If you are living in the United States and you’re raring to own a 2017 Audi R8 V10 Spyder, then you should prepare at least $176,350 ($175,100 in retail price plus tax, title, and registration) to have a piece of this splendid roadster from the German premium carmaker.
At this pricing, the 2017 Audi R8 V10 Spyder would be between $20,000 and $30,000 more expensive than a comparable rival -- the upcoming Mercedes-AMG GT -- in terms of power. It is also around $10,000 more expensive than the base version of the 2017 Audi R8 V10 coupe. Compared to the previous model, the 2017 Audi R8 Spyder -- at 4,426 mm (14.5 feet) in length and 1,940 mm (6.4 feet) in width -- is around 14 mm (0.6 in) shorter and around 36 mm (1.4 inches) wider than its predecessor. Its height and wheelbase, however, are still the same at 1,244 mm (4.1 feet) and 2,650 mm (8.7 feet), respectively.
The front end of the 2017 Audi R8 V10 Spyder is distinguished by a large yet low-height Audi Singleframe. Its honeycomb radiator grille is connected to the wedge-shaped headlights through sculptural surfaces. As standard, the headlights feature 37 LED units, although laser lighting – as marked by a blue anodized strip -- is offered as an option.
Meanwhile, the 2017 Audi R8 Spyder is provided with a soft top cover made from cloth -- weighing just 44 kg (97.0 lbs) – that can be availed in three different colors: black, brown and red. An electro-hydraulic drive allows the soft top to be opened and closed in just 20 seconds at speeds of up to 50 km/h (31.1 mph).
Serving as the heart of the new 2017 Audi R8 Spyder is a V10 naturally aspirated engine that generates up to 397 kW (540 hp) of output and up to 540 Nm (398.3 lb.-ft.) of torque available at 6,500 rpm. This engine is able to rev up to 7,800 rpm and boasts of precise throttle response and enticing audio. With this powerplant, the Audi R8 Spyder V10 could sprint from zero to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in just 3.6 seconds, and from a standstill to 200 km/h (124.3 mph) in only 11.8 seconds. Electronically limited speed is set at 318 km/h (197.6 mph). Complementing the power underneath the Audi R8 Spyder is the quattro drivetrain that features three high-tech modules that include a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission that quickly changes gear through two clutches. One of these clutches is an electro-hydraulically activated multi-plate clutch on the front wheels that allocates the torque freely between the axles.
Its lightweight construction – featuring carbon fiber components – allows the new 2017 Audi R8 Spyder to have a dry weight of just 1,612 kg (3,553.9 lbs), which brings the power-to-weight ratio to 3.19 kg (8.6 lbs) per hp.