Audi confirms local R8 Spyder specs

We drove it at the international launch earlier this month and now Audi has announced local pricing and specifications for the new R8 Spyder ahead of its Australian release in mid-2017.

Fitted for now -- like the new R8 Coupe -- with a V10 engine as standard, the second-generation R8 Spyder will come with a pricetag of $388,500 before options and on-road costs, which will easily make it a $500,000-plus ownership proposition.

Although it's $7300 less than the old R8 V10 Spyder ($395,800), the new model's sticker price is more than $80,000 up on that of the old R8 V8 Spyder ($308,400), for which there is so far no replacement.

For further reference, the new R8 Spyder costs $33,884 more than the R8 Coupe ($354,616) on which it's based, but $82,300 less than the Lamborghini Huracan LP610-4 Spyder ($470,800) with which it shares its naturally-aspirated 5.2-litre V10.

So far there is no V10 'plus' version of the latest R8 Spyder, which would be the most expensive model in Audi's range. As it stands then, the R8 roadster undercuts the R8 V10 plus coupe ($389,616) by just $1116.

Audi Australia is yet to reveal its full options list for the R8 Spyder, but has confirmed a 'high-spec' standard equipment list that includes a number of items that cost extra in other markets (see below). Larger 20-inch alloy wheels will be optional for the first time.

Audi Australia says it expects to sell between five and 15 examples annually, accounting for as little as 10 per cent of overall R8 sales. Australians have bought just 46 original R8 Spyders over the past nine years.

We've covered the R8 Spyder's tech details in detail previously. In short, however, it's lighter, stiffer, quicker, faster, shorter and (by 36mm) wider than before, with vital statistics including 387kW of power (+11kW), 540Nm of torque (+10Nm), 0-100km/h in 3.6 seconds (-2sec), a 318km/h top speed and 1695kg kerb weight (-25kg).

Its 208kg spaceframe, comprising 79 per cent aluminium and 13 per cent carbon-fibre reinforced polymer, is claimed to make the new Spyder a significant 55 per cent stiffer in torsional rigidity than the model it replaces and as rigid as the original R8 Coupe.

Standard Audi R8 Spyder equipment:
Seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox
Newly developed quattro all-wheel drive system
Passive rear axle limited-slip differential
19-inch alloy wheels
Audi sport exhaust system
Audi magnetic ride
LED headlights
High beam assist
Dynamic indicators
Metallic/pearl effect paint
Convenience key
R8 sport steering wheel
Fine Nappa leather upholstery
Seat heating
Inlays in high-gloss black
MMI navigation plus with MMI touch
Audi virtual cockpit
Bang & Olufsen sound system
Digital radio DAB+
Parking system plus
Automatic air conditioning