Following the introduction of theR8 V10 and V10 Plus in South Africa last year, Audi now welcomes the R8 Spyder V10 to the local market!

The Audi R8 Spyder V10 is offered with the 397 kW/540 Nm 5.2-litre V10 engine, which is mated with a 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission.

The new R8 Spyder V10 is 14 mm shorter, but 36 mm wider than its predecessor and has a dry weight of 1 612 kg courtesy of its Audi Space Frame (ASF), which combines aluminium components (79.6%) with structurally integrated carbon-fibre reinforced polymer. Torsional rigidity has also increased by 50% compared with the previous car.

According to Audi, the R8 Spyder V10 will accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in 3.6 sec, on to 200 kph in 11.8 sec and achieve a top speed of 318 kph. And, in the pursuit of maximum aural stimulation, the Ingolstadt-based firm says that “road and wind noise inside the car are much lower” than on its predecessor…

Watch a brief clip of the R8 Spyder V10 in action:

The newly developed soft top is manufactured from cloth, weighs only 44 kg and an electro-hydraulic drive can open/close the top (at the press of a button) in 20 seconds at speeds of up to 50 kph. Plus, with the hood down, occupants should notice that air turbulence at head level is lower; a standard wind deflector reduces the reverse flow around the head by about 90% and around the shoulder/neck by 80% (compared with the first R8 Spyder). And, less buffeting means better sound: exhaust flaps are standard, but an optional sport exhaust with gloss-black gives the sound added edge.

As for the interior, sport seats – upholstered in diamond-pattern leather – are standard, as are the highly customisable Audi virtual cockpit display, MMI infotainment control (with navigation function) and Audi connect wireless internet module. A Bang & Olufsen Sound System with 13 loudspeakers (with a pair of 2 speakers in each seat, positioned at ear level of the driver and passenger), is standard as well.

The R8 Spyder V10 is individuallycustomisable with extra items such as carbon fibre front spoiler, diffuser and side blades and Audi laser lighting with an anodised blue strip, to name just a few options…

Audi R8 Spyder V10 – Price in South Africa

Audi R8 Spyder V10 – R2 905 500

The Audi R8 Spyder V10 is sold with a 5-year/100 000 km Audi Freeway Plan.

More R8 content:

Audi R8 V10 (2016) First Drive [with Track Video]

Part 2: Audi R8 vs McLaren 570S Track Race

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