Review: 2017 Audi R8 V10 Spyder
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I drove one of the first V8-powered cars to this dusty hamlet for a story on South Africa’s little-known autobahns: a handful of lonely highways that, with the right permit, allowed anybody fool enough to take their machine of choice right up to the limit. I aimed for the hallowed triple-ton but only managed around 295km/h — not bad considering I had to have one of the car’s planet-sized tyres crudely plugged on the long journey up the west coast.
Then there was the V10: the über-R8 that came to answer the calls from those who said the V8 was not fast enough. I had them in manual. I had them with R-Tronic and S-Tronic gearboxes. I used all of them (unsuccessfully) to woo different girls on high-speed dates through nocturne streets.
I got to know these machines well and loved how easy they were to drive hard. Still are. They’re livable too, much like their not-too-distant cousin the Porsche 911.
Yeah, we have history, the R8 and I. The latest chapter in this ongoing saga involves the newest addition to the range: the V10 Spyder. For 2017 Audi has cut off their supercar’s aluminium roof for those who dig a little more automotive exhibitionism in their diet. In its place you get a fabric top that folds away like a Michael Bay Transformer in only 20 seconds and at speeds of up to 50km/h. It’s a neat bit of kit and one that, when stowed, lends the R8 Spyder one hell of a sultry silhouette.
Audi has also injected it with new insulating technology that does a fantastic job of keeping unwanted noise and heat out of the cabin. Seriously, blindfold your passenger and I’ll bet you a case of your favourite cold ones they won’t know they’re not travelling in the Coupé.
Unfortunately there is a price to pay. It’s nothing to do with structural integrity because the Spyder feels as sharp as its fixed-head sister. The trade-off comes in a much-heightened form of claustrophobia.
The R8 Coupé is borderline comfortable for somebody such as me, who lives on the wrong side of being 1.82m tall. But with less legroom to play with the Spyder is just plain uncomfortable. Slide the fancy electric seat backwards and it’s forced to rise because of its close proximity to the rear firewall.
To avoid your head rubbing against the ceiling you lower it, only to be moved closer to the steering wheel. I spent 15 minutes experimenting with this chair, and in the end I was forced to sit with my knees rubbing against the door and centre console like I was riding an overpriced go kart. It was disappointing.
As was the lack of cubbies and binnacles for stashingstuff. After 300km behind the wheel I asked myself: “Why’d you pick the Spyder over the Coupé?” At 315km I found out when I made the roof disappear down an empty stretch of speed-friendly road.
The only reason you want the drop-top R8 is for the racket. That 5.2-litre V10 has always sounded spectacular but here it’s taken to a nasty new level – especially when you wind it right up to 8500rpm. I’m a jaded, spoilt motoring hack and the symphonic savagery hitting my eardrums from back aft made me cackle with delight.
Think of it like this: if the R8 Coupé can be likened to listening to the Rolling Stones on a top-end audio system then the R8 Spyder is like seeing them live from the front row. You’ll be more squashed for it but the experience and the drama is vastly more visceral. If that’s your thing – twisting the amplification button to 11 – you’ll be best served sinking your money into the latter. Take it from a historian like me. – Thomas Falkiner
Fast Facts: Audi R8 V10 Spyder
Engine: 5204cc V10 petrol
Power: 397kW at 7800rpm
Torque: 540Nm at 6500rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed S-Tronic
0-100km/h: 3.6-seconds
Top speed: 318km/h
Fuel: 12.1l/100km (achieved combined)
CO2: 272g/km (claimed)
Price: From R2 920 700
Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.