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Audi R8 Spyder: an aural and driving masterclass

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1 November 2010

Audi R8 Spyder road test

Audi R8 Spyder

Audi R8 5.2 FSI V10 quattro 525PS Spyder

What is it?

DROP-TOP version of the Audi that everyone wants to be seen in. New R8 Spyder gets a folding cloth hood and a neat electric glass screen that separates the cabin from the engine. Chassis strengthening adds 100kg, but the 518bhp 5.2-litre V10 shrugs that off. Easily. Priced from £114,251 in six-speed manual trim.

What’s hot?

  • The sound of that magnificent engine with the roof down…
  • …glass screen means you can hear it when the weather’s poor too
  • Stunning performance with 0-60mph in four seconds
  • Chassis responses are just as sharp as the Coupe…
  • …with meaty steering, great agility and quattro four-wheel drive grip
  • Ride is incredibly smooth, you really could live with it every day
  • Looks sensational roof up or down
  • Six-speed manual’s open gate offers a delicious shift
  • Standard brakes are brilliant, optional ceramic brakes incredible
  • Front boot is even big enough for two squashy bags

What’s not?

  • Tricky to make smooth changes with the Tiptronic version…
  • …which costs another £5,200 too
  • Very, very slight amount of interior wobble
  • Ceramic discs stop well but pedal feel is lacking
  • Astronomical running costs
  • From April 2011 £80,000 P11D cap for BIK disappears

What you need to Know?

P11D Value: 80,000
Monthly Rental*: 2799 (CH)/£3289 (PCH)
Tax Band when posted: 35%, 35%, 35%
Monthly BiK: Click link for BIK
Engine: 5.2 V10 petrol
CO2 Emissions: 349g/km
Power/torque: 525PS/530Nm
Economy: 19mpg

Monthly contract hire (CH) and personal contract hire (PCH) rentals generated by Concept Vehicle Leasing. Based on a 36 month lease at 10,000 miles a year, 3+35 payments.

Business Car Manager Road Test Rating

Losing the roof on a supercar often results in a few compromises – but there are no such downsides with the Audi R8 Spyder. It’s just as good to drive as the hard-top coupe, but the bonus is that now you get to hear every note of the magnificent V10 engine. It all adds up to a stunning machine.

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Ralph Morton

Ralph Morton

Ralph Morton is an award-winning journalist and the founder of Business Car Manager (now renamed Business Motoring). Ralph writes extensively about the car and van leasing industry as well as wider fleet and company car issues. A former editor of What Car?, Ralph is a vastly experienced writer and editor and has been writing about the automotive sector for over 35 years.

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