What We Like
Attractive supercar looks
Impeccable attention to detail in the cabin
Able to shut down five cylinders to save fuel during cruising speed
Keen and dynamic handling
What We Dislike
Doesn't have the glass engine cover to 'showcase' the engine
Most drop-top supercars have a simple objective to achieve: To allow the driver to enjoy the charm of wind-in-the-hair motoring without taking away the excitement of its dynamic handling qualities.
The Audi R8 Spyder, on the other hand, manages to accomplish just that with ease, and then some.
It's an overachiever
More than just the usual glamorous qualities of a drop-top supercar, the R8 Spyder that you see here also supplies the driver and occupant with a comfortable ride quality without compromising on the sharp characteristics needed for its dynamic handling on the road.
In that sense, the drop-top two-seater bearing the four rings doesn't shove you with the sort of savagery and theatric commotion every time you start the car, which isn't exactly a bad thing. Instead, it supplies you with sufficient ferocity and drama only when you ask for it.
As a result, the R8 Spyder gives you more than adequate confidence behind the wheel. Knowing that you're piloting a car that measures 1,940mm wide, costs $872,888 (as of 22nd June 2017) and has the ability to shoot all of its 540bhp and 540Nm of torque to all four wheels from the word go, the overwhelming sense of nervousness is inevitable.
But the Spyder somehow restrains its natural intensity for good reasons. While peers from Ferrari and Lamborghini have more of an ostentatious charm to them, the Audi R8 Spyder has a decisively calmer and a modest character that encourages you to drive it as an everyday car.
Does it drive as well as the Coupe?
We reckon both the R8 Spyder and the R8 Coupe are completely different cars. But quite understandably, the comparison comes across as a very natural thought and reaction considering the two cars share the same mechanical platforms, design and shape, minus the roof.
It's never an easy thing to fully grasp the prowess and capabilities of a car like an R8, Coupe or Spyder, on the roads of Singapore because there's hardly a chance to explore every bit of the car without the risk of throwing your driver's licence out the window.
But for the couple of days we spent with the R8 Spyder, one thing's for sure: It's capable of delivering you to a formal gala dinner in a civil and gracious manner, thanks to a cylinder deactivation system that can shut down five cylinders to improve fuel economy. Yet, the car will behave like a barking beast that's dying to come out of its cage when the time, place and mood is right.
The Audi R8 Spyder, on the other hand, manages to accomplish just that with ease, and then some.
It's an overachiever
More than just the usual glamorous qualities of a drop-top supercar, the R8 Spyder that you see here also supplies the driver and occupant with a comfortable ride quality without compromising on the sharp characteristics needed for its dynamic handling on the road.
In that sense, the drop-top two-seater bearing the four rings doesn't shove you with the sort of savagery and theatric commotion every time you start the car, which isn't exactly a bad thing. Instead, it supplies you with sufficient ferocity and drama only when you ask for it.
As a result, the R8 Spyder gives you more than adequate confidence behind the wheel. Knowing that you're piloting a car that measures 1,940mm wide, costs $872,888 (as of 22nd June 2017) and has the ability to shoot all of its 540bhp and 540Nm of torque to all four wheels from the word go, the overwhelming sense of nervousness is inevitable.
But the Spyder somehow restrains its natural intensity for good reasons. While peers from Ferrari and Lamborghini have more of an ostentatious charm to them, the Audi R8 Spyder has a decisively calmer and a modest character that encourages you to drive it as an everyday car.
Does it drive as well as the Coupe?
We reckon both the R8 Spyder and the R8 Coupe are completely different cars. But quite understandably, the comparison comes across as a very natural thought and reaction considering the two cars share the same mechanical platforms, design and shape, minus the roof.
It's never an easy thing to fully grasp the prowess and capabilities of a car like an R8, Coupe or Spyder, on the roads of Singapore because there's hardly a chance to explore every bit of the car without the risk of throwing your driver's licence out the window.
But for the couple of days we spent with the R8 Spyder, one thing's for sure: It's capable of delivering you to a formal gala dinner in a civil and gracious manner, thanks to a cylinder deactivation system that can shut down five cylinders to improve fuel economy. Yet, the car will behave like a barking beast that's dying to come out of its cage when the time, place and mood is right.
To unlock the said beast, just toggle the driving mode from Comfort to Dynamic and activate the sports exhaust button. These immediately transform the R8 Spyder into a sharper and louder car that's all set to catapult you from one end of the Braddell flyover to the other with maximum brutality.
With such an instantaneous response and effortless revving, accompanied by a holy orchestral soundtrack and ample grip, the R8 Spyder shines not just in a straight-line fashion but more so around sweeping bends. It turns with absolute precision and stays planted with a nary of roll. The fact that the steering is chatty and well-weighted further enhances the driving experience.
Design as well as it drives
While most convertibles lose their fine lines when the roof gets chopped off, the Audi, with its relentlessly modern yet aggressive design, retains its individualistic appeal that is further elevated by its foldable soft-top - a 20-second operation that can take place at speeds of up to 50km/h.
And should you decide to have the roof in place, there's still a choice for you to lower the rear glass window, giving you an unadulterated V10 symphonic experience.
Admittedly, the downside here is that the glass engine cover on the Coupe is no longer found on the Spyder for the sake of the folding roof.
But that's a small issue for a car that has an impeccable attention to details. The myriad of controls on the steering wheel, combined with Audi's virtual cockpit that provides you with a crisp display, are delightfully progressive. Compare this to its pricier Huracan sibling, and it becomes apparent just how much Audi has done to ensure the intimidation factor is removed for the sake of comfort and confidence.
Here's looking at you, kid
There's no doubt that the R8 Spyder, as with the Coupe, is one of the most exciting machines Audi has produced. While it lacks the glamorous badge of a Ferrari or a Lamborghini, the R8 Spyder returns you with the kind of performance and handling at a comfortable level that only a few can boast.
In that aspect, the Audi R8 Spyder manages to accomplish a lot with ease, and then some.
With such an instantaneous response and effortless revving, accompanied by a holy orchestral soundtrack and ample grip, the R8 Spyder shines not just in a straight-line fashion but more so around sweeping bends. It turns with absolute precision and stays planted with a nary of roll. The fact that the steering is chatty and well-weighted further enhances the driving experience.
Design as well as it drives
While most convertibles lose their fine lines when the roof gets chopped off, the Audi, with its relentlessly modern yet aggressive design, retains its individualistic appeal that is further elevated by its foldable soft-top - a 20-second operation that can take place at speeds of up to 50km/h.
And should you decide to have the roof in place, there's still a choice for you to lower the rear glass window, giving you an unadulterated V10 symphonic experience.
Admittedly, the downside here is that the glass engine cover on the Coupe is no longer found on the Spyder for the sake of the folding roof.
But that's a small issue for a car that has an impeccable attention to details. The myriad of controls on the steering wheel, combined with Audi's virtual cockpit that provides you with a crisp display, are delightfully progressive. Compare this to its pricier Huracan sibling, and it becomes apparent just how much Audi has done to ensure the intimidation factor is removed for the sake of comfort and confidence.
Here's looking at you, kid
There's no doubt that the R8 Spyder, as with the Coupe, is one of the most exciting machines Audi has produced. While it lacks the glamorous badge of a Ferrari or a Lamborghini, the R8 Spyder returns you with the kind of performance and handling at a comfortable level that only a few can boast.
In that aspect, the Audi R8 Spyder manages to accomplish a lot with ease, and then some.
