These spy photos of the Audi R8 GT Spyder are not a big surprise. Neither do they raise any important questions. Audi recently confirmed that it would build a roofless version of its lightweight R8 GT and released a pair of sketches, but now we have real photos of the hotter R8 Spyder. It may not be major news, but we just can�t pass up the chance to share more pictures of the stunning R8, especially in this beautiful blue.
Knowing what we do about the GT coupe, we don�t feel like we need official confirmation of the Spyder GT�s hardware; the same weight-saving and track-focusing measures employed on the coupe will be applied to the roofless version. Considering that a regular convertible with the 5.2-liter V-10 weighs about 240 pounds more that its coupe counterpart and the GT weighs about 220 pounds less than that same V-10 coupe, expect the Spyder GT�s curb weight to be right back where the 5.2-liter hardtop started�about 3700 pounds. The GT�s weight savings will be slightly less in the U.S., though, if the lightweight seats of the Euro model�they save about 70 pounds combined but don�t have side airbags�are not approved for sale here.
This All Seems So Familiar
Power will come from the 5.2-liter V-10, here producing an extra 35 hp and 7 lb-ft of torque, for totals of 560 and 398, respectively. We expect that the full run of GT Spyders will be fitted with the R tronic transmission, as is the case with the R8 GT coupe. For both weight savings and track prowess, the Spyder likely will have the same carbon-ceramic brakes�with seductive anodized calipers�and adjustable coil-overs as the GT coupe. If passersby fail to notice the brakes, a fixed carbon-fiber spoiler and enormous circular tailpipes (the latter not seen on this prototype) will clue them in to the fact that this is a GT.
In addition to the lightened suspension bits, we expect the Spyder GT to shed pounds thanks to lightweight carpet, less sound deadening, a lighter exhaust system, assorted carbon-fiber bits, and a lightweight battery. Although they�re not present on the prototype here, the Spyder GT should have the same modified front and rear fascias as the GT coupe.
Audi will produce just 333 GT coupes worldwide�90 of which are headed to the U.S.�and we expect that the Spyder GT will be limited to a similar number. With the coupe priced just over $200,000, figure on the Spyder going for around $220,000. That�s a sizable premium over a V-10 Spyder, but a savings of around $30,000 over the same car wearing a Lamborghini badge.
post by carmax
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