"Darker" Matte Micrometallic Gray Interior Inlays on Spyder Only

[z356]

Although I don't see it highlighted in the Audi of America website, a close inspection of photos of 2011 Spyders arriving stateside reveal a much darker shade of gray (now matte) in the Micrometallic Interior Inlays. This is not a MY2011 general R8 change since photos of all MY2011 v10 coupes currently advertised for sale at US dealers continue to have the 'shiny', or 'glossy', gray micrometallic inlays, same as those we have seen in the R8 since it was introduced in MY2008.

This change in color & texture is probably done to eliminate glare or reflections from interior plastic surfaces on the Spyder and also minimize heat transfer at the touch, especially after an extended exposure to the hot sun on an 'open' convertible. All keeping with the reduced 'thermal' theme Audi has going with specially treated Nappa leathers for the Spyders.

Personally, I think this darker tone in the plastic pieces look terrific and should be standard across the board - coupes & spyders. The matte dark gray blends much better with the charcoal black leather or vinyl dash most R8's come fitted with (unless you Audi Exclusive to a different hue). It is specially noticeable when you contrast the Spyder's matte dark gray Radio Mask against the dark (usually leather) dash - unless Piano Black or AE stitched leather options are chosen for the mask. z356

[mstams]

I've noticed this as well, and I totally agree. It would be fantastic to become standard on the coupe going forward.

[OEMplus.com]

Those are the DR8 interior trim parts. Pricing is very reasonable for the door inserts, but I don't see an alternate for the radio surround...

[z356]

OEM: Could you explain what DR8 refers too? Regardless, a change makes sense only if a different trim can be coordinated EVERYWHERE micrometallic gray is found on the R8 coupe. That means not only radio mask but air vents on the dash - right & left. Let's hope Audi gets enough favorable responses to the Spyder's new matte look (from consumers, dealers & marketing focus groups) and considers switching ASAP the coupe's standard trim to this attractive 'micrometallic' darker color & matte texture. z356

[mstams]

I'm pretty sure they've been on every new spyder pic that I've seen arriving in the US over the past week or so -- either that or the piano black.

[OEMplus.com]

DR8 is the color code for the "black matte" Spyder door inserts. This color is ONLY on the doors and we can offer them for $250/pair.

The Piano Black door inserts are $1120/set and the radio escutcheon is $1295.

As an alternative, we can color-match a radio escutcheon to the Spyder door inserts and offer them all as a package for $600.

[mstams]

The photos I posted above came from a new spyder listed on EBAY. It mentions only the enhanced leather and carbon sigma trim as options yet appears to have the black matte radio escutcheon. Is this not standard?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...m=360296298300

[z356]

It is standard, no-cost on all Spyders. OEM is talking only about the cost of retrofit on a coupe. But not all parts are available, as you can see from our exchange. I just hope Audi comes to the realization the matte look is more suitable on ALL R8's, not just the Spyders. z356

[OEMplus.com]

I see what you are talking about, from this image...



Replacement parts should be available, but are not in the system for the black matte radio escutcheon...

[mstams]

Yes. It appears to me, too, that all new spyders come with either the black matte or piano black radio escutcheon as standard. Of course, other exclusive options (like leather) exist for additional cost. I totally agree that the new coupes would look terrific. Here's to hoping Audi picks up on this. Funny how little things can make such a big impression.