Audi Roadster Cars

Launched in 2007, the first-generation Audi R8 was so successful that the German brand decided to keep it around for no fewer than eight model years. The Spyder, on the other hand, is a bit younger than that, having been unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show for the 2010 model year.

At first only available with the 5.2-liter V-10, the convertible also received the 4.2-liter V-8 for 2011, and a limited-edition GT model for 2012. With the second-generation R8 already in dealerships, Audi introduced the redesigned Spyder version at the 2016 New York Auto Show.

Much like its predecessor, the second-generation R8 Spyder is essentially a topless version of the R8 Coupe,using a soft-top instead of metal roof. Specs are obviously identical, meaning there’s no longer a V-8 engine and a manual transmission. Audi has yet to confirm whether the R8 Spyder will also get an e-tron version, but an all-electric drop-top is very likely to arrive by the end of 2016.

Audi’s new angular design works well with the R8 Spyder’s convertible layout and the performance is definitely strong, but does it have what it takes to compete against the bonkers Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet and McLaren’s upcoming 570S Spider? Keep reading to find out.

Update 12/12/2018: We’ve updated this review with pictures taken at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show. Check them out in the gallery at the bottom of the page!

Sun-worshipping supercar lovers won’t have to wait too much longer to drive topless in the second-gen Audi R8. After the 2016 Audi R8 was introduced earlier this year, new spy shots reveal that a drop-top isn’t too far away, but there is still no telling when or where the all-new R8 Spyder will be revealed.

Based on the coupe, it isn’t too hard to imagine what the Spyder would look like, but in an interesting move, Audi has camouflaged every inch of this prototype with the exception of the power-retractable soft top. As expected, the bulk of the changes are being made to the rear of the car, but it doesn’t appear to be all that different than the rear-end styling of the current 2014 - 1015 Audi R8 Spyder, including the side buttresses on the soft top and the vented engine cover. One key difference is that the rear engine compartment vent previously incorporated into the retractable spoiler is now situated between the taillights.

The new R8 Spyder will still pack the same 5.2-liter V-10, but the added weight and reduced aerodynamics should negatively affect performance. As a refresher, the 2016 R8 weighs around 3,200 pounds and the engine can be tuned to up to 610 horsepower on the 2014 - 2015 Audi R8 Plus, which returns a 0-60 time of around three seconds and a top speed of 205 mph.

Continue reading for the full story.

German auto design house PPI launched its new company name and a new Audi R8-based Razor Spyder GTR model this weekend at Pebble Beach Concours week. PPI is now called PPI Speed Design, and to go with the new name is this hot open-air conversion kit for both the V-8 and V-10 R8 supercars.

Marked out by freer breathing for the induction and exhaust, the most notable element of the Razor Spyder is the open-air door cutouts that make every day a breezy California summer.

Cut from aluminum and reinforced with carbon fiber, the door cutouts promise a spectacular view of the road and create a cockpit that feels open and free like a track day special or the Aston Martin CC100 speedster. Lacking weatherproofing (or side windows) to provide these interesting cockpit vents, the PPI “Spyder Doors” take the R8 V-10 Spyder’s drama level and performance level - then cranks it up to "11."

The full complement of PPI Speed Design carbon-fiber styling and aerodynamic tweaks are included on the prototype seen above, which also features a custom satin matte blue paint and contrast black features for the side air ducts and a giant dual intake scoop behind the passenger headrests.

The result is certainly dramatic in a way that most modified R8’s are not, with giant virgin gold painted brake calipers and a GT3-inspired front air dam looking amazing with the latest LED headlights from the latest R8 Audi design.

Click past the jump for the full review of the 2013 PPI Speed Design Razor Spyder GTR, a complete package or individual components from this German supercar enhancer.

The Audi press update for the 2014 TT reads like an obituary. There are actually a couple things to celebrate with this run-out special roadster and 2+2 coupe. Basically everything is included on the 2014 TT twins as standard: S-line trim, DSG, MRC and Quattro to name a few. The combo can still hustle the little Audi to 60 mph in just over five seconds.

