2016 Audi R8 V10 Spyder review, test drive

We got a chance to sample the R8 Spyder V10 on the coastal roads in Spain. Here’s what we think of this high-performance convertible.

Published on Oct 19, 2016 08:12:00 PM

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2016 Audi R8 V10 Spyder review, test drive

Glorious to behold

This second-generation R8 features much sharper lines at the front along with a larger and lower trapezoidal grille, and this carries over on the new Spyder. The engine cover from the coupé of course gets replaced with the cover for the soft-top. And though this part of the design looks quite nice thanks to the two silver stripes with multiple vents running lengthwise, the fact that you can’t quickly pop it open to check out that wonderful V10 motor feels a bit disappointing. The interiors however are definitely up to snuff and the sheer driver focus of the cabin is highly enjoyable. All the controls and knobs are ever so gently tilted the driver side, giving the impression of a purpose-built race car. However, unlike all other Audi sedans and SUVs that you get these days, there’s no central infotainment screen which even the passenger can use. That gets replaced by the 12.3-inch TFT display which replaces the traditional instrument cluster called the Audi Virtual Cockpit. This screen can be used to display the speedometer, tachometer, GPS route navigation and a plethora of other information. This car also gets the new optional laser lights, which really increase the range of the high beams. However, since we didn’t get to drive the car in the dark, there was no way to test how effective they are, and we’ll have to wait for the car to come to India for a thorough test.

India-bound!

The Audi R8 Spyder V10 is an extremely enjoyable car that offers a lot of approachable performance and near everyday practicality. On top of that, it has plenty of performance on reserve which can be thoroughly exploited on a race track. All of that clubbed together with the theatricality of a car offering a million miles of headroom makes it just irresistible. Now, the car is going on sale in Germany next month and will be coming to India by mid-2017. Since it is priced very similar to the R8 V10 Plus coupé in its country of origin, we can estimate that it will be the same story in India and it will be available at about Rs 2.50 crore. While that is plenty of money, that still makes it one of the more affordable supercars in India.