The Audi R8 GT Spyder is an open top version of the R8 GT coupe unveiled a year ago.
The R8 GT Spyder’s weight of 1640 kg is 85 kg less than its technical basis, the R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro.
The Audi Space Frame (ASF) body, consisting of cast nodes, extruded sections and aluminium panels, accounts for just 214 kg of the total weight.
The engine frame is made of ultra-light magnesium. The long cover over the soft-top compartment and the large side panels at the rear are made of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP). CFRP is also used for the modified front spoiler, the fixed rear spoiler and the new rear bumper. Together, these components provide a weight saving of 5.5 kg.
Audi also trimmed weight from the technical components in the area of the transmission, wheels and brakes.
In the interior, the bucket seats alone, with their chassis of glass fibre reinforced plastic (GRP), saved 31.5 kg of weight.
The R8 GT Spyder will have a base price of €207 800 in Germany.
As with the Audi R8 GT, production is limited to 333 cars.
- Earlier this year, Audi signed a letter of intent with industrial group Voith GmbH regarding a development partnership to promote industrialisation of fibre reinforced plastic composites.