For all you fans who have been waiting for the open-top version of the R8 GT coupe, your wait if finally over. Audi has released the R8 GT Spyder and you better get in line quick. Production is limited to 333 units and each car will come with a tag with its individual number on the gear level knob. This version of the high-performance sports car puts out 560 hp (412 kW) and thanks to Audi ultra technology, has managed to trim a full 187.39 lb (85 kg) from an already low weight. The Audi R8 GT Spyder accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in about 3.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 196.97 mph (317 km/h).

A key factor to its superior performance is its weight, or lack thereof. Thanks to Audi’s ultra lightweight technology, the R8 GT Spyder weighs just 3,615.58 lb (1,640 kg) which is 187.39 lb (85 kg) less than its technical basis, the R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro. The Audi Space Frame (ASF) body that consists of cast nodes, extruded sections and aluminum panels, accounts for just 471.79 lb (214 kg) of the total weight. The body is assembled predominantly by hand in the R8 workshop at the Neckarsulm plant. Final assembly of the car takes place in the same way.

Other weight reduction factors include the engine frame that is made of ultra-light magnesium. The long cover over the soft-top compartment and the large side panels at the rear are made of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) which is also used in the modified front spoiler, the fixed rear spoiler and the new rear bumper. Altogether, these components provide a weight savings of 12.13 lb (5.5 kg.) Audi engineers also trimmed weight from the technical components in the area of the transmission, wheels, and brakes. On the inside, the bucket seats alone, with their chassis of glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP), saved 69.45 lb (31.5 kg) of weight.

The R8 GT Spyder features a lightweight fabric soft top that is extremely quiet and suitable for highway cruising. It features an electrohydraulic drive that brings the top up or down in 19 seconds, even at speeds of up to 31.07 mph (50 km/h.) The extendible glass rear window is nestled in the bulkhead, separate from the soft top. Integrated in the bulkhead is a rollover protection system comprising of two pretensioned plates.

Now let’s talk about the formidable power that is offered by the newest member of the R8 family. The 5.2-liter V10 with aluminum crankcase draws its fuel from an FSI direct injection system. Dry-sump lubrication ensures a reliable source of oil even under maximum lateral or straight-line acceleration. With its modified electronic management, the long-stroke engine produces 398.28 lb-ft (540 Nm) of torque at 6,500 rpm, and its peak output is 560 hp (412 kW.) As previously mentioned, the R8 GT Spyder catapults from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 3.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 196.97 mph (317 km/h.)

The R8 GT Spyder comes standard with an automatic 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. The quattro permanent all-wheel drive has a strong rear-wheel bias that provides an added measure of traction, stability and cornering speed, giving it a strong lead over the rear-wheel drive competition. The open high-performance sports car has 19-inch wheels, with 235/35s up front and 295/30s in the rear. Large, lightweight carbon-fiber ceramic brake discs decelerate the car with ease.

It is obvious that great attention to detail was also put into the interior of the car as evident by the materials and workmanship. Along with a roomy, two-seater interior that can accommodate 3.53 cu. ft. (100 liters) of cargo, accents include Alcantara upholstery that comes standard where a leather option of fine Nappa quality is available. Audi ultra requires no sacrifice on the part of R8 GT Spyder owners. Standard equipment includes 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. Other added features include a sophisticated sound system from Bang & Olufsen and a Bluetooth interface including a seatbelt-mounted microphone to ease carrying on a phone conversation. Options available for the R8 GT Spyder include bucket seats with a carbon-fiber composite chasis, matt CFRP applications and embroidered logos on the seat upholstery.

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