2012 Audi R8 GT Spyder – Review and Pictures

Released at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show, the Spyder version of the Audi R8 GT is powered by the same 5.2-liter V10 engine that delivers 560 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque. This engine allows a top speed of 197 mph, and an acceleration from 0 to 60 in 3.8 seconds.

This car features a lightweight soft top that goes up or down in 19 seconds. It can also be removed/brought up while the car is moving, if the speed doesn’t exceed 31 mph. At higher speeds, the driver and passenger are protected by an extensible glass rear window.

The seats and steering wheel are covered in Alcantara upholstery as standard, but the buyer can also choose Nappa leather. Other features of the R8 Spyder are the LED headlights, LED tail lights, automatic air conditioning, navigation system, alarm system and driver information system with lap timer. Extras include a Bang & Olufsen sound system, Bluetooth interface with seatbelt microphone, bucket seats with a carbon-fiber composite chassis, and others.

The engine is mated to an automatic six-speed R-tronic transmission. This transmission has two automatic modes, and one manual. The driver can change gears by using the shift paddles mounted on the steering wheel, or by using the joystick.

This car competes with other supercars like the Mercedes SLS Amg, and the Ferrari 458 Italia. The Mercedes has similar configuration, but is a bit cheaper, and the Ferrari is somewhat faster, but more expensive.

The base cost price is $300,000, and there will only be 333 cars available for purchase, with 90 of them in the U.S.