2018 Audi R8 V10 Spyder 5.2L FSI quattro S tronic 7AT AWD (570 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Audi introduced the second generation of the R8 V10 in 2015 as a coupe only, followed by the open-top version in the following year, but in 2018, the German automaker refreshed the entire lineup.

After more than 30,000 units sold since 2006, in two generations, the R8 became a respected supercar. Even if the first generation came in a bad moment, facing the world financial crisis, the car remained on the market. Audi could afford that and pushed hard its engineering department to make a better vehicle for the car’s second generation that appeared in 2015. Then, in 2016, it chopped the car’s roof and offered it as a roadster, or Spyder as the automaker named that version. Fast forward to October 2018, and Audi introduced the facelifted version for the entire lineup, including the Spyder.

Audi started by changing the car’s front fascia. For the 2018 model year, it featured a broad grille covered with a honeycomb mesh instead of the slatted one as on its predecessor. The same hexagonal pattern was used to fill the side scoops and the newly introduced air curtains that diverted the airflow around the bodywork for better aerodynamics.

From its profile, the open-top version of the 2018 R8 V10 featured black V10 badges on the front fenders instead of chromed ones like on its predecessor. A new set of 19-inch alloy wheels was also included for the refreshed version of the vehicle, while a set of 20-inch ones was on the options list. Depending on customers’ options, the side intakes could be black or finished in a carbon fiber look. These were made from CFRP materials, anyway. But the most significant change was noticed at the back. There, Audi installed a broad grille with a honeycomb pattern extended from side to side. It resembled the one installed on the mighty Audi UR-Quattro from the early ’80s that dominated the World Rally Championship. Below, under the bumper and flanking the rear diffuser, the automaker installed two big round exhausts.

Inside, most buttons and parts were similar to other Audi models. The three-spoke steering wheel was unique for the R8 V10. It featured several buttons, including the start-stop one, the drive mode dial, and the infotainment system’s switches. Since there was not enough room in the cabin, the automaker combined the screen for the infotainment unit with the instrument panel, named the Audi Virtual Cockpit. The leather-wrapped sports seats provided enough side bolstering to keep their occupants in place during high-speed cornering. Audi installed the triple-layer canvas top behind the cabin, concealed under a tilting CFRP cover. Drivers could raise or lower the roof above them in just 20 seconds at speeds of up to 50 kph (31 mph).

Audi installed the engine behind the cabin, like any other proper supercar. The facelifted version was available in a choice of powers delivered by the same 5.2-liter V10 shared with the Lamborghini Gallardo. All versions were paired with a seven-speed automatic (dual-clutch) S-Tronic gearbox.