You knew it was coming ever since Audi released the V10-powered R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI. Now it's official. Ingolstadt's rag-top supercar will soon be available with the coupe's entry-level 4.2-liter V8 powerhouse that churns out 430HP launching the R8 Spyder to 100km/h (62mph) in 4.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 299km/h or 186mph.
In comparison, the 525HP R8 Spyder 5.2 V10 goes from zero to 100km/h in 4.1 sec and achieves a top speed of 313 km/h (195 mph).
The V8 engine is available with either a six-speed manual gearbox or the R tronic semi-automatic while quattro permanent all-wheel drive is standard on all models. Audi said that the V8-powered R8 Spyder consumes on average 14.9lt / 100 km (15.8 US mpg) with the manual gearbox, and 13.9lt / 100 km (16.9 US mpg) with the R-Tronic.
The R8 Spyder 4.2 FSI model rolls on 18-inch wheels and comes with a standard suspension. However, the V10 model's 19-inch alloys and magnetic ride adaptive damping system will be optionally available.
The German firm did not publish any photos of the R8 Spyder 4.2 V8 FSI, but don't expect any noticable differences over the V10-powered model featured in the image gallery below.
The R8 Spyder 4.2 FSI quattro will be rolling into German showrooms in the third quarter of 2010 with a base price of €121,000 (approximately US$150,500), or €35,400 less than the V10-powered model that starts from €156,400.
U.S. sales will start in the first quarter of 2011, with pricing to be announced closer to launch.
Photo Gallery: Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 V10 FSI
