More of what makes the R8 great

Engineering

More Power

At the heart of the R8 GT Spyder is the 5.2 FSI® V10 engine that screams to an astronomical 8700 rpm. With its stirring 560 hp and 398 lb-ft. of torqueTorqueTorque is what causes rotational speed to change. Just as greater net forces cause greater linear accelerations, greater torques cause greater rotational or angular accelerations.Torque – gains of 35 hp and 7 lb-ft over the R8 5.2 respecitvely -- this engine propels the R8 GT Spyder from 0 to 60 mph in only 3.8 seconds on the way up to a top track speed of 198 mph.* The V10 produces 107 hp/liter, partly due to race winning Audi FSI® technology, which delivers a precise fuel-air mixture directly into the engine while specially designed piston heads compress the intake charge, creating the most efficient combustion possible, resulting in reduced waste and increased power.

Dry Sump Lubrication

A conventional oil system uses an oil pan at the base of the engine that can lead to oil starvation in performance driving. The R8 GT Spyder uses a dry sump design: an external reservoir helps guarantee an even and constant supply of oil, increased oil capacity, and cooler oil temperatures. It also allows the engine to be nestled lower in the body for a lower center of gravity.

Audi R tronic® sequential manual transmission

The R8 GT Spyder is available exclusively with the Audi R tronic sequential manual transmission, a transmission that is especially well suited to performance driving. Manual gear selection is performed with the gear lever or with shift paddles mounted on the steering wheel so you can keep your hands on the wheel and your focus on the road - or track - ahead. Two automatic modes are also available one a sport mode that allows the free revving engine to spend more time in its powerband. A launch control feature is available and can smoothly engage the clutch within milliseconds.

Even lower weight

Audi engineers have reduced the weight of the Audi R8 GT Spyder over the already light R8 with an exhaustive list of next generation materials and components. These include:

• Rear diffuser and bumper, fixed rear wing, hood, winglets, mirror covers made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic.
• Engine cover, air intake system, carpet, battery and windshield that are lighter than the standard R8 models.
• A reduction in the quantity of engine compartment insulation.
  

CFRP body panels 

The GT specific carbon fiber bodywork doesn’t only reduce weight. Aerodynamic properties have been adjusted to keep the car stable at the higher speeds the GT is capable of reaching. Downforce on the front and rear axles, for example, have been significantly increased.

Handling optimized Audi quattro®quattro®Audi quattro® permanent all-wheel drive, has had over a 30-year-long tradition.quattro®

The added power of the GT model is easily accommodated by the Audi quattro® all-wheel drive system proven in other members of the R8 family. This proprietary system utilizes a significant 85% rear torque bias with a maximum of 30% torque available to the front wheels in extreme conditions. This torque bias ensures a controlled and balanced handling unlike any car on the road with pure as well as uncorrupted steering feel.

Racing derived mid-engine layout

The key to acclaimed dynamics is the superior engine placement in the R8. By placing the engine just ahead of the rear axle, weight on the front axle is reduced, as is the car’s polar moment of inertia. This helps the R8 GT Spyder make immediate and effortless direction changes without the usual tradeoff of unpredictable oversteer.

ASF®ASF®The Audi A8 is the first North American car with an aluminum body built according to the Audi Space Frame® principle. ASF® aluminum space frame

The R8 GT Spyder is built with the revolutionary ASF aluminum space frame, a technology Audi has mastered over more than a decade of experience. The framework of an ASF body consists of extruded aluminum sections and pressure castings. The aluminum structure and sheet metal are just as strong as steel but lighter to boost performance and efficiency.** The elements are of a ‘tailored blank’ design: varied in shape and cross-section, depending on the tasks they have to perform. Like the bones of a human skeleton, they combine optimal function with low weight. This foundation is surrounded by lightweight aluminum bodyAluminum BodyThe Audi A8 is the first North American car with an aluminum body built according to the Audi Space Frame® principle. Aluminum Body panels.

The result of ASF technology is a body that is lightweight yet extremely strong, which delivers high torsional rigidityRigiditySufficiently high static and dynamic body stiffness are prerequisites for many desirable vehicle characteristics.Rigidity for added precision during performance driving and refinement in nearly every condition.

Race derived chassis

The suspension is as unique as the R8 itself. An aluminum double wishbone layout achieves precise geometry and quick response. The result is even sharper transient responses and increased flexibility for track day use.

The R8 GT Spyder is equipped with standard forged aluminum-alloy wheels and are wrapped in specially developed tires engineered in conjunction with their manufacturers.

