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First Spy Video of 2017 Audi R8 Spyder Shows Hot Nurburgring Action

It's late in the year and there are only a few weeks of good weather left, so automakers are pushing their prototypes harder than ever. They say that one mile of the Nurburgring is as tough on the car as 10 in the real world, which means this Audi R8 Spyder is undergoing a crash course.
First Spy Video of 2017 Audi R8 Spyder Shows Hot Nurburgring Action 1 photo
Photo: screenshot from Youtube
Even though it's fully camouflaged, the only part of the R8 Spyder that's new is the fabric convertible roof.

You might be tempted to think that because the Ferrari 458 and McLaren 650S models use retractable metal roofs, Audi's fabric solution is inferior. But it might be the exact opposite, as BMW is currently considering changing the setup of its 4 Series due to weight concerns. Today's multi-layered canvas roofs provide the same level of sound isolation as a fixed metal shell over your head.

Why would you buy an R8 Spyder, not a Lamborghini Huracan Spyder?

The R8 now shares its chassis and Hungarian-cast V10 engine with the Huracan, the convertible version of which is expected to drop at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show. It makes you wonder what kind of person would choose the German car over its Italian counterpart and for what reason.

The Huracan is undoubtedly a more beautiful car than the Audi R8. The overall proportions are similar, but while the bull makes you bite the back of your hand, Audis have never triggered that kind of reaction. Still, the R8 is significantly cheaper while offering the same 610 horsepower, all-wheel drive, and twin-clutch 7-speed gearbox.

There's no question that this video depicts a future exotic machine for the rich, but probably not for the famous. It's more like an affluent German architect's weekend car.

With the 911 Turbo S Cabrio in its sights…

The new R8 has distanced itself quite a bit from the Porsche 911, its old nemesis. However, the same customers are still going to be targeted by both models. At nearly €210,000, the Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet is the most expensive car in Stuttgart's arsenal, offering a twin-turbo 3.8-liter engine with 560 horsepower.

In late 2016, the R8 V10 plus Spyder will answer by bringing forth a 610 horsepower output. However, you will need to sign a check of at least €200,000 to get behind the wheel.

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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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