2017 Audi R8 Spyder V10 Design, Interior, Test Drive – Video
Offering the breathtaking performance, precise handling and driver focused-interior of the R8 V10 Coupe combined with the allure of open-top driving, Audi of America drops the top on the second generation R8 V10 Spyder. With 540 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque, the 2017 R8 Spyder is faster and more powerful than its predecessor, delivering an even more thrilling driving experience.
The R8 Spyder features the same naturally-aspirated 5.2-liter V10 engine and seven-speed S-tronic® dual-clutch transmission as the R8 V10 Coupe. The lightweight cloth roof, which is complemented by the added lower sideblade, combine perfectly with the Spyder’s strikingly athletic design. Its strong backbone is the newly developed ASF® aluminum and carbon fiber construction. Like its predecessors, the interior pays homage to the shape of a racecar cockpit, with driver-oriented, easy-to-operate controls and functions, including the fully digital Audi virtual cockpit.
Strong motorsport DNA
Each generation of the R8 brings to the road know-how acquired on the racetrack and from the legacy of Audi endurance racing. Like the R8 V10 Coupe, the Spyder shares a foundation with the R8 LMS GT3 racecar. As a result of this close cooperation between racing engineers, racing drivers and developers, the R8 Spyder made significant performance gains over its predecessor.
Top down driving experience
The soft-top in the new R8 Spyder features an electrohydraulic drive system to raise and lower the roof in only 20 seconds, at speeds of up to 31 mph. The roof was developed with lightweight construction in mind, and weighs only 97 pounds, helping to keep the weight of the vehicle and center of gravity low. It can easily be opened or closed by operating the soft-top button in the center console.
When opened, the soft top folds into a flat storage compartment over the engine. With the top up, the rear window blocks the wind, or can be opened to allow the rich sound of the naturally aspirated V10 engine to flow into the vehicle cockpit.
Lightweight construction
The new R8 Spyder embodies the brand’s expertise in lightweight design through an all-new application of the iconic ASF® lightweight chassis and the use of a high percentage of carbon fiber materials. Comprising 80 percent of the ASF, the aluminum components form a lattice structure that engineers used in order to incorporate specific reinforcements into the sills, A-posts and windshield frame. As a result, the all-new Spyder is more than 50 percent stiffer than its predecessor, allowing for a more dynamic, solid and visceral driving experience.
Powertrain and Performance
The R8 V10 Spyder with 5.2-liter engine and seven-speed S-tronic® dual-clutch transmission delivers 540 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque. With its precise throttle response and free-revving ability all the way up to 8,700 rpm, the R8 V10 Spyder rapidly accelerates from 0-60 mph in only 3.5 seconds, one tenth of a second faster than the previous generation R8 V10 Spyder.
The S tronic dual-clutch transmission not only focuses on high levels of performance and acceleration and is fully integrated with the Audi drive select system. Additionally, the new transmission allows for a launch control program that provides a heightened level of acceleration through precise engine speed and an automated clutch release.
Chassis and Suspension
Similar to a racecar, the new R8 Spyder uses a double-wishbone design for both the front and rear suspension systems. The suspension weight is kept low through the use of forged aluminum control arms, while local dynamic rigidity has been enhanced by connecting the control arms directly to the ASF.
Available on 2017 R8 Spyder is dynamic steering, which offers a variable steering ratio that adjusts based on vehicle speed and the Audi drive select setting. At higher driving speeds, a less direct steering ratio helps to facilitate a more stable drive, and at lower driving speeds, a more direct steering ratio is utilized to help increase steering response for easier maneuvering.
The all-new R8 Spyder also features a completely unique application of the quattro® system. By default, the majority of torque is transmitted to the rear wheels, however, given certain driving conditions, the Spyder has the ability to send up to 100 percent of all available torque to the front axle. This is made possible by new technologies such as the electronically controlled hydraulic multi-plate clutch on the front axle, torque vectoring, and quattro integration within the Audi drive select system.