So why all the doom and gloom? The second-generation TT is very old at this point and really needs the facelift that is coming next year. Audi has also promised the car will be lighter and more performance-focused than ever before.

The TT needs a new style because it is already pretty sophisticated and lightweight. It drives with the old inert Audi style that some do not enjoy as much as rear-drive competitors. Mostly, however, the problems with this car are image-based.

The TT has competition from more-focused cars, like the BMW Z4, Mercedes-Benz SLK and even the forthcoming Scion FR-S convertible. Apart from the Scion, all are actually far more expensive than this little rocket’s $38,000 price.

Is this year the best time to jump into the Audi TT with all the equipment and a few discounts as well?

Click past the jump for the full review of the 2014 changes and equipment highlights.

To say that the second-generation Audi TT is on its last legs is a massive understatement. It’s barely getting by at this point, especially with the recent arrival of next-generation competitors, like the Porsche Cayman.

Granted, it’s all part of Audi’s eight-year cycle and since the second generation TT – including the TTS and TT-RS - arrived in 2006, it’s still on schedule to deliver generation three in 2014.

That’s the glass half-full way of looking at Audi’s TT lineup. The glass half-empty way of looking at it is that the second generation TT is still chugging along, with only minor upgrades given to the 2014 model.

We’re confident that Audi’s going to come strong with the next-generation TT. It always does. It’s just that we’ll all have to wait for that day to come.

For now, it’s just another TT facelift and to its credit, Audi did the best it could to give it that modern look. And sometimes, that really is the most it can do.

Click past the jump to read about the 2014 Audi TTS

Nagoya-based styling specialist Tommykaira has unveiled at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show a tuning kit based on the Audi R8 V10 Spyder. The package is called White Wolf Edition, mainly because the model features a sweet Formula Silver exterior paint.

Along with the sweet paint, the package also includes an aerodynamic kit, featuring a new front spoiler, side step sill extensions, a new rear lip spoiler and a lower diffuser section. On customer’s request, all of these items can be made from carbon fiber.

The car sits on a set of Prodrive GC-05N alloy wheels sized 9.5-by-20 inches up front and 11.5-by-20 inches at the rear wrapped in 235/30 Bridgestone Potenza S001s tires.

The most impressive addition to the package is the tuner’s new titanium exhaust system. We cannot tell for sure if it increases the engine’s output level in any way, but for sure it looks pretty darn sexy.

Ingolstadt-based automaker, Audi, is already working on a new-generation TT, but this doesn’t mean customers can’t still enjoy the current generation. On the British market, for example, Audi unveiled a cool TT Black Edition that can be combined with a new Amplified Black specification package priced at only £700 (about $1,100 at the current exchange rates).

The new Black Edition will be based on the top S line trim level and adds a black trim for the radiator grille surround, tinted rear privacy glass, and xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights. The optional Amplified Black package also adds numerous black elements like the front lip spoiler, the fixed rear spoiler, rear diffuser and the exhaust pipes. The same black treatment continues on the interior.

Hit the jump to read more about the 2013 Audi TT Coupe and Roadster Black Edition.

VF Engineering is really into breaking the mold when it comes to developing programs for some of the world’s finest supercars. The American aftermarket company definitely knows a power upgrade when they see one and their latest offering for the mighty German beast, the Audi R8 V10, is no different.

With some help from fellow Audi aftermarket wizard Stassis Engineering, VF Engineering took the R8 V10’s massive 5.2-liter engine and made serious work out of it, highlighted by the addition of a bolt on roots style supercharger system and an Eaton/Magnuson TVS2300 four-lobe roots blower with an air/water aftercooling system that boosts up the R8 V10’s output from the standard 520 horsepower and 390 pounds-per-feet of torque figures all the way up to 720 horsepower and 590 pounds-per-feet of torque. That impressive bump in output is particularly jacked up because of the resulting lag-free instant punch of 5psi from as little as 2,000rpm, with the boost gradually climbing all the way up to 6.5psi at redline.

