2009 Audi R8 Spider Revealed

Audi will next year launch this open-top version of its R8 supercar. The Spider is one of a growing choice of R8s – buyers bored of the default 911 will soon be able to pick between two petrols and a V12 diesel, plus coupe or targa bodystyles. It’s typical of a car maker not exactly afraid of baffling buyers with extensive choice of engine/gearbox/driven wheels even in its most humdrum ranges.

It’s also a logical step as Porsche makes plenty of capital out of the 911 soft-top versions – and the R8 is aimed squarely at that domestic rival. Our artist’s impression has been built using the exclusive sketch CAR smuggled out of Ingolstadt last year (image, middle right) and isn’t mere fantasy. Expect to see twin speedster humps sprouting above the mid-mounted engine and a subtly truncated aluminium blade ahead of the rear wheels.



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sholemon - 3/28/2008 4:34:21 PM

+1 Boost

That looks amazing. Keep the price below 115k and I will take one. Of course I would literally be taking it from someone cuz I sure dont have money. Whats GTA gonna get me? 5-10?

VISO - 3/28/2008 5:26:29 PM

+1 Boost

Below 115K. Ok! I've got some swamp land for sale if you want it.

ThierryHenry14 - 3/28/2008 4:47:32 PM

+1 Boost

A thing of beauty...

answer - 3/28/2008 4:48:35 PM

+2 Boost

I'd still prefer the coupe, but damn that looks good!

bmwfan1513 - 3/28/2008 5:17:03 PM

+3 Boost

Looks great. I still like the coupe better. I am not the biggest fan of convertibles.

Hyundai - 3/28/2008 6:00:58 PM

+3 Boost

"Audi hopes to keep the buzz going by gently expanding the range to have three engine options:

• R8: 414bhp naturally aspirated V8
• RS8: 500bhp naturally aspirated V10
• R8 TDI: 500bhp twin-turbo V12 turbodiesel"

They should really not call it the "RS8". There is already an S8... and that has 4 doors! R8 V10? That sounds better to me and will quell confusion between their alpha-numeric medley.

S4cabriofoxone - 3/28/2008 6:56:08 PM

+2 Boost

I agree, and I doubt they'd call it the RS8.

Anyway, this looks incredible as usual, but I prefer the coupe.

Expect it to be ~$130K.

Agent63 - 4/1/2008 12:54:12 AM

+1 Boost

If i only knew there would be a spider i would have waited...

ZBL1414 - 3/28/2008 7:21:33 PM

+2 Boost

hopefully they will make more than 10 of them

SixxFive - 3/29/2008 12:47:48 AM

+1 Boost

coupe looks better...

macbjg - 3/31/2008 2:56:06 PM

+1 Boost

... but, it's got a roof!

gasuser - 4/2/2008 9:20:08 PM

+1 Boost

I have seen the coupe in person and while nice, it does not scream supercar. It will be interesting to see what the next four years has in store for this car-how it holds it's value, etc. One can buy a pretty nice Ferrari for what people are asking for this car without a lot of downside. Covertible looks great on paper.

big_rims - 4/6/2008 3:56:35 PM

+1 Boost

i'm not into convertables much, but this car looks great! Although I hope Audi doesn't make too many forms of the R8, or else its image could be stained.