Luxury And Travel Hub: 2016 New York Auto Show: Audi R8 Spyder V10

Fresh off the R8’s win of World Performance Car of the Year, Audi introduced the next chapter for their V10 powered supercar; the R8 Spyder V10.

Looking impossibly fast in its brilliant yellow paint scheme, The R8 Spyder rides on the same wheelbase as the previous generation but is slightly shorter and wider. It presents an aggressive stance with the high arched wheel openings filled with 20-inch wheels and tires. The new front end design, accentuates the car’s width, with its clean lines, low hood height, dark mesh grille, and sharply angular LED lighting.

Weighing in at just 3,554 pounds and with a V10 engine that generates 540 horsepower, the R8 Spyder features an impressive power-to-weight ratio of 8.6 pounds per horsepower. This combination results in a 0-60 time of under 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 197 miles per hour. That’ll dry your hair in a hurry. The power is put down via Audi’s legendary Quattro system through a 7-speed dual clutch transmission.

Handling has been improved thanks to a chassis that’s 50% stiffer than the previous model. This helps the suspension do its job better. In addition to electromechanical power steering, Audi also offers dynamic steering that changes the ratio as a function of speed and adapts the steering torque to suit, so you get more precise steering feel.

Inside, the R8 Spyder is focused on the driver and the task at hand. All important functions can be controled without ever taking your hands off the steering wheel. In addition when you opt for the new, performance leather steering wheel, which makes its debut in the R8 Spyder, you get three more driving programs: dry, wet and snow. Because what’s more fun that driving a 500+ horsepower convertible with the top down over a snowy roadway. Of course, the R8 Spyder includes all the electronic goodies you’d expect including hi-res graphics on a 12.3-inch monitor, 4G LTE connectivity and a 13-speaker Bang and Olufsen stereo.

Pricing has not been announced and the car will go on sale later this year. We’ll have details as soon as they become available.

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