Up until now, Audi’s R8 Spyder has been available only with the 5.2-litre V10 FSI engine – but a V8-powered model has just come onto the market. The engine is the new-generation 4.2-litre FSI EU5 V8, upgraded for the R8 coupé, and offered with six-speed manual or six-speed R tronic automated manual transmission.

This latest-generation V8 develops 424bhp at 7900rpm, and 430Nm from 4500-6000rpm, which means 0-62mph in 4.8 seconds, a top speed of 186mph and, in the R tronic model, combined fuel economy of 20.9mpg.

The standard specification mirrors the coupé version, but adds metallic paint, electric adjustment and heating for those fabulous Nappa leather-trimmed seats, along with Bluetooth mobile phone preparation – incorporating seatbelt-mounted microphones which are useable, says Audi, “even with the top down on the motorway”.

Plus, of course, you get that electrohydraulically controlled, lightweight, fabric hood, which opens in 19 seconds at speeds of up to 31mph. The heated glass window is separate from the fabric hood, and can be independently raised or lowered at the touch of a button.

The new R8 Spyder 4.2 FSI quattro is now available to order priced from £95,545 OTR, and will reach its first customers in January 2011. (The price incorporates the forthcoming 20% VAT rate.)

Text: Charis Whitcombe
Photos: Audi