Audi has finally revealed the R8 GT Spyder in all its glory. The top-of-the-range model combines the open air experience of the R8 Spyder, with the phenomenal grunt of the R8 GT‘s 560 horsepower V10 engine.
Much of the R8 GT Spyder’s development and engineering was concentrated on keeping the weight to a minimum. In fact Audi have managed to trim 85 kgs (187 lbs) – or the weight of an average man – off the bulk of the standard R8 Spyder. As always, the use of carbon fiber was key to keeping the weight to a minimum. The cover for the soft top, the rear spoiler and the rear bumper are all made of the stuff, while the shells for the lightweight racing seats are formed from glass fiber-reinforced polymer.
Other areas in which Audi was able to cut the fat was in the engine bay, where an ultra-light magnesium frame holds the powerplant securely in place. Audi also say they were able to shed some pounds from the transmission, wheels and brakes. Although they weren’t too clear on how exactly they accomplished the feat.
Aesthetically the R8 GT Spyder can be picked out from the standard R8 Spyder by a number of changes. At the front there is a new dual lip splitter and small aerodynamic ‘flicks’ on either side of the front bumper, both of these are finished in a contrasting titanium gray color. At the rear there is a new, larger diffuser, darkened LED taillights and twin round tailpipes. An optional windshield frame finished in matt carbon fiber is also available.
The V10 engine of the R8 GT Spyder is exactly the same as that found in the R8 GT Coupe. So that means there’s a V10 lurking behind the cockpit which produces 560 horsepower and 398 lb-ft (540 Nm) of torque. Foot-to-the floor it can reach 62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.8 seconds. And at full chatter it’ll be covering ground at the rate of 197 mph.
The Audi R8 GT Spyder’s transmission is an automated six-speed unit which has two fully automatic modes. In the manual mode, the driver can select gears using the paddles on the steering wheel, or by flicking the gear selector. A launch control system, when engaged, makes full power starts a breeze by managing wheel spin, clutch control and gear changes. Leaving the driver with the simple task of just holding onto the steering wheel and keeping it pointed in the right direction.
The obligatory quattro all-wheel drive system has a strong bias towards the rear wheels. However if the situation demands it, additional torque can be transferred to the front wheels to get the car back into line.
The interior of the Audi R8 GT Spyder has been fitted with new seats, which account for 70 lbs (31.5 kgs) of the weight loss. These seats, with their chassis of glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP), have high side bolsters and grippy suede coverings to keep the occupants securely in place. The black colored interior can be decorated with stitching in a choice of gray or grimson red. Alcantara suede comes as standard on the steering wheel and inside of the windscreen frame. White dials with R8 GT logos remind the driver, not that they really need reminding, that this is no ordinary R8 Spyder.
Source: Audi
