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dino_martini
08-28-2008, 07:28 PM
So I guess for me to like the R8, it was just removing the roof and side blades. Sounds mean as well. :drool:

You can view the video through the link:

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/GeneralFuture/articleId=131234

http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd86/dino_martini/09audir8spyderf34500.jpg
http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd86/dino_martini/09audir8spyderpro500.jpg
http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd86/dino_martini/09audir8spyderr34500.jpg



The appearance of the 2009 Audi R8 Spyder has been inevitable. You don't build one of the hottest sports cars in the world without contemplating an open-top version. So when our spies spotted a few peculiar-looking Audi R8 prototypes running through Death Valley and outside the Nürburgring, they followed them to get a closer look.

Instead of just a chop-top treatment with a targa bar, this R8 gets fully reworked sheet metal from the A-pillars rearward. The signature side blades have been removed completely, as well as the pillar-mounted fuel-filler door. The engineers also have used a clever soft cover to give the appearance of a simpler setup at first glance.

Upon closer examination of the spy photos, it appears as though this R8 has a full convertible conversion similar to that of the Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder. The rear sail panels most likely lift and fold out of the way, while the engine cover flips rearward to make way for the folding roof. Once everything is stored, the engine cover flips back down over the folded top to give the R8 a clean, uncluttered appearance with the top down.

Making such radical changes is a surprise given the relatively low worldwide volumes of the R8. But when combined with the expected debut of the V10-powered R8 coupe, it looks as though Audi is simply making the best of its hot-selling halo car.

Expect to see the V10-powered coupe by the end of this year, while the 2009 Audi R8 Spyder will probably make a Geneva auto show debut in the spring and go on sale by next summer.

JAYMEZ
08-28-2008, 07:30 PM
Looks sweet... Hmmm on the road to the ring as well , that would be fun!

flipstah
08-28-2008, 07:41 PM
That's pretty sweet. :drool:

Wish I can afford one. :(

ZorroAMG
08-28-2008, 07:42 PM
Again, another sweet design's lines ruined by a soft (read GHEY) top.

Hardtop convertibles FTW everyday if you care about aesthetics.

dino_martini
08-28-2008, 07:49 PM
Originally posted by ZorroAMG
Again, another sweet design's lines ruined by a soft (read GHEY) top.

Hardtop convertibles FTW everyday if you care about aesthetics.

Hardtop adds a lot of weight though.

signature7
08-28-2008, 08:10 PM
this is one soft top that i don't mind. I think it's the black on black, it helps anyways.

rage2
08-28-2008, 08:30 PM
Originally posted by dino_martini
Hardtop adds a lot of weight though.
The hardtop setup in the Ferrari California weighs less than the soft top setup during prototype phase. At least that's what Ferrari claims.

dino_martini
08-28-2008, 08:40 PM
Originally posted by rage2

The hardtop setup in the Ferrari California weighs less than the soft top setup during prototype phase. At least that's what Ferrari claims.

Really? well, Audi will figure out the hard top convertible at some point. Maybe there will be the A5/S5/RS5 convertible...

Eleanor
08-29-2008, 09:31 AM
Black - The only colour this car looks good in

crazydriver
08-29-2008, 11:33 AM
I'd take the original coupe... not really digging this...:dunno:

Doozer
08-29-2008, 12:44 PM
Originally posted by crazydriver
I'd take the original coupe... not really digging this...:dunno: X2

It's not ugly, per se ... I just like it less than the coupe.

ZorroAMG
08-29-2008, 12:52 PM
Originally posted by dino_martini


Hardtop adds a lot of weight though.

Nope, not really, considering the hardtop when in up position creates a more structurally rigid form, the soft top needs to incorporate more in the lower frame to achieve the same rigidity, so the weight difference should be a near wash.

brown_guy
08-30-2008, 02:15 PM
damm thats nice :)