Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 GT FSI quattro Review: Along came a Spyder

What we like:

Explosive performance

intoxicating soundtrack

drop dead gorgeous looks

even more dynamic than the standard V10 Spyder

carbon bits everywhere

only 333 examples are made

What we dislike:

High asking price puts it within reach of models with more exotic badges

needs a S-tronic or manual gearbox

Under the cloth hood, the Spyder offers a cabin that is mostly similar to the GT coupe’s but unlike the latter, the topless model doesn’t offer any additional storage space behind the seats which means only the miniscule sized boot up front will gobble up any small bags. Despite its hardcore nature, the GT Spyder retains most of the standard car’s luxuries and standard kit. These include automatic air conditioning system, all-round electric windows, MMI with seven active speakers, the driver information system with a built-in laptimer, parking sensors, hill hold assist and an anti-theft alarm system.

Like the other R8 models, the GT Spyder features a monoposto cabin design with a large arch encircling the cockpit. The GT’s though, features extensive use of matt CFRP materials and surfaces. The flat-bottomed steering wheel, windshield frame, kneepad, handbrake lever and the one-piece bucket seats are all clothed in Alcantara with contrasting stitching in red. The rear of the seat backs can also be specified in the same shade as the body colour like in the car here.

Other go faster features include white dials for the instruments and a bespoke gear selector made of CFRP and aluminium and with the GT’s serial number inscribed on the knob.

With a price tag of almost a million dollars, the R8 GT Spyder’s exclusivity comes at a steep price. For those who are able to bag one of the only three available here though, will appreciate the GT Spyder’s hugely driver focused driving experience that no other topless R8 can offer.

Credits: Story and photos by Raymond Lai