Audi presents the R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro

Its lightweight cloth top opens and closes fully automatically; several body parts are made of a carbon fiber composite material The Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro makes a powerful statement. The sculptured lines of the emotion-packed, high-performance sports car are a fascinating and unique interpretation of its dynamism. Unlike the Coupé, the Spyder does not have sideblades behind the doors. The side panels and the large cover over the storage compartment for the cloth top are made of a carbon fiber composite. Two arched cowls, which extend to the spoiler lip and include large, integrated air vents, give the rear of the open-top two-seater a powerful profile. The V10 engine produces 525 hp and launches the open-top two-seater to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds on its way to a top speed of 313 km/h. Featuring technologies such as the Audi Space Frame (ASF), quattro permanent all-wheel drive, full-LED headlights and with an innovative seatbelt microphone available as an option, the R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro is the new top-of-the-range Audi. The R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro has a cloth top - an uncompromising solution for a high-performance sports car. The soft top’s approximate weight is a mere 30 kilograms; it thus keeps the vehicle’s total weight and center of gravity low. The top takes up little space when open and is a harmonious design element when closed. The electrohydraulic soft top opens and closes in 19 seconds, even while driving at speeds up to 50 km/h. When opened, it folds like a Z into its storage compartment over the V10 engine. The compartment cover opens and closes automatically. In the version with manual transmission, the R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro weighs only 1,720 kilograms thanks to its aluminum Audi Space Frame (ASF) body. The center tunnel, the rear wall, the floor pan and the A- and B-pillars, the body weighs only 216 kilograms - just 6 kilograms more than that of the R8 Coupé. The high stiffness of the ASF body, which includes an integrated engine frame of ultralightweight magnesium, provides the foundation for the car’s dynamic handling and superior safety. The Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro is built by quattro GmbH at the Neckarsulm plant. The vehicle, including the ASF, is largely hand-built. The open-top two-seater will be launched in Germany in the first quarter of 2010; sales will start in the coming days. Its base price will be 156,400 euros.

Source: SGCarMart