2018 Audi R8 V10 plus gets a haircut

AUDI’S fastest convertible to date has been given the Audi Sport ‘plus’ shot in the arm, boosting the R8 Spyder’s power to 449kW to match the output of its tin-topped R8 V10 Plus sibling.

With an extra 52kW from its naturally aspirated 5.2-litre engine, the R8 Spyder V10 Plus shaves 0.3 seconds from its zero to 100km/h acceleration, giving it a new sprint time of 3.3 seconds. Meanwhile maximum speed increases by 10km/h to a very breezy 328km/h.

Like the entry-level Spyder, the new V10 Plus carries extra weight over the coupe and weighs in at 1695kg (without the driver) and the lighter V10 plus coupe still holds the title as the fastest R8 with a 0-100km/h dash of 3.2s and a top speed of 330km/h. The folding top mechanism weighs 44kg.

Owners who want to make it patently clear they have invested the extra cash for the V10 Plus can opt for a new Micrommata green design package, which is unique to the fastest R8 and adds a lurid green exterior paint job with matching stitching on the black Nappa leather seats, arm rest, floor mats and doors.

Beyond the convertible roof (which stows electrically at speed of up to 50km/h) the new V10 plus Spyder aligns with the specification of its coupe sister.

Its extra power is sent to the road via the quattro permanent all-wheel-drive system and a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission, which can send 100 percent of torque to either axle depending on the driving mode and Drive Select mode (comfort, auto, dynamic or individual).

While the ‘standard’ V10 is equipped with conventional iron brake rotors, V10 plus variants get an exotic carbon-ceramic set grabbed by six-piston callipers on the front axle and four-pot versions at the back.

They are housed in standard 19-inch forged alloy wheels with a five-spoke design, but can be upgraded to the optional 20-inch wheel.

In addition to the R8’s extensive aluminium construction, carbonfibre components are also widely used. The front and rear splitters are made of carbonfibre, plus the fixed rear spoiler, ‘side blade’ air intakes, sills and convertible top cover. The result is a 25kg reduction over the standard R8 V10 Spyder.

Lighter R8 bucket seats are an option for the most affordable R8 Spyder but standard in the new V10 plus, and occupants are also treated to more carbon trims and the Audi MMI information and entertainment system.

The driver has the company’s proliferating virtual cockpit all-digital instrument cluster as well as a standard Performance steering wheel that houses the engine start switch, Drive Select button and a dial to control the variable mode exhaust system.

Pricing and Australian availability is yet to be confirmed, but the first R8 V10 plus Spyder deliveries will start in Europe later this year with pricing set at €207,500 ($A305,000). Australian customers are expected to be charged more than the $388,500 starting price for the standard V10 Spyder which arrived in May this year.