The Audi R8 Spyder convertible will set you back a large pile of cash, but for a real supercar this might be considered a bargain. There is little doubt that if you drive one of these you will receive plenty of attention.
Underneath the bonnet you will find a V10 engine which will deliver an impressive 518 bhp and the car will happily reach 62 mph in 4.1 seconds and take you to 194 mph with ease.
It is the same power unit as is used in the Lamborghini Gallardo which is well known for the way it delivers high torque at relatively low revs. Peak torque occurs at 6,300 rpm to 8000 rpm, and if you keep your foot on the boards you can watch the rev counter rise all the way to the red line which just shy of 9,000 rpm.
So if driving in an open top sports car with a 5 litre V10 engine spinning at close to 9,000 revs minute appeals to you, then the good news is you can buy this car for less than the average house price.
The standard gear box is six-speed manual with a gated shift, though for a little more money you can upgrade to a semi- automatic paddle shift (R Tronic) box which also comes with a standard sequential change gear lever. Yes – you should go for it. You only live once after all and you know you are worth it.
There is however a problem with all high powered convertible Motors that relates to the laws of physics. Without a roof it is very difficult to achieve sufficient stiffness to prevent the car flexing when powering round corners. At the top end of the spectrum this can be overcome by replacing the standard chassis with a carbon fibre monocot as in Formula One cars, and for lesser cars by adding extra stiffening metal members to the chassis, which add to the weight. Compared to other cars of this class, the Spyder designers have achieved a good balance and the high speed cornering capabilities are no less than superb.
Overall the Audi R8 Spyder is a rare beauty and has everything you might desire in a luxury supercar.