You may not have heard of the Audi R8 Spyder, but if you’re looking for an extremely powerful and luxurious performance car, you should give this vehicle a shot. It is capable of delivering a whopping 600 horsepower, which is pretty impressive for a vehicle of this size. Plus, it comes with an interior that will make you feel like you are driving in the lap of luxury.
Rear-wheel-drive variants
Audi R8 rear-wheel-drive variants have undergone significant upgrades for the 2021 model year. These new designs will be available to dealers in winter 2020. They feature a 5.2-liter V-10 engine that produces 532 horsepower.
RWD models are a perfect match for those who like to drive fast and have no qualms about sacrificing comfort for performance. The car is also lighter than its all-wheel-drive siblings, meaning it has a faster top speed. It is 121 pounds lighter in the Spyder version, for example.
When it comes to gas mileage, the rear-wheel-drive R8 will deliver more than the all-wheel-drive versions, with a 23 mpg highway rating. This makes the R8 the most economical Audi model to date.
The rear-wheel-drive R8 has the same 5.2-liter V-10 engine as the R8 Quattro. This means 532 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque.
A mechanical limited-slip differential helps the car handle power and traction in wet weather. It can be adjusted to give the right amount of power to each wheel.
As with the R8 RWS, the RWD chassis has been specially tuned to work in this arrangement. To that end, the front anti-roll bar has been stiffened and rear negative camber has been increased.
Compared to the R8 RWS, the R8 RWD has a slightly lower top speed. Nevertheless, it will be able to reach 198 mph. That’s more than 30 kph (33 mph) faster than the R8 RWS.
Depending on the model, you can choose from a variety of options packages to further upgrade the styling and performance of your Audi R8. For instance, you can opt for Alcantara seat covers or add a Bang & Olufsen sound system. You can also choose to upgrade to blue or red brake calipers.
Non-Performance AWD model
A rear-wheel drive version of the Audi R8 is coming to the market for the 2021 model year. The Spyder will be available in both coupe and convertible variants.
Both the coupe and spyder will be powered by a naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V-10 engine. Depending on the version, this engine will develop up to 602 horsepower. This is enough to accelerate from 0-60 in 3.3 seconds. However, the Spyder can only muster up to 200 mph.
Both models feature a soft-top that can be lowered using an electrohydraulic system. In just 20 seconds, the roof can be folded down and a flat storage compartment can be accessed over the engine.
With the top up, the R8 can accelerate to a top speed of 200 mph. The engine can generate up to 398 lb-ft of torque. At a slower speed, the engine’s power can be increased to 602 hp.
The R8 is available in a coupe, a soft-top, and a convertible. Each of these cars features a a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. It also comes standard with Audi laser lights that project a wide beam.
Prices for the R8 start at $154,900 for a coupe. It is $16,700 less for a spyder. These prices exclude a $1,495 destination charge.
The R8 is available in varying options, from a carbon exterior package to a premium package. The premium package includes heated and ventilated seats, illuminated door sill inlays, parking sensors, a Bang & Olufsen sound system, and an Alcantara headliner. You can also add a sport seat, which replaces conventional leather seats with diamond-quilted leather upholstery.
The V10 Performance Coupe and V10 Performance Spyder come with a carbon fiber exterior package. Carbon-fiber elements include the front sway bar, the rear wing, the sideblades, and the rear window frame.
Interior color scheme
Audi has updated its R8 Spyder with new design features and sharpened performance enhancements for the 2021 model year. The car now features a refined front grille, a revised rear diffuser, and a sport exhaust system. Also, Audi has added a laser light that supplements the LED high beam. Moreover, the company has added an electrohydraulic drive system that lowers the roof in just 20 seconds.
In addition, the R8 Spyder has a six-speed automatic transmission that allows for manual gear selection. It also comes with air conditioning, an AM/FM/satellite radio, power steering, and multi-way power seats. Additionally, the soft-top is operable at speeds of up to 50 km/h.
The R8 is available in 10 different colors. Each color is unique in its own way. For example, the Dayton gray is an alluring silver-grey that reflects light well.
Another option is the Mythos Black variant, which looks amazing when reflected in pure white. However, it’s a bit different from the typical Audi color, as it has a slight purple-blue undertone.
The R8 V10 performance models can have carbon fiber sideblades, a carbon exterior package, and carbon interior inlays around the virtual cockpit. There’s also a driver-controlled sport exhaust. And if you want to go all out, you can add a carbon fiber front sway bar and rear spoiler.
For the R8 Spyder, the roof can be lowered in just 20 seconds. The lightweight roof weights 97 pounds and helps to keep the car’s weight down. A special electrohydraulic drive system raises the roof in just over a second, too.
A new feature to the R8’s interior is a high-resolution digital gauge cluster. This allows for better visibility.
Miles per gallon
The 2021 Audi R8 Spyder is a supercar with a lot of power, a long list of standard features, and a price tag that matches its performance. It’s also a great choice for those who enjoy showing off their new ride. However, it’s also very expensive to run.
This vehicle is subject to a Gas Guzzler Tax. All buyers are required to pay $1700 for the first year and then another $1700 every two to six years. These taxes are intended to cover fuel costs, and they are based on the amount of gasoline the car uses.
The base coupe model has a 562-hp V-10 engine. In addition to its power, the V-10 offers incredible acceleration and a bellowing wail.
The R8 comes in both coupe and convertible versions. Coupes have rear-wheel drive and can reach 62 mph in 3.7 seconds. They weigh 143 pounds less than AWD models, but they still lose power. As a result, they do not achieve the same EPA mileage ratings.
In addition to its excellent performance, the Audi R8 is one of the best cars to drive. Its interior is well-designed and the quality is exceptional. The driver has access to a dual-zone climate control system, heated and dimming door mirrors, and a premium Audi MMI navigation system.
The R8 comes with two different fuel economy options. AWD models deliver a combined mileage of 17 mpg, while RWD models are rated at 13 mpg. Both trims are available in a Performance model. Choosing between the two is tough.
You can get the Audi R8 Spyder for $158,095. This is an incredibly fun and fast supercar.
Fuel economy
Audi’s R8 Spyder has a great design and fantastic performance. But its fuel economy is not as good as some of its modern rivals. And it has a lot of carbon emissions to boot.
The 2021 Audi R8 Spyder has a 5.2 FSI quattro engine that is capable of producing 532 horsepower. This is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission that offers quick shifts. It also has a rearview camera system.
The base engine gets you from 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds, and the Performance trim is faster. The EPA estimates fuel economy at 14 mpg in city driving and 23 mpg on the highway.
While it is not the most efficient car on the road, the R8 Spyder is an enjoyable drive. Despite its large size, it is comfortable and quiet. Plus, it has a slick and minimalist interior that is designed to appeal to both sports car fans and everyday drivers.
The roadster features a gently curved rear deck that rises from the rear of the vehicle to the passenger compartment. It comes with automatic LED headlights, wireless phone charging, a dual-zone climate control system, and leather upholstery.
If you’re looking for the ultimate supercar, the R8 is worth a test drive. However, it is also quite expensive. You will need to shell out at least $155,000 for the V10 Spyder. The price includes a $1700 gas guzzler tax. Considering the hefty price tag, it’s not a smart choice for families.
Fuel costs are also a major issue. Even though the R8 is a very powerful car, it does not stretch far. All wheel drive variants are rated at 13/19 mpg in the city and on the highway. Rear-wheel drive models do slightly better, averaging 21-22 mpg.