Apparently, an Audi R8 GT has been sold to an inhabitant of the quiet town of Lake Forest, Illinois - US, and the local Audi dealer thought it was a good idea to let everybody know that there is a new dangerous beast haunting their nice and peaceful town. The best way to do that? A massive placard on the highroad with a clear warning, of course. Can’t read that? Click on the picture for the high-res version.
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The splendid Audi R8 GT Spyder gets a new official video from Audi where we can feast our eyes on one of the most desirable sports cars around. The video slogan is the “ultimate spyder” and perhaps it’s not so exaggerated considering the aspirated V10 equipping it.
The video takes us through most of the technical details of the new R8 GT Spyder and while we don’t get much engine noise to indulge in, we can imagine what 560 hp is like with the wind in your hair. We figure we’re among the many that want one of these, but the 333-unit production run is already sold out.
The new Audi R8 GT Spyder was on show at the 24 hr Le Mans race. The race was a successful one for Audi as its competition R8 model won first place, and the roadgoing R8 GT Spyder was unveiled in honour of that. Appearing alongside it was also the E-Tron Spyder concept.
The open-top R8 is very similar to the coupé model, but lightweight materials and a simpler interior have been designed to keep weight down on the Spyder, which comes in at 85 kg less. The 5.2-litre V10 is up to 560 hp and 540 Nm of torque, and is matched to all-wheel drive and R-Tronic transmission.
The R8 GT Spyder also features new aerodynamics with a rear wing and front aerodynamic fixtures. The lowered wheelbase houses 19-inch wheels with 235/35 tyres at the front, and 295/30 at the rear. The R8 GT Spyder production run will be 333 units, and German prices start at 207,800 euros.
The hot Audi R8 GT coupé has just dropped its top and we now have the R8 GT Spyder model. Only 333 units of the exclusive model will be produced and we don’t think Audi is going to have any problems selling them. Unsurprisingly, the company has focused on weight reduction with the open-top version and the coupé driving characteristics are preserved through a variety of lightweight materials.
The roof cover, rear spoiler and rear bumper are all made from carbonfibre reinforced plastic, and significat weight savings on the seats mean that the Audi R8 GT Spyder weighs 85 kg less than the model it’s based on, the R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI Quattro. That reduction translates to an overall weight of 1,640 kg for the new Spyder.
The R8 GT Spyder comes with a 560-hp V10 engine with 540 Nm of torque, six-speed R-tronic transmission and all-wheel drive. Audi quotes a sprint time to 100 km/hr of just 3.8 seconds, and a top speed of 317 km/hr. The new model gets lowered suspension, 19-inch wheels, and small style changes like front carbonfibre winglets. The R8 GT Spyder will cost about 207,800 euros in Germany.
An Audi R8 GT Spyder has been confirmed which should see a preview launch at the 24-hour Le Mans in June before an official debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show in September. The R8 GT open-top will have the same 5.2-litre V10 engine as the coupé, with 560 hp and Audi’s R-Tronic six-speed automated manual transmission. All-wheel drive could also make an appearance and it is expected that the first examples of the R8 GT Spyder will be ready for spring deliveries next year.
As with the R8 coupé, the Spyder should also have a production run of about 333 units and similar design will be used: carbonfibre bumpers, rear wing, carbon ceramic brakes, sports exhaust and lightweight materials. These R8 GT Spyder sketches are all we’ve got so far, but we guess this will be a looker when it debuts.
A new pricing and product development strategy at Audi could see competition among the big German manufacturers heat up as Audi earns its real luxury badge on its expanding sports car line-up. After the original Audi TT, recently we’ve seen the Audi sports range get a major boost with the introduction of the Audi R8 model and subsequent developments.
According to an interview with Stephan Reil, development chief in the Audi Quattro sports car division, a third sports car model could join the R8 and the TT. The new focus on these models is enabling Audi to increase prices across its range by raising brand appeal and participating in the premium segment.
The Audi R8 GT is the most expensive model for the company at 193,000 euros but these kinds of models mean Audi can raise prices right across its range, thereby competing on equal footing with brands like BMW and Mercedes - who it has always trailed in terms of pricing power. It will also appear in an initial limited edition run of 333 units, which Audi expects will sell out by the end of the year.
Continue reading: New Audi sports car to raise prices: competing with BMW and Mercedes