And should the R8 V10 be using a 91 or 93 octane, the stock engine programming is then recalibrated by VF courtesy of an OBD2 port electronic flash.

For all of the program’s downright awesomeness, there is one bit of bad news out there for anybody interested in getting this package. It’s not compliant with the California Air Resourse Board and cannot be used on public roads in California.

Wait, what?

In the latest episode of "The Downshift" the crew over MotorTrend took a trip to Quattro GmbH, the birthplace of the the RS3, RS4, RS5, RS6 and R8. Since 1983, Audi’s go-fast factory has been taking Audi sedans to the extreme and in 2006 it unveiled the R8, which has quickly become one of the worlds most sought after supercars.

The factory was founded in October 1983 and it is located on a 3,500-square-meter site in Neckarsulm, near Stuttgart, Germany. The factory specializes in producing high-performance Audi cars and components, and its name pays homage to Audi’s original four-wheel-drive, rally-inspired road car: the Audi Quattro.

Take a look at this video; you will be amazed by the dedication and heart these folks put into each and every Audi that passes through. Let us know what do you think!

SR Auto Group has unveiled lots of upgrade packages in the past few weeks, but this latest one is among our favorites. This is true not only because it is based on the Audi R8 Spyder, but also because the updates themselves are pretty sweet.

Dubbed "Project Speed Walker," this special edition R8 was developed in cooperation with PUR Wheels, Hofele, PPI, MA Carbon, Miltek, APR and Carbonio, and combines naked carbon fiber with shades of black. On the exterior, it features a carbon-fiber front spoiler and a set of 20-inch PUR 4OUR Monoblock wheels coated in a modern gloss-black paint.

On the inside, the folks over at PPI offered a carbon-fiber steering wheel and MA added a carbon-fiber center console and a carbon-fiber gear shift bezel.

Aesthetics are not all that this tuning kit consists of; that would be a waste. SR Auto Group took care of business under the hood by adding in a Carbonio carbon-fiber intake system and an APR ECM upgrade. The under-hood mods are all capped off by a Miltek exhaust system that’s sure to give the R8 a throaty rumble. The official specifications are not available, so your guess on final engine output is about as good as ours.

The German tuner MTM has prepared another tuning package for the Audi R8 V10 Quattro. This new package will be available for both the roadster and coupe versions, and will offer engine upgrade and an exterior kit.

In order to improve the V-10 engine’s output, the tuner remapped the ECU and installed a new stainless steel sports exhaust system, which not only lowers the back-pressure, but also improves the engine’s sound. As a result, the R8 will now deliver a total of 606 horsepower at 8,000 rpm and a peak torque of 413 pound-feet. A sprint from 0 to 60 mph is now complete in 3.5 seconds, while top speed leaps up to an incredible 200 mph.

Exterior changes are minimal and only include a new front spoiler lip, side skirts and rear spoiler. For the interior, the tuner opted to install new Recaro carbon-fiber race-style seats that reduce the R8’s total weight by 88 pounds.

The package continues with a set of Bimoto forged alloy wheels in 9.0J and 11.0J x 20-inch sizes, shod with 245/30ZR20 and 315/25ZR20 Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires. These wheels have been combined with a new KW 3 coil-over suspension that can lower the car by as much as 60 mm (2.36 inches). A set of MTM high-performance brakes with 380 x 34 mm (14.96- x 1.34-inch) vented discs up front complete the picture.

To further stylize the R8, MTM is also offering checkered-flag graphics that can be combined with any possible exterior color.

German tuner Wheelsandmore is back, and they’re returning with yet another impressive tuning program. This time for the limited-run Audi R8 GT Spyder.

Since the German super car is only limited to 333 units, the fact that it gets its own tuning program ramps up the exclusivity to a whole new level. The whole onus of the program was to make the R8 GT Spyder lighter and more powerful, a task that’s easier said than done.

