The stunning new Audi R8 Spyder has been unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show. It has the same V10 5.2 FSI quattro drivetrain as its Coupe counterpart, and will be available to order from November 2009 in six-speed manual and six-speed R tronic automated manual forms priced at £111,955 OTR and £117,155 OTR respectively with first customer deliveries in April 2010.

The Spyder remains true to the core design cues of the Coupe including the mid-engine concept, quattro and Audi Space Frame to make sure the stunning looks are complemented by superb handling and driving performance.

Exterior features

Building on the V10 Coupe styling, the Spyder has some unique features that make it one of the most distinctive cars on the road. The Spyder has no sideblades, but the windscreen frame's aluminium finish complements the finish on the air vents in the carbon fibre panel that disguises the hood when folded.

With the soft-top roof closed, the lines remain sleek and coupe-like thanks to fins incorporated within the fully automatic, acoustic hood.

Key features

Fabric hood
The fabric hood is available in three colours; black, red and brown. The hood opens or closes in just 19 seconds, at the touch of a button, and can be operated while on the move between five and 30mph. The heat and noise-insulating qualities of the hood ensure that the R8 Spyder cabin is acoustically on a par with the Coupe at moderate speeds.

For extra comfort and versatility, the heated, glass rear windscreen can be raised and lowered independently of the hood and a wind deflector can be easily fitted behind the seats to reduce buffeting when the hood is down.

Bluetooth Interface with seatbelt microphones
The R8 Spyder features a Bluetooth interface as standard. It includes a new technological advance that is a first for Audi.

Three microphones are integrated into the cabin: one in the driver’s seat belt, one in the passenger’s seat belt and one in the roof module. This optimises reception and minimises wind noise when using the hands-free function.

The seat belt microphones are also included with the mobile phone preparation – low option.

Specification
The standard specification is based on that of the R8 V10 Coupe, with these additional items:

- Heat resistant Fine Nappa leather
- Extended leather package
- Bluetooth interface including integrated seatbelt microphones
- Wind deflector
- Fully automatic, acoustic soft-top

The total value of these items is approximately £3,000.