Audi R8 Spyder 4.2 FSI quattro Now Available in the UK

The British division of Audi announced today it has added the new generation 4.2-litre V8 FSI petrol engine to the R8 Spyder line-up, joining the existing 5.2-litre V10 FSI variant. The new unit complies with EU5 emissions limits with the help of a new recuperation system that conserves energy during coasting and braking.

It has an increased 430 PS output (previously 420PS), with a maximum torque of 430Nm. In conjunction with both the standard six-speed manual transmission and the optional six-speed S tronic automated manual, the R8 Spyder 4.2 FSI quattro can sprint to 62 mph (100 km/h) from rest in just 4.8 seconds, and continue to a 186 mph (300 km/h) top speed.

“The electrohydraulically controlled hood, which opens the R8 Spyder 4.2 FSI quattro to the elements in 19 seconds at speeds of up to 31mph, blends harmoniously into the advanced aluminium and carbon fibre composite body shell’s dramatic lines, and when lowered folds like a Z beneath the automatically activated cover of its storage compartment above the V8 engine,” a company statement reads.

“The heated glass window, which is separate from the fabric hood, is lowered into the bulkhead. It can be independently raised and lowered at the touch of a button, with the top up or down. An additional wind deflector is fitted as standard and can be latched into the bulkhead behind the seats in two easy steps.”

The 4.2-litre V8 FSI variant features heating and electric adjustment for the Fine Nappa leather-trimmed seats, plus Bluetooth mobile phone preparation incorporating innovative seatbelt-mounted microphones. Metallic paint is also added over and above the R8 V8 specification.

The new R8 Spyder 4.2 FSI quattro is now available to order priced at GBP95,545 OTR for the six-speed manual version and GBP100,855 for the six-speed R tronic automated manual. Customer deliveries will begin in January 2011.