In order to accomplish it, Wheelsandmore prepared a special performance package that includes a lighter stainless steel exhaust system with remote-able valve flaps that’s 40% lighter than the standard equipment. Add that to special carbon-frame air filters and a reprogrammed ECU that nets a new output of 620 horsepower and 435 lb/ft of torque, and you have an R8 GT Spyder that’s even more special than the rest of its special edition brethren.

Suspension was also an important part of the program. In this case, Wheelsandmore fitted the German super car with the latest state-of-the-art motorsports technology from KW-Automotive within the LCS (level-control-system) hydraulic lift up system. There’s also a remote control switch that provides an additional road clearance of +40mm and a separate and independently adjustable rebound- and compression damping, giving the owner free reign over his super car’s suspension set-up.

Finally, there are the handcrafted 3-piece ultralight forged 6Sporz² wheels that can be customized and finished according to the customer’s whims. The wheels are then wrapped in a set of Continental Sport Contact 5P tires.

With only 333 units being produced, not many of us will have the chance to drive the Audi R8 GT Spyder, but British magazine AutoExpress managed to get their hands on the sports roadster and put it under extreme testings at the Silverstone race track. Did they think the GT Spyder was worth the extra $50K a potential customer would have to spend to buy it? Check out the video to get the answer to this question and make sure to let us know what you think about it!

As a reminder, the R8 GT Spyder is powered by a 5.2 liter V10 engine that delivers a total of 560 HP and 398 lbs-ft of torque. This amount of power is enough to sprint the car from 0 to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds and up to a top speed of 196.97 mph.

Audi only built 666 units (strange number, no?) for their Audi R8 GT Coupe and Spyder versions, so the chance of seeing one on the street is pretty rare. The chance of seeing a parade of them is even slimmer, if not impossible.

Then again, if you went to the Nurburgring 24 Hours race where Audi pushed its way to incredible results, you would have seen this aforementioned parade before the race even took place. Talk about some positive energy fueling the racers!

As a reminder, both versions are powered by the same 5.2 liter V10 engine that delivers a total of 560 HP and 398 lbs-ft of torque. The R8 GT Spyder will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds, while the R8 GT Coupe makes the sprint in 3.6 seconds. Top speeds are 196.97 mph and 198.8 mph, respectively.

Safety and parenting issues notwithstanding, this video is about as cute as it gets. We all remember Cris Ostberg as the dude who once put his then 18-month old daughter in the front passenger seat of his Audi R8 V10 Spyder while she gleefully shouted "turbo!" every chance she got.

Fast forward to 2012 and the little sweetheart is now three years old. But while she’s gotten bigger, her love for the Audi R8 V10 Spyder doesn’t appear to have waned in the least. In this new video, Ostberg was careful to follow all the safety precautions to ensure that his daughter wouldn’t be hurt, including switching off the passenger airbags.

Understandably, some folks might have a problem with Ostberg’s rather loose interpretation of responsible parenting, but if you can put that aside, the sight of his daughter continuing in her "turbo!!!" exaltation is just too cute to ignore.

Let’s just hope that dear old Cris doesn’t get any genius ideas and let his daughter drive the R8 V10 Spyder on her 4th birthday.

Okay, so this isn’t exactly the most surprising news of the day, but it sure ranks up there with the coolest. Audi is said to be launching a Spyder version for the R8 GT at the Frankfurt Motor Show this Fall. As with the coupe version, the Spyder will be limited to 333 units and should be priced at about $20,000 higher than the coupe, which is sold for about $196,800 in the U.S. The similarities will even extend to the number of units available in the U.S. We last heard that we were getting 90 units of the GT Coupe and we expect the same number for the Spyder version.

Under the hood, Audi will place the same 5.2 liter V10 engine that delivers a total of 560 HP and 398 lbs-ft of torque. The Spyder version will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds and will be capable of a top speed of 196.97 mph. Thanks to body parts made in carbon fiber the R8 GT Spyder is 187 lbs lighter and in the same time delivers performance numbers that makes it the top-of-the-line version of the high-performance sports car.

