonneau cover with large vents. Special Y-spoke wheels in a 19-inch fitment complete the design with 235/35/19 tires up front and 295/30 tires out back. For added grip, Audi also offers the R8 Spyder with 305-wide rear tires.

More: LA 2009: Audi R8 Spyder Drops Its Top In the Golden State on AutoGuide.com

For more coverage of the 2009 LA Auto Show visit AutoGuide.com

[AnOutsider]

Additional weight savings were made through the use of carbon fiber for not only the side blades but also the rear tonneau cover for the soft top.

lol.. too easy.

anywho, at least we got new pics:



That DEFINITELY makes me want one. I wonder what other configs can be done. For example, if you buy silver, can the A-pillars be carbon?

[Monkey boy UK]

lol.. too easy.

anywho, at least we got new pics:



That DEFINITELY makes me want one. I wonder what other configs can be done. For example, if you buy silver, can the A-pillars be carbon?

AnOutsider, no, the A pillars are only available in the brushed metal finish, you would have to have them retro finished,

Its quite odd how Administrator quotes "Power comes from a Lamborghini sourced 5.2-liter V10 that pushes the R8 to 60 mph in 4.0 seconds flat and blast on to a top speed of 195 mph!"

However Audi quote a 0-60 time of 4.1, .2 slower than the coupe.

[gazza1]

Spyder looks more and more gorgeous every day..particularly in red..

Can picture a mountain or coastal road..sunny day and a must have aftermarket exhaust to really hear that V10.

[Monkey boy UK]

Spyder looks more and more gorgeous every day..particularly in red..

Can picture a mountain or coastal road..sunny day and a must have aftermarket exhaust to really hear that V10.

It does look good in Red your right, we have discussed this before and comments made that red should be left for Ferraris but i think it looks stunning, hhmm, ive ordered Sepang blue, hope it looks as good!

[gazza1]

Colour is such a personal choice..but red seems a real luscious sporty choice on the Spyder.

But most importantly its for your eyes and happiness.

[audimatic]

Im not really digging that picture of the spyder... Not really liking it in red.

I'll take mine in that rich chocolate brown though!

[Monkey boy UK]

Im not really digging that picture of the spyder... Not really liking it in red.

I'll take mine in that rich chocolate brown though!

Now that would be brave, you may as well go for the beige colour they have introduced!

[harrison]

WOW, Audi owns Lamborghini. Now. But Lambo has its patents. Do the patents get passed on ? Lambos are for the people who aren't satisfied with the limitations of the Audi, R 8 V8 or V10. (is it true?) I need to know.

[harrison]

I know the Spyder will be a teckno wonder, but it sure isn't as strikingly good looking as the coup. IMO. The new Lambo. Gall. Spyder comes in standard trans only. So if you want a Spyder with R-T we have the R 8 Spyder.