2016 Audi R8 V10 Spyder Photos, engines & full specs

Audi introduced the second generation of the R8 at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show and saved the drop-top version for the American continent, unveiling it at the New York Auto Show in 2016.

Supercars were no longer just toys for the track, and car manufacturers were aware of that. That’s why Audi developed the R8 V10 Spyder in parallel with the coupe version. As a result, the open-top variant of the four-ring badged supercar was ready to meet its clients soon after its fixed-roof sibling was on the market. Audi had to wait almost three years for the previous generation to reveal the rag-top version after launching the coupe. For the second generation of this nameplate, it didn’t repeat that mistake. Just like its sibling, the 2016 R8 Spyder was available exclusively with a V10 engine behind its cabin.

The new model was wider than its predecessor and sported an aggressive design. Its sharp lines and angular-shaped headlights flanked Audi’s signature design element, the singleframe grille. This was, too, penned with crisp lines and clear-looking angles. It was flanked by rectangular scoops that featured vertical slats to cool the front rotors. To emphasize the new generation, the car sported two creases on the hood that visually connected the headlights to the windshield.

From its profile, the Spyder version carried over the front fenders and the chromed V10 badges from its coupe sibling. The A-pillars that supported the windshield, on the other hand, were thicker since they served as rollover protection and sported a contrasting color. While the sculptured doors, with their hidden handles concealed under the upper creases that crossed the car to channel air into the side intakes, were similar to those from the coupe, the rear deck differed. It featured a large cover for the retractable canvas top and was adorned by longitudinal vents.

The cabin boasted a set of sports seats with leather upholstery separated by a narrow center console where Audi installed the gear selector, the infotainment system’s controller, and an armrest with tiny storage underneath it. Fronting the driver was a new instrument cluster that housed a digital display instead of analog dials. Audi named it Virtual Cockpit and sported the tachometer in the middle, around the digit-shown speedometer. Drivers could opt for what other information should appear on the sides of the rev counter via the buttons on the flat-bottom steering wheel. Customers could cover or uncover the vehicle in 20 seconds via a button on the center console at speeds of up to 50 kph (31 mph).

The second generation of the R8 came exclusively fitted with a V10 engine. Audi sent the 4.2-liter V8 powerplant used on the previous generation to retirement. It also improved the new 5.2-liter FSI engine to produce 540 PS (532 hp). Audi paired it with a seven-speed automatic (dual-clutch) gearbox that sent all the oomph to all wheels.