Audi R8 5.2 V10 Spyder 2017 Review | Driver's Seat

The all-new second generation Audi R8 sports car is once again available as a two-door coupe or two-door Spyder (convertible). The all-new model retains its mid-engine layout as well its power being distributed to all four-corners of the car through Audi’s Quattro four-wheel drive system. Largely built by hand at a special facility near Neckarsulm, Germany, this second-generation model has a 50% improvement in rigidity and is built on a newly developed Audi Space Frame constructed using aluminium and carbon fibre. Powering the R8 is a naturally aspirated ten-cylinder 5.2-litre petrol engine. The V10 is offered in two outputs, standard and Plus. Standard models produce 533bhp and 398lb ft of torque resulting in a sprint from standstill to 62mph in just 3.6 seconds (for the Spyder). The Plus model gets an extra 69bhp (602bhp) and 15lb ft (413) of torque with 0-62mph being reduced by 0.3 seconds and top speed increased to 203mph from 197mph for the Spyder. It features dual injection to optimise engine response and a freewheeling mode to improve economy, while launch control gets you off the line as quickly as possible. Connected to a seven-speed S Tronic dual-clutch transmission, up to 100% of the power can be sent to either end of the R8. There are four settings through the Audi Drive Select to set up the R8 as you wish – comfort, normal, dynamic and individual. Keeping the rain off you is a lightweight fabric top that tapers into two fins. However, when the clouds clear and the sun beams, the electrically operated roof (from either the remote key or a button between the seats) opens in 20 seconds and at speeds of up to 31mph. The rear window can be raised to act as a wind deflector to keep the cabin bluster free. Inside, you’ll be searching the dash for an infotainment screen and cursing Audi for its tight-fisted approach to standard equipment, before taking it all back and applauding the innovative 12.3in Audi Virtual cockpit containing a 3D sat nav. It’s a brilliant system in other Audi’s with the dash mounted screen but in the R8 allows the dash to stay clean, simplified and clutter free. It’s controlled by the MMI rotary dial between the seats while you can change the digital cockpit layout through controls on the steering wheel. It even has seatbelts installed with microphones. The R8 gets keyless access and a steering wheel mounted red starter button, climate control and heated seats. The R8 Spyder costs £132,020. However, our test car is finished in Ara blue crystal effect exterior paint, with a black fabric roof and black fine Nappa leather sports seats with diamond design. Our test car came fitted with optional: 19in five-arm twin-spoke alloy wheels (£950); ceramic brakes (£7,700); LED headlights with Audi Laser lights (£3,150); Audi smartphone interface (£250); pedals in stainless steel (£325); sound and comfort pack (Bang and Olufsen Sound System, Extended Leather Upholstery, Pneumatic seat backrest and side bolster adjustment for sport seats, illuminated aluminium door sills) (£3,950); driver assistance pack (cruise control & rear view camera) (£650); sport exhaust system (£1800); R8 three-spoke flat-bottomed multifunctional steering wheel (£1500); pneumatic seat backrest and side bolster adjustment (£475); Audi phone box wireless charging (£450). Price as tested £153,220.