Audi R8 Spyder V10 Plus convertible roars in with 602bhp of ‘PLUS’ V10 goodness

The Audi R8 Spyder V10 Plus has been revealed as Audi add the ‘Plus’ to the V10 to deliver a convertible supercar with 602bhp. Costs around £155,000.

The Audi R8 has succeeded in becoming that rare beast, an everyday supercar, just like the Porsche 911, and now we get the ultimate iteration with this – the Audi R8 Spyder V10 Plus.

With the same glorious, and now almost extinct, naturally aspirated V10 as the V10 Plus Coupe (and the Lamborghini Huracan Spyder), the Spyder V10 Plus delivers 602bhp and 413lb/ft of torque, enough to hit 62mph in 3.3 seconds and a top speed of 204mph – just a smidge of the Coupe’s performance.

Despite the performance, Audi has worked hard to make the V10 Plus as economical as possible (for times when you can resist the flick of your right foot), with cylinder deactivation shutting down one bank of five cylinders, and a coasting function too. But you’ll still have to live with 22.6mpg officially (and 15mpg if you’re lucky in the real world).

Just like the Coupe, the Spyder gets quattro 4WD, selectable driving modes and variable torque distribution that can shove everything to a single axle when needed through Audi’s seven-speed dial-clutch box.

Removing the roof has added a hefty 140kg – despite which performance is stunning – and that roof can open or shut in 20 seconds at up to 31mph, with the same body tweaks as the Coupe – carbon front splitter, chunks of carbon fibre and lightweight 19″ alloys – making the High Street pose more theatrical.

The Audi R8 Spyder V10 Plus is now on sale at Audi’s UK dealers. There’s no UK price yet, although it costs €207,500 in Germany. However, a UK price closer to £155k seems likely.