New York debut for the new Audi R8 Spyder

The new Audi R8 Spyder V10 made its debut at the New York International Motor Show, offering thrilling open-air motoring accompanied by the guttural roar of a mighty naturally aspirated engine.

Setting the tone in the new Audi R8 Spyder V10, the naturally aspirated 5.2-litre mid-mounted engine with dual injection system has a dynamic throttle response and a distinctive hard-edged soundtrack, proffering 540bhp and 540Nm of torque. It is mated to a seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch transmission. 

The newly developed Audi Space Frame (ASF), using the multi-material construction principle and made from aluminium and carbon fibre, forms the strong backbone of the car. In a progression from the R8 Coupe, they form a lattice that Audi's engineers have used to incorporate specific reinforcements especially into the sills, A-pillars and windscreen frame. Its torsional rigidity has increased by over 50 percent compared with the previous model.

The R8 Spyder has a lightweight cloth hood tapering into two fins. These stretch the cloth so that it, along with the large hood compartment cover, harmonises perfectly with the dramatic lines of this high-performance sports car. An electro-hydraulic motor opens and closes the hood in 20 seconds up to a speed of 50km/h. 

The controls place the focus squarely on the driver, who can operate all important functions with the multifunction and satellite push-buttons without having to take their hands off the steering wheel or look away from the road. The large 12.3-inch, fully digital Audi virtual cockpit presents all information using rich 3D graphics. 

A new technology that makes its debut in the R8 Spyder is the Audi smartphone interface. This makes it possible to display selected content from the smartphone directly in the Audi virtual cockpit. From the middle of this year, this option will also be available for the R8 Coupe. The Bang & Olufsen Sound System is another highlight - for the first time, Audi integrates two head restraint loudspeakers into each seat, for an excellent audio experience even when driving with the hood open.