2017 Audi R8 V10 Spyder Plus Photos, engines & full specs

In 2016, at the New York Auto Show, Audi unveiled the second generation of the R8 V10 Spyder and its more powerful brother, the R8 V10 Spyder Plus.

After the successful introduction of the R8’s second generation at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, the German automaker prepared the drop-top version of it, namely the R8 V10 Spyder. When the customers saw the Spyder version of the 2016 R8, they were also surprised to find out that the German roadster was available with the Plus setup as well. Unlike its regular sibling, this pumped-up version came with a lighter bodywork thanks to carbon fiber panels, a sports-oriented cockpit, and an improved drivetrain.

From the outside, the R8 V10’s Spyder Plus boasted a set of LED headlights with an angular design. They featured upside-down L-shaped daytime running lights mounted on their outer sides, above the main LED beams. The massive singleframe grille, Audi’s design signature element, sported a honeycomb mesh to differentiate this potent version from its lesser-powered sibling. In addition, the automaker used the same pattern to cover the side scoops mounted on the lower side of the bumper. These were not decorations, they cooled the front rotors.

The Spyder’s profile unveiled the thick and black A-pillars that supported the windshield. Audi used the same color for the door mirror caps and the flaps that covered the side intakes mounted behind the doors. Behind the cabin, the automaker installed a lid that covered the storage area for the retractable canvas roof. Audi used a three-layer, lightweight canopy. It didn’t want to use rigid materials to keep the car’s weight low. Finally, at the back, the 2016 R8 V10 Spyder Plus differed from its non-Plus sibling. It featured a fixed carbon fiber lip spoiler on the rear side of the deck. Furthermore, the vents placed underneath the angular-shaped LED taillights sported the same honeycomb mesh pattern as the front grille. Lower, on the apron, the automaker installed quad pipes with a squared design, unlike the regular R8, which had two rectangular ones.

Customers found a pair of lightweight sports seats wrapped in Nappa leather painted with a special pigment that didn’t let them heat too much under the sun. In front of the driver, Audi installed the 12.3-inch display for the Virtual Cockpit. The tachometer took center stage and surrounded the digit-shown speedometer. A flat-bottom steering wheel that sported more buttons than the center console helped the ones behind the wheel control not just the infotainment and the onboard computer data shown in the instrument cluster, but also adjust the driving modes. On the center stack, Audi installed the dials for the HVAC system, while the center console housed additional commands and controls for the infotainment unit and the gear selector. The car manufacturer adorned the cabin with several carbon fiber trims.

But the most significant upgrade for the vehicle was found under its skin. The dry-sump lubrication system ensured that the car couldn’t run out of oil, regardless of circumstances. Its adaptive suspension and the standard carbon-ceramic brakes could give customers the peace of mind they needed on a fast drive. The 5.2-liter V10 placed behind the cabin produced 610 PS (602 hp) and was paired to a seven-speed automatic (dual-clutch) gearbox. Power went in all corners.