The Audi R8 Spyder V10 plus, from the workshop of Audi Sport GmbH, is the fastest series-production convertible ever offered by Audi. Its 610 hp V10 mid-engine offers intense driving performance and powers the quattro permanent all-wheel drive. The standard performance program, R8 bucket seats and many components made from carbon fiber-reinforced polymer distinguish this high-performance sports car, with its exclusive micrommata green paint finish giving it an even more intense look.

“The Audi R8 Spyder V10 plus completes the R8 model line,” said Stephan Winkelmann, Managing Director of Audi Sport GmbH. “The Spyder is now also available as a 610 hp top version in addition to the Coupe. It benefits from our many years of experience in motorsport and combines breathtaking dynamics with the emotion of an open-top sports car.”

Revving up to 8,700 rpm, with lightning-quick responsiveness and an awe-inspiring, sound, the V10 mid-engine is an object of fascination. With 610 hp and maximum torque of 413 lb-ft at 6,500 rpm, it is the most powerful series-production engine from the brand with the four rings. Compared with the Audi R8 Spyder V10, the naturally aspirated 5.2 FSI engine, with a high 12.7:1 compression ratio in the plus version, features a 70 hp boost in performance. As a result, the top model sprints to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 3.3 seconds, 0.3 seconds faster, and achieves a top speed of 328 km/h (203.8 mph), an increase of 10 km/h (6.2 mph). Each hp only has to move 2.78 kilograms (6.1 lb).

Behind the V10 is a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission which sends all of that power to the quattro drive system in the front axle via a cardan shaft. Its key component is an electro-hydraulically activated multi-plate clutch which is water-cooled for maximum performance. Depending on the driving situation, distribution of the drive torque by the clutch is completely variable, and in extreme cases sends up to 100 percent to one axle. A mechanical rear differential lock provides confident traction and maximum dynamics. Management of the clutch is integrated in the Audi drive select dynamic driving system, which gives the driver a choice between the comfort, auto, dynamic and individual modes. The standard performance mode includes the programs dry, wet and snow.

Audi incorporates additional systems along with the quattro drive system – the accelerator pedal, the seven-speed S tronic, the steering, the flaps of the exhaust system and the optional Audi magnetic ride adaptive damper control, which uses a synthetic oil with small magnetic particles to vary damping in auto, comfort and dynamic modes. In dynamic mode, the system allows a more spontaneous steering response and more agile handling. The wheels are precisely braced during cornering and body roll is largely suppressed. During braking, Audi magnetic ride counteracts the tendency of the body to dip. The performance programs from Audi drive select also make use of Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC) for the best possible lap times.

All four wheels of the Audi R8 Spyder V10 plus are guided through aluminum double wishbone suspensions – this solution also demonstrates the model line’s closeness to motorsport. The setup is firm and the electromechanical power steering offers the ideal specific combination of precision, handling and confident high-speed behavior for a sports car. Dynamic steering with variable steering ratio is available as an option. This boosts the car’s responsiveness at all speeds, providing high-performance cornering characteristics and quick steering behavior. It countersteers with tiny impulses at the cornering limit to further improve stability.

The standard 19-inch forged aluminum wheels in five twin-spoke design with 245/35 up front and 295/35 in the rear. The optional 20-inch wheels come with 245/30 and 305/30 tires. The large brake discs – 380 millimeter (15.0 in) diameter in front, 356 millimeters (14.0 in) in back – are manufactured from extremely durable, temperature-resistant and lightweight carbon fiber ceramic composite. The anthracite gray fixed calipers feature six pistons on the front axle and four in the rear.

The most distinctive element on the front is the wide and flat Singleframe grille with its gloss honeycomb mesh, chrome-plated frame and the Audi Sport emblem. Below it stretches a low-lying carbon spoiler, which directs air around the large wheels. Optional Audi laser light in the LED headlights provides farsighted vision at night. These feature distinctive illuminated, anodized blue dividers as well as the dynamic turn signals.

The sideblades, sill trim, lid on the convertible top compartment and the fixed rear spoilers are made from carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP). They are distinguishing features of the open-top model. Audi can paint the sills and rear spoiler in the color of the car at no extra charge. In the rear, large, glossy black trapezoidal exhaust tailpipes flank the opening of the wide diffuser, another component made from CFRP. Its suction literally holds the Audi R8 Spyder V10 plus on the road with about 100 kilograms (220.5 lb) of downforce on the rear axle at top speed.

The exterior skin of the cloth top is fabric, the substructure is primarily made from lightweight materials like magnesium and aluminum. Consequently, the cloth top weighs just 44 kilograms (97.0 lb) and contributes significantly to the low weight and low center of gravity of the R8 Spyder V10 plus. It takes 20 seconds to open or close the top which can be done at speeds of up to 50 km/h (31.1 mph).

With the Audi exclusive program, the possibilities are almost limitless for customers to personalize their R8 Spyder V10 plus. In addition to the 11 regular paint finishes, the program also includes freely selectable colors and matt-effect paint finishes. The convertible top is available in three colors, and the side blades can be selected in five colors. Like the door sill trim, the side blades can also be personalized with insignia as well as designed in colors according to customer tastes. In addition, parts in carbon or titanium black are available for many areas of the exterior and interior. Numerous upholstery types, inlays, and colors add to the wide range of options.

The optional micrommata green design package lends the convertible high-performance sports car the ultimate edge. Its body is painted in a distinctive green. The anthracite gray Singleframe grille and black tailpipe covers create a sharp contrast. Audi exclusive furnishes the interior completely in black, in fine Nappa leather, which is perforated on control elements. Green contrast stitching accents the seats, center armrests, doors and floor mats with luminous color that matches the exterior.

R8 bucket seats come standard in the top convertible model. They are light, highly contoured, mounted low and bear the R8 embossing. They are upholstered in fine Nappa leather with special pigmenting that stops them from heating up in the sun’s rays. Decorative inlays are made from carbon; the pedals and footrest are in glossy stainless steel. The defining element is the “monoposto”, a large arc running around the cockpit. The dashboard appears to float weightlessly. Its lower section contains buttons and controls for the air conditioning, shaped like turbines.

As in a racing car, drivers can operate all important functions without having to take their hands off the steering wheel. The standard R8 performance leather steering wheel features integrated multifunction buttons as well as two large control satellites. The driver uses these to start and stop the engine and control Audi drive select. Two more buttons including a rotary wheel are used to control the performance mode and the exhaust flaps.

The large 12.3-inch, fully digital Audi virtual cockpit presents information using rich 3D graphics. In a special performance view the focus is put on the rev counter. It also serves as a gear shift indicator when the 7-speed S tronic is being operated in manual mode. Its scale has a color background at higher engine speeds. Next to it are indicators showing output, torque, g-forces, lap times and the temperatures of the tires, engine and transmission oil.

The body and final assembly are completed in the “Audi Böllinger Höfe” production facility operated by Audi Sport near Neckarsulm, Germany. The processes are organized to be highly flexible so that individual customer requests can be fulfilled. About 500 highly qualified employees construct the cars by hand. Before they are delivered, each car is put through a stringent test procedure until their final test drive on public roads.