Audi R8 Spyder V8

[EXTRACT]#EANF# What‘s it? It’s the new, ‘entry-level’ version of Audi’s drop-top R8. First launched with just the top-whack V10, the Spyder is now available using the regular 424bhp V8 motor - and also a useful price saving of greater than £20k. A manual V8 Spyder will cost from £95, 545 - or around £7k more when compared to a Porsche 911 Carrera 4 S Cabrio. The V8 puts out 424bhp with a heady 7900rpm, and although there’s a small weight penalty due to the added stiffening required, the R8 V8 can still hit 62mph in 4. 8sec and also a top speed of 186mph. What’s it like? Fabulous. The arrival from the Lambo-derived V10 inside the range has overshadowed the R8’s 4. 2-litre powerplant just a little - perhaps because the greater modest motor was, in essence, available in ‘lesser’, non-supercar models. But that’s dreadfully unfair. It’s got bags of charm, with decent low-down punch and also a soundtrack that’s every bit as alluring like the 911’s six-pot. Beyond 4500rpm there’s some exhaust trickery that really cranks in the volume ; it’s an utter hoot in tunnels, and a chance to lower the roof to listen to it better is a genuine plus point. The cabin is beautifully finished and nicely laid out, and also the hood installation is first-rate. No, it’s almost as civilised like a hard-roofed R8 at motorway speeds, but it’s removed from uncomfortable. And inside an open-air environment it will a decent job of protecting occupants from buffeting. The particularly excellent news could be that the excellent blend of body control and ride quality that will make the V10 Spyder this type of star remains in evidence here. And when anything, the R8 feels a bit more nimble, just a little keener to dash toward apexes. The steering could make use of a teeny little more feel all around the straight ahead but it’s nicely weighted and really accurate. And when again, the R8 amazes us by utilizing perhaps one of the best ride set-ups of any Audi. The underlying feeling is just one of stiffness, however it remains compliant and surprisingly forgiving over most poor surfaces. Just the worst potholes will intrude as well as then, one‘s body doesn’t appear to suffer from noticeable flex. Downsides? There’s not much space inside for odds and sods. The seats could use a little more lateral support to manage the R8’s capcapacity to cling on in corners. And Audi’s metallic gate gearbox cover seems like an aftermarket trinket. If anything, it only slows down shifts ; the gearbox feels slicker compared to the cover enables. Should I buy one? Yes. Porsche purists will likely still disagree, however the R8 remains a compelling rival to the classic 911 - perhaps it falls slightly short of the car’s analogue brilliance, however it can match and beat it for charm in other areas. It retains a surprising level of everyday usability, too. Though it costs a couple of quid more, the R8 Spyder V8 ought to be firmly in your list for consideration purchasing any drop-top supercar. John McIlroy Audi R8 Spyder V8Price : £95, 545 ; Top speed : 186mph ; 0-62mph : 4. 8sec ; Economy : 19. 6mpg (combined ) ; CO2 emissions : 337g / km ; Kerb weight : 1660kg ; Engine V8, 4163cc, petrol ; Installation : Mid, longitudinal, 4WD ; Power : 424bhp at 7900rpm ; Torque : 317lb ft at 4500-6000rpm ; Gearbox : 6-spd manual ; Fuel tank : 80 litres ; Boot size : 100 litres. EXTRACT#EANF# Audi R8 Spyder V8