Audi’s R8 sports car has by no means become stale over its short, two-year lifespan, but the German automaker will soon be injecting the two-seater with a little more performance to ensure its ongoing popularity. Moreover, a convertible version of the R8 is just around the corner.
According to Car and Driver, Audi will take the wraps off the long-awaited R8 at an upcoming auto show, most likely March’s Geneva Motor Show. It remains to be seen what nameplate Audi will affix to the sporty drop top, but it is widely believed the new model will be dubbed the R8 Spyder.
Sources seemed to be mixed on what type of convertible top the R8 Spyder will use, with reports of both a conventional soft top and a simpler targa top. However, spy shots seem to indicate the latter. The R8 convertible’s interior will carry over from its fixed-roof counterpart. Expect to see the drop top R8 in European showrooms during the second half of 2009, with U.S. sales beginning in 2010.
But perhaps more exciting than the pending R8 Spyder’s reveal is the news that Audi plans to debut the V10-powered R8 coupe at January’s Detroit Auto Show. The V10-powered car will sport a 5.2L powerplant, developing 520 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque. The V10 – which will also be available for R8 Spyder buyers – will be offered alongside the 4.2L V8, but expect the V8 to be phased out in favor of the V10 in the subsequent years.
Check back for live pictures and all the details after the R8 V10 is unveiled next month.
12/02, 3:51 PM
posted by:
howsmydriving
Audi is phasing out an engine in favor of a LARGER displacement engine? Who knew.
12/02, 3:52 PM
posted by:
A4
the lack of sideblade is enough to stick with a coupe
12/02, 4:35 PM
posted by:
Das Stig
The standard R8 should’ve had this engine from the first place. This R8 Spyder still sounds like heaven but I don’t know about getting rid of the sideblades, just takes it’s flare away. *sigh*
12/02, 4:58 PM
posted by:
F3INT))AP3X
Agreed gentlemen, the blades have getting a lot of negative opinion and I haven’t the faintest idea as to why because it is not like they are some cheap ricer bolt-on piece. I guess some people will never appreciate raw CF but that is fine because those people can buy the Spyder and be happy. Personally I think nothing contrasts a color like clearcoat CF can, it is something different color paint or vinyls simply cannot do.
12/02, 5:40 PM
posted by:
carbonsigma
I still think that from the picture, the top looks as if it’s from a Lamborghini Gallardo – a soft top rather than a targa. And why wouldn’t it be since the R8 and Gallardo are pretty much the same thing?
12/02, 7:21 PM
posted by:
howsmydriving
Blades, schmades, like any real person is going to buy this car.
12/02, 11:00 PM
posted by:
idrinorbarsaku
i completely agree with you A4. either side blades or hell no! it just looks like a plain lambo without them imo! not that its a bad car though