2012 Audi R8 Spyder: Video Road Test and Review

The Audi R8 Spyder is a two door two passenger convertible supercar.  The drop top version of the R8 incorporates everything that made the fixed roof car great; like a lightweight aluminum chassis with a mid mounted Audi FSI motor mated to the German automaker’s world championship winning Quattro all wheel drive system, while chopping the top off to give it an open air feel.  Audi offers the R8 Spyder in two trims: the 4.2 R8 Spyder and the 5.2 R8 Spyder, with the biggest change being the lump that sits right behind the driver.

The Audi 4.2 R8 Spyder is powered by a 4.2 Liter FSI V8 that produces a total of 430 HP an 316 lb-ft of torque mated to either a six speed gated manual shifter or Audi’s R tronic semiautomatic gearbox and can accelerate from 0 to 60 MPH in only 4.6 seconds while returning an estimated 11 MPG in the city and up to 20 MPG on the highway.  The $127,700 R8 wears a set of 19 inch lightweight aluminum alloys and comes with Audi’s signature xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights on the outside.  While inside, occupants can enjoy a single zone automatic climate control, ten way power lumbar adjustable heated leather/Alcantara sport seats as well as a three spoke flat bottomed steering wheel, inspired by DTM racecars (think NASCAR of Germany) and the Audi concert system AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 stereo with auxiliary input for mobile media devices.  The entry level topless supercar also comes with Audi’s Homelink remote transmitter that not only closes your garage door, but can control your home’s lighting and alarm system as well as a neat little Bluetooth seatbelt microphone all capped off with a power folding acoustic top.

The top of the line 5.2 R8 Spyder gets its name from the Lamborghini sourced screaming 5.2 Liter FSI V10 that puts out a total of 525 HP and 391 lb-ft of torque and is capable of sprinting to 60 MPH in four seconds flat on its way to a top speed of 194 MPH while returning an estimated 12 MPG around town and as much as 19 MPG at speed.  The $162,700 German speed machine is identifiable by its unique split Y spoke shoes, fine Nappa leather sport seats, full LED headlamps and the premium Bang & Olufsen Sound System as well as Audi’s parking system plus with rear view camera.

A list of cars similar to the R8 Spyder include the 2012 Lamborghini Gallardo, 2012 Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet and 2012 Mecedes Benz SLS AMG Roadster

See more details about the 2012 Audi R8 Spyder.