Audi R8 Spyder
Audi R8 5.2 FSI V10 quattro 525PS Spyder
What is it?
DROP-TOP version of the Audi that everyone wants to be seen in. New R8 Spyder gets a folding cloth hood and a neat electric glass screen that separates the cabin from the engine. Chassis strengthening adds 100kg, but the 518bhp 5.2-litre V10 shrugs that off. Easily. Priced from £114,251 in six-speed manual trim.
What’s hot?
- The sound of that magnificent engine with the roof down…
- …glass screen means you can hear it when the weather’s poor too
- Stunning performance with 0-60mph in four seconds
- Chassis responses are just as sharp as the Coupe…
- …with meaty steering, great agility and quattro four-wheel drive grip
- Ride is incredibly smooth, you really could live with it every day
- Looks sensational roof up or down
- Six-speed manual’s open gate offers a delicious shift
- Standard brakes are brilliant, optional ceramic brakes incredible
- Front boot is even big enough for two squashy bags
What’s not?
- Tricky to make smooth changes with the Tiptronic version…
- …which costs another £5,200 too
- Very, very slight amount of interior wobble
- Ceramic discs stop well but pedal feel is lacking
- Astronomical running costs
- From April 2011 £80,000 P11D cap for BIK disappears
What you need to Know?
| P11D Value: | 80,000 |
| Monthly Rental*: | 2799 (CH)/£3289 (PCH) |
| Tax Band when posted: | 35%, 35%, 35% |
| Monthly BiK: | Click link for BIK |
| Engine: | 5.2 V10 petrol |
| CO2 Emissions: | 349g/km |
| Power/torque: | 525PS/530Nm |
| Economy: | 19mpg |
Monthly contract hire (CH) and personal contract hire (PCH) rentals generated by Concept Vehicle Leasing. Based on a 36 month lease at 10,000 miles a year, 3+35 payments.
Business Car Manager Road Test Rating
Losing the roof on a supercar often results in a few compromises – but there are no such downsides with the Audi R8 Spyder. It’s just as good to drive as the hard-top coupe, but the bonus is that now you get to hear every note of the magnificent V10 engine. It all adds up to a stunning machine.
