Originally published March 24, 2016 on autoTRADER.ca
Joining Audi’s 2017 R8 lineup is a new topless Spyder, unveiled today at the New York Auto Show.
“There’s no ceiling on performance” said Scott Keogh, Audi America President. “And sometimes there’s no roof either.”
The R8 Spyder delivers close to the same performance as the R8 V10 Coupe while offering the allure of open-top driving. It’s powered by the same naturally-aspirated 5.2-litre V10 as the coupe, with the same seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. It produces 540 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque in a svelte aluminum space frame body, giving the R8 Spyder a top speed of 200 mph.
Fifteen percent lighter than the previous R8 Spyder, the new roadster features Audi’s 3D Virtual Cockpit delivering high-res graphics and control of nav and audio right in the driver’s gauge cluster. The lightweight cloth roof can be opened or closed in just 20 seconds, at speeds up to 50 km/hr.
The 2017 R8 Spyder will be produced in Neckarsulm, Germany, with pricing and release date to come later.