Choice of braking systems

The R8 GT Spyder braking system more than matches its impressive power output. The system features a 14.4” front rotor with eight pistons and a 14” rear rotor with four pistons. The brakesBrakesA vehicle's brakes must be matched to its power, weight, and top speed. Brakes are internally vented and cross-drilled to increase cooling, which prevents brake fade.

Optional carbon fiber-reinforced ceramic brakes offer increased fade and wear resistance as well as an even lower ‘unsprung’ weight. Also reducing weight are aluminum brake calipers – with six pistons up front - anodized red and are emblazoned with “Audi ceramic” in a color scheme exclusive to the R8 GT Spyder.

Exterior

Motorsport-inspired Design

The R8 GT Spyder was developed by the same designers who created the legendary R8 LMS GT3 and is distinguished by a number of GT exclusive features. Among them are the new five-twin spoke “Y” design wheels made of lightweight forged aluminum, front double-splitter spoiler in Carbon fiber matte, a Carbon fiber matte fixed rear wing, and a new bumper design with larger diffuser for more aerodynamic downforce. An exclusive R8 GT emblem is also included on front fenders.

Full LED Technology Headlight System with LED taillights

The R8 GT Spyder is equipped with full LED headlights for both low and high beam as well as Audi signature LED daytime running lights… LED rear taillights specific to the R8 GT Spyder complete the intense and unmistakable light signature.

Interior

Monoposto Cockpit Design

The entire cockpit of the R8 GT Spyder is focused around and tilted toward the driver, much as it is in the LeMans winning race cars the R8 was inspired by.

Alcantara®Alcantara®Alcantara is a revolutionary suede-like fabric that is soft to the touch, colorful, comfortable, durable, easy to maintain, versatile, and unique.Alcantara® Seats and Elements

Steering wheel, seats, door inserts, knee-pad, A-pillars and handbrake boot are finished in Alcantara® with contrast stitching.

Multifunction Steering WheelMultifunction Steering WheelA multifunction steering wheel is available for numerous Audi models.Multifunction Steering Wheel with Shift Paddles

The three-spoke, flat-bottom, multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles includes an R8 GT Spyder logo. Easy access to controls for audio, driver information systems, and BLUETOOTH®Bluetooth®Bluetooth® is the name of a group of wireless technology standards that allows different types of electronic devices to interact via short-range radio waves.Bluetooth® functions are available without removing your hands from the wheel.

GT Specific Instrument Cluster and shift knob.

Platinum trimmed, white-face gauges are emblazoned with the R8 GT Spyder emblem. Each GT Spyder has an R8 GT emblem with the vehicle’s unique production number on the aluminum and carbon fiber shift knob.

Driver information system with Lap-timer

The driver information system located in the middle of the instrument cluster offers the driver an eyes-forward display of lap times, estimated time and distance to destination, navigation directions, phone contacts, and more.

Available Carbon Fiber Matte Elements

The lavish use of Carbon fiber matte isn’t limited to the exterior of the R8 GT Spyder. Inside, the same material is standard on the monoposto, and can be applied at additional cost to the:

• instrument hood

• top of the dashboard
• 
center console
• 
door inlays
• 
middle console and

• door sill inserts
  

Body Color Inlays

Body color inlays are standard on the center console and door and can be applied to the middle console if desired.

Available Bang & Olufsen®Bang & Olufsen®Sound system pioneers Bang & Olufsen have tailored their Advanced Sound System exclusively for the Audi A8, leaving nothing to chance.Bang & Olufsen® Advanced Sound System

The standard Bang & Olufsen® Advanced Sound System includes 12 speakers with 465 digitally amplified watts and surround-sound reproduction. A microphone-based noise compensation function ensures optimum sound at all times.

Audi MMI® Navigation plusAudi MMI® Navigation plusAudi MMI® Navigation plus with Sirius Traffic™

The DVD-based Audi MMI® Navigation plus features a 
full-color 6.5'' LCD screen, 
Sirius Traffic™
route-guidance prompts in five languages, 
turn arrows via the color driver information system, a 
detailed color map on the main screen , 
iPod® integration through Audi music interfaceAudi music interfaceThis connective technology offers intelligent integration with the iPod® and the iPhone®. Audi music interface , 
two SD® card slots, and 
a six-CD changer in the rear wall between the seats

*Always obey local speed and traffic laws.

**13 city/19 highway/15 combined mpg. EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary.