2017 Audi R8 Spyder Spied Plotting Against the Huracan Spyder on the Nurburgring

Now that the Huracan Spyder is out, we’re waiting for Audi’s move. And boy, oh boy, will the Germans make a move. The engineers are now working to complete the final development phases of the open-top supercar.

While the R8 once again shares its aluminum chassis with the Huracan, both will pack soft tops. Sure, the Ferrari 488 Spider and McLaren 650S Spider both use folding metallic tops, but the modern cloth tops in question are not far behind in terms of aural and thermal insulation. However, the canvas roofs are lighter, while also offering better packaging when stored. Not exactly unimportant assets for a supercar.

Unlike in the case of their predecessors, you’ll be able to grab the R8 and the Huracan with the same 610 hp output of the heavily revised V10 engine. However, the R8 Spyder will also be offered in a lower tune, accompanying the V10 Plus that rivals the standard Sant’Agata Bolognese supercar.

The Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet story

Porsche has just started introducing the mid-cycle revamp for its 911 and, for now, the Turbo S Cabriolet, which comes close to the R8 with its sticker price of $210,000, remains at 560 hp.

While nothing is official yet, expect the most expensive model in the 911 line-up to receive a power bump next year, along with a set of the tech updates that will complete its mid-life boost.

The Audi R8 will be even closer to its Zuffenhausen rival in the future, as once the new RS4 is released, Audi is expected to introduce the R8 to the performance sedan’s new twin-turbo V6. It’s all an enticing family affair.