Audi R8 GT Spyder 2012

Okay, so this isn’t exactly the most surprising news of the day, but it sure ranks up there with the coolest. Audi is said to be launching a Spyder version for the R8 GT at the Frankfurt Motor Show this Fall. As with the coupe version, the Spyder will be limited to 333 units and should be priced at about $20,000 higher than the coupe, which is sold for about $196,800 in the U.S. The similarities will even extend to the number of units available in the U.S. We last heard that we were getting 90 units of the GT Coupe and we expect the same number for the Spyder version.

Under the hood, Audi will place the same 5.2 liter V10 engine that delivers a total of 560 HP and 398 lbs-ft of torque. The Spyder version will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds and will be capable of a top speed of 196.97 mph. Thanks to body parts made in carbon fiber the R8 GT Spyder is 187 lbs lighter and in the same time delivers performance numbers that makes it the top-of-the-line version of the high-performance sports car.

The exterior

The Audi R8 GT Spyder version will be distinguished by a more aggressive design language that includes add-on parts in contrasting titanium gray, a front splitter with a dual lip, flics at the sides of the front bumper, red GT badges, round exhaust tailpipes, an enlarged diffuser and dark LED tail lights in a clear-glass design. The windshield frame is made in matte CFRP.

The model will come with a lightweight fabric soft top that goes up or down in just 19 seconds at speeds of up to 31 mph. At high speeds both driver and passenger will be protected by extensible glass rear window.

The interior

The interior is all about paying huge attention to details, but also using materials that will help reducing the car’s total weight. For example, the bucket seats feature a chassis of glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) that help reducing a total of 69.45 lbs.

All the elements of the interior are painted in black contrasting with a choice of titanium gray or crimson. Seats, sports steering wheels and windshield frame will be covered in Alcantara upholstery, but customers can also opt for leather in Fine Nappa quality. These elements will contrast with a cockpit inspired by the monoposto vehicles and made in matte CFRP.

The list of standard equipments will include: LED headlights, LED tail lights, an automatic air conditioning system, the navigation system plus, an alarm system and the driver information system with a built-in laptimer. As an option customers can also opt for a sophisticated sound system from Bang & Olufsen and a Bluetooth interface including a seatbelt microphone, bucket seats with a carbon-fiber composite chassis, matte CFRP applications and embroidered logos on the seat upholstery.

The engine

Under the hood you will find the same engine as in the coupe version: a 5.2-liter V10 engine that delivers a total of 560 hp and a peak torque of 398 lbs at 6,500 rpm. The car will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds and can hit a top speed of 196.97 mph.

The engine will be mated to an automated six-speed R tronic transmission with two fully automatic modes. In the additional manual mode, the driver can shift gears using the paddles on the steering wheel or by flicking the joystick. At high load and revs, gear changes take only one-tenth of a second. The launch control program manages the starting sprint with high engine speed and precision-control of the tire slip.

And as this is a car that delivers great performance Audi has also placed a quattro permanent all-wheel drive system that can send additional torque to the front axle. The suspension system includes aluminum double wishbones locate the wheels, and the rack-and-pinion power steering that provides intimate contact with the road. The car sits on 19" wheels combined with large, lightweight carbon-fiber ceramic brake discs.

Prices

The new Audi R8 GT Spyder is expected to be unveiled at the Frankfurt Auto Show this fall with sales to begin shortly after. In Germany the car has a starting price of 207,800 euros - or about $300k at the current exchange rates.