Audi R8 GT Spyder Makes World Debut at Le Mans

It wasn’t just the feather-light R18 prototype racers that were the stars of this weekend’s 24 Hours at Le Mans, as Audi chose the famous France race the official stage for the world debut of its most powerful convertible ever - the R8 GT Spyder. To mark the event, former Le Mans winner Marco Werner drove the new road-going sports car that perfectly reflects Audi’s ultra lightweight technology.

This is one impressive rag-top quattro, as its 560 horsepower help it spring to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.8 seconds and onto a top speed of 197 mph (317 km/h). This isn’t the first time that Audi revealed a really fast R8 Spyder, but the GT name was reserved for the coupe shape until now. In addition, the car that was unveiled at Le Mans this weekend is also 85 kilograms (187.39 lbs) slimmer than the already toned regular version, thanks in part to the extensive use of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP).

Other changes include the rear spoiler, front splitter, upgraded brakes and the weight reduction regime (less sound isolation, thinner glass and carbon-fiber components) have all carried over from the R8 GT Coupe, as has the Alcantara interior.

Standard equipment on the R8 GT Spyder includes LED headlights, LED tail lights, an automatic air conditioning system, the navigation system plus, an alarm system and the driver information system with a built-in laptimer.

The Audi R8 GT Spyder also comes standard with an automated six-speed R tronic transmission with two fully automatic modes. In the additional manual mode, the driver can shift gears using the paddles on the steering wheel or by flicking the joystick.

Only 333 will ever be made and prices will start at €207,800 in Germany.