(continued from above)
One year ago, Audi unveiled the R8 GT in coupe form as the new flagship model
of the R8 model line. It wasn't long before all 333 units in the limited series
were sold out. Now the open-top version of the high-performance sports car is
being launched, with production again capped at 333 units. Each car sports a tag
with its individual number on the gear lever knob.
The Audi ultra
lightweight technology is the key to the R8 GT Spyder's weight of just 3,616 lbs
(1,640 kilograms). That's 187 lbs (85 kilograms) less than its technical basis,
the R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro. The Audi Space Frame (ASF) body, consisting of
cast nodes, extruded sections and aluminum panels, accounts for just 214
kilograms (471.79 lb) of the total weight. The body is assembled predominantly
by hand in the R8 workshop at the Neckarsulm plant. Final assembly of the car
takes place in the same way.
The engine frame is made of ultra-light
magnesium; the long cover over the soft-top compartment and the large side
panels at the rear are made of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP). CFRP is
also used for the modified front spoiler, the fixed rear spoiler and the new
rear bumper. Together, these components provide a weight saving of 12 lbs.
R8 GT Spyder's Exterior Design
Visual modifications accentuate
the styling of the R8 GT Spyder. These include add-on parts in contrasting
titanium gray, a front splitter with a dual lip, flics at the sides of the front
bumper, red GT badges, round exhaust tailpipes, an enlarged diffuser and dark
LED tail lights in a clear-glass design. Audi offers an optional windshield
frame in matt CFRP.
Audi engineers also trimmed weight from the technical
components in the area of the transmission, wheels and brakes. In the interior,
the bucket seats alone, with their chassis of glass fiber-reinforced polymer
(GFRP), saved 69 lbs (31.5 kilograms) of weight.
In classic Audi fashion,
the R8 GT Spyder features a lightweight fabric soft top that is extremely quiet
and fully suitable for highway cruising. Its electrohydraulic drive brings it up
or down in 19 seconds, even at speeds up to 31 mph (50 km/h). The extendible
glass rear window is nestled in the bulkhead, separate from the soft top.
Integrated in the bulkhead is a rollover protection system comprising two
pretensioned plates.
Audi R8 GT Spyder: Review (2/2)