Audi R8 Spyder - Frankfurt catchup +video

The unveiling of the Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro at Frankfurt

Audi unveiled the convertible R8 at Frankfurt – the Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro. We have pictures from the show and video.

I think we were perhaps a bit dismissive about the Audi R8 Spyder when we reported on it on Tuesday. Or perhaps we were just starting to get snowed under with Frankfurt stories through the email and from our guys on the ground. Whichever, we didn’t actually bring you launch pictures from the floor at Frankfurt, as we did the report on Tuesday before the R8 Spyder was on the Frankfurt floor. Let’s make amends.

As we already know from previous reports, the Audi R8 Spyder comes equipped with just one engine option – the 5.2 litre V10 FSI. Which makes a lot of sense. The additional weight the convertible conversion has added – a not insignificant 476 lbs – would have had far more effect on the V8 than it does on the V10. And if you’re going to produce a halo convertible why not use the best bits at you disposal?

The result is – despite the weight increase – a 0-62mph in 4.1 seconds, which probably means the R8 Spyder sneaks in at a shade under 4.0 seconds to 60 mph. None too shoddy. It will also reach 194mph, which should be enough to blow the cobwebs away.

And, despite our original conclusion that is was a bit bland, we’ve changed our minds. In the R8 Spyder video we have here the Spyder does look good. Even with the roof up it looks purposeful yet elegant. Never big fans of the R8 sidebaldes – particularly in contrasting colours – the Spyder looks better with the integrated air intakes in their place.

Until we get to drive the Spyder we have no idea how much the chopped-top has compromised the dynamics. We would hope that all that extra weight created by strengthening the bulkhead, sills and central tunnel has done its job. Frankly, we would expect so.

Expect a starting price of around £111,955 when the R8 Spyder hits the UK in Spring 2010. Which is only £10k more than the hard top R8 V10.

A performance, soft-top bargain.

Note: As well as the R8 Spyder Video and photo galleries here, you can check out the Audi R8 Spyder Press Release for all the official bumph and the Audi R8 Spyder Price and Specifications too.