2011 Audi R8 Spyder 4.2 FSI Quattro Photos, engines & full specs

Four years after the commercial launch of the R8 Coupe with a V8 engine, Audi unveiled the open-top version of it named the R8 Spyder, made for those who wanted to enjoy the "wind-in-the-hair" sensation while driving the German supercar.

Unlike Porsche cars, which had engines behind the rear axle, the R8 was a mid-ship construction and considered a legit supercar. Even though the performance of the V8-powered R8 was not as good as some Italian supercars, it was almost there, especially regarding the drivetrain layout. But Audi knew that many buyers didn't want the R8 for its face-melting accelerations but for the look, feel, and pleasure of driving a mid-engine supercar that could go faster than most other cars on the road when pushed hard. Audi introduced the Spyder version of the R8 to enhance the pleasure in 2011, managing to not add too much weight compared to the R8's coupe version. Surprisingly, though, the R8 V8 came after the V10-powered version introduced a year earlier. As expected, it was less expensive than its more potent brother.

While both R8 Spyders looked similar, there were a few significant differences between them. The R8 V8 featured Audi's signature singleframe grille at the front flanked by big air intakes that cooled the brakes. These were adorned by three horizontal slats instead of two, as on the R8 V10. The car came fitted with standard Xenon headlamps, while the LED ones were optional. Regardless of the version, both came with integrated daytime running lights integrated into their lower and outer sides.

From its profile, the R8 V8 boasted its standard 18-inch alloy wheels, while a 19-inch set was available. The silver A-pillars that supported the windshield were thick and served as protection in the event of a rollover crash. Audi installed CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic) to lower the car's weight for the side panels that channeled air into the engine compartment behind the cabin. The same material was used to make the retractable roof compartment cover. Finally, at the back, the automaker installed a pair of four-slat vents underneath the taillights, while the bumper sported the four exhaust system with two round pipes on each side.

The R8 V8 Spyder boasted a luxurious cabin with leather-wrapped high-bolstered seats for the two occupants. These were divided by a narrow center console where Audi installed a pair of cupholders, an armrest with a storage compartment underneath, the handbrake, and the buttons to cover or uncover the car. At the touch of a button, occupants could raise or lower the rag-top from behind the cabin in 19 seconds at speeds of up to 50 kph (31 mph). Fronting the driver was the same binocular-styled instrument cluster that featured a large speedometer, a tachometer, two gauges for the fuel level and coolant, plus a TFT display in the middle for the onboard computer.

From the technical point of view, the R8 V8 Spyder didn't disappoint its owners with its 43:57 weight distribution. The engine sent 430 PS (424 hp) in all corners via a six-speed manual gearbox with a two-clutch disc system or a six-speed automated (single-clutch) transmission.