Soft-top opens and closes in 20 seconds; top speed of 318 km/h

The open-top "R8 Spyder" has been added to the new Audi "R8," which is soon to arrive in Japan.

The mid-mounted engine is the same 5.2-liter V10 naturally aspirated unit found in the coupe. It produces a maximum output of 397 kW (540 ps) and a maximum torque of 540 Nm, boasting 0-100 km/h acceleration in 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 318 km/h.

The transmission is a 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch. Audi's signature quattro all-wheel-drive system flexibly distributes torque between the front and rear from 0-100 percent.

The body, with its classic and flowing side silhouette achieved by moving the passenger seat forward and lengthening the rear, measures 4,426 mm long, 1,920 mm wide, and 1,244 mm high – 14 mm shorter and 36 mm wider than the previous generation. The wheelbase remains the same at 2,650 mm. By extensively using aluminum and carbon in the body with Audi Space Frame construction, the weight is kept down to 1,612 kg.

The open-top mechanism, the Spyder's most distinctive feature, can be operated in 20 seconds, and can be opened or closed while driving at speeds below 50 km/h.

Adding the latest fuel-saving technologies, such as Cylinder on Demand (COD) with cylinder deactivation and coasting mode, to the lightweight body results in a 10 percent improvement in NEDC combined fuel consumption over the previous generation, achieving 11.7 L/100 km (approximately 8.5 km/L) and CO2 emissions of 277 g/km.

The driver-focused "R8 Performance Leather Steering Wheel"

The instrument panel features the 12.3-inch "Audi Virtual Cockpit" display. Additionally, the integration of smartphone displays within the Virtual Cockpit is a new feature being introduced with this R8 Spyder. This new functionality is also planned for sequential introduction in the R8 Coupe.

In the driver-centric R8, all controls, including the "Audi Drive Select" with four vehicle settings (Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, Individual) and the engine start/stop button, are located on the steering wheel. Furthermore, selecting the optional "R8 Performance Leather Steering Wheel" adds buttons for Dry, Wet, and Snow settings, as well as a function to adjust the exhaust sound.

The audio system features a 13-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system. For the first time in an Audi, two loudspeakers are integrated into the headrests.

The R8 Spyder is produced almost entirely by hand at the quattro GmbH facility near Neckarsulm, Germany, where special models are manufactured.