Audi R8 Spyder V10 Plus debuts, 5.2L V10 with 602 hp & 560 Nm!



Last year, Audi pulled the wraps off the entry level second-generation Audi R8 Spyder V10. At the time, they said the hotter V10 Plus variant will soon join the line-up, and that’s exactly what you see here today.

The V10 Plus variant weighs lesser thanks to the lighter bucket seats, carbon fibre-reinforced polymer trims and carbon ceramic brakes. It now weighs 1,587 kg (dry) – 25 kg lighter than the standard V10. It uses the same fabric roof folding mechanism that opens and closes in 20 seconds at speeds of up to 50 km/h.

Sitting on the rear axle of the V10 Plus is the glorious 5.2-litre naturally aspirated V10 that revs all the way to 8,700 rpm. Power output is rated at 602 hp and 560 Nm of torque, which is 69 hp and 20 Nm more than the V10 variant. A lightning quick seven-speed S Tronic double clutch transmission helps send power to all-four corners via Audi’s famous quattro AWD system.

This Spyder will sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.3 seconds before hitting a top speed of 327 km/h. That’s 0.3 seconds quicker to the 100 km/h mark and top speed is up by 10 km/h. Audi claims the V10 Plus is able to return 8.0 litres per 100 km thanks to Cylinder on Demand (COD) tech that deactivates one row of cylinders under low loads. This is also helped by the start/stop system.

Through the Audi Exclusive Programme, the possibilities for customisation is limitless. From matte exterior paint to personal insignias on the side blades, Audi will deliver the exact build according to your taste. The starting price for the R8 Spyder V10 Plus is £147,470 (RM806k) before options.

We were fortunate enough to have sampled the V10 Plus coupe last year and loved every bit of drama the 5.2-litre V10 produces. Audi Malaysia has plans to introduce the second-generation R8 to Malaysia but the question is, will the soft top make its way here? We’ll find out soon enough.


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