Great review by GTSpirit: Audi R8 V10 Spider

[Bodhii]

Great review by our friends at GTSpirit: Audi R8 V10 Spider



http://www.gtspirit.com/2010/09/28/r...r8-v10-spyder/

You could call it a thrilling experience driving an Audi R8 V10, but what would be the next step in creating an even better experience? It takes just one feature to make a R8 V10 even better: A droppable soft top and a roll-down rear window. Why? We are going to tell you why.

Introduced at the IAA Motor Show in 2009, the Audi R8 V10 Spyder hit the streets around the globe in the following months. At launch only a V10 version was made available, but rumors suggested that Audi planned a V8 powertrain. In June the Germans officially placed their 4.2 FSI V8 engine into the engine compartment of the Spyder. The V8 engine produces 430hp compared to 525hp packed in the Italian-bequeathed V10 version.

The Spyder experience is a mix between acceleration, precise steering, huge grip and the appropriate looks – also available in the Coupé – in combination with the open-top feeling of the wind in your hair. The success of it all would immediately be understood by true spyder enthusiasts. However, it’s well known that chopping the roof off a sports car usually includes a list of sacrifices made in exchange for open-sky motoring. So simply ask yourself the question; Is this the case with the 2011 Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 V10 FSI Quattro?

A direct-injection 5.2 liter naturally aspirated V10 engine is available at your disposal behind the two seats and underneath the tiny engine cover. It builds most of its power above 4,500rpm and tops out at 525 horsepower at 8,000rpm and 391lb-ft of torque at 6,500rpm. The maximum top speed is set at 303km/h (194mph), a little less than the Coupé. 100km/h (62mph) passes by in a eye-watering 4.1 seconds.

Like the Coupé the available transmissions are a six-speed manual setup or a six-speed R tronic automated manual transmission. Our test car had the second setup, which can easily be described as really smooth while cruising, but rather baulky at full throttle or for city driving. Pulling away with a decent amount of throttle is never smooth and the paddles on the steering wheel are quite small compared to the size of the wheel. You could lack control during aggressive maneuvers.

All convertible penalties including reduced performance, increased weight, a floppier chassis and smaller luggage space are directly linked to the setup of the R8 V10 Spyder, but overall you never have the feeling it is a big deal. The lost torsional rigidity of the bodywork is solved by adding thicker A- and B-pillars together with added braces and panels in the floor. The increase of weight is kept minimal by using lightweight materials like magnesium and composites. Only 100kg are added in comparison to the Coupé. Quite an achievement!.....

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOwgQXMElQo"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOwgQXMElQo[/ame]

[gazza1]

Close to mark with the statement..the ultimate gentlemens car not a racer.

Appears they found the Rtronic a little less than satisfying as well.