UPDATE 11/16/11: The Audi R8 GT Spyder made its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The lightweight, drop-top German supercar will be available in North America beginning next year and will be limited to just 90 units in the region. Audi is planning on building 333 units of the R8 GT Spyder so 90 models in North America is a pretty sizable chunk of the whole inventory. Interested parties should be on their toes so they can be part of the 90 people that can score the German supercar when it becomes available.

UPDATE 02/02/12: Audi of American has announced that the R8 Spyder will be priced at $210,000 plus a $1,200 delivery fee for the US market. Only 50 units will be offered on our side of the pond.

UPDATE 04/06/12: One of the only 50 R8 GT Spyder units to arrive on the US market has been presented on the NY floor and we have some pictures of it for you. Check the pictures gammery to find them.

More details on the Audi R8 GT Spyder after the jump.

The history of the TT (Tourist Trophy) started in 1995 when Audi unveiled the first concept at the 1995 Frankfurt Motor Show. It would be a full three years before the market would be introduced to the production model in 1998, but when that happened, it arrived in both coupe and roadster versions. The first generation remained active until 2006, when the company released the second generation TT for the 2007MY.

Compared to the first generation TT, the model unveiled in 2006 featured a completely redesigned exterior, a switch from the Volkswagen Group PQ34 platform to the PQ35, and new, improved engines. At the launch, the TT MK2 was offered with a choice of two inline four-cylinder engines and a V6 carried over from the previous model, but in the years that have followed since then, Audi has enriched the line-up with even more engine choices to satisfy the market.

For the most part, the second generation TT has remained unchanged, but the past couples of years have brought on some tweaks to freshen up the car’s look. In 2011, the TT was given a more powerful bumper, larger air inlets with three-dimensional, sharp edges, and fog lights set in chrome rings. Under the hood, Audi placed new technologies that allowed improved fuel consumption. For 2012, Audi has decided to offer the TT-RS version on the US market, which is enough of a change to warrant some attention.

Hit the jump to read more about the Audi TT.

Porsche’s decision for putting the baby Boxster on hold because the current generation may not be ready for it may just have started a domino effect for similar proposed vehicles. Volkswagen has just announced that the production version of the mid-engined Blue Sport Concept is also uncertain, stating the same reasons as Porsche: the company can’t find enough sales to justify investing in the model.

This may put a little hiccup in Volkswagen’s plans to increase sales to 800,000 units a year by 2018, but according to Volkswagen of America boss Jonathan Browning, "we don’t need to keep adding to our portfolio of models. We’re concentrating on our core models." Nice sidestep, but this only means that the company failed to find the market needed to sell 50,000 units a year of the production BlueSport.

They’re surely not getting rid of the vehicle, though, especially since engineering for the Blue Sport has been completed: "There is no official release for the project. It’s not a technology problem, but of finding enough customers. I don’t have enough [sales] volume to get the go-ahead," said Volkswagen’s engineering boss, Uli Hackenberg.

So, for now, the production Volkswagen BlueSport has been put on hold, further opening the door Porsche cracked when the Baby Boxster took its fall. We’re guessing Audi’s plans of offering a new sports car slotted under the R8 may get invited to this party, but Audi seemed pretty intent on producing the junior model. Only time will tell.

"Errare humanum est!"

To err is human and since cars are built by humans, it’s quite normal to experience mistakes now and then. Even great cars like the Audi R8 Spyder fall privy to recalls and that’s exactly what’s happening now. As of August 22, 2011, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is recalling the 920 R8 Spyder models due to a fuel leak that may lead to a vehicle fire.

"The fuel supply line may contact and rub against the heat shield in the engine compartment," said NHTSA. "This could lead to a small fuel leak. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source could lead to a vehicle fire."

The first complaint came to Volkswagen on June 6, 2011, when a customer announced that he felt a fuel smell after refilling the Audi R8 Spyder.

If you own a 2011-12 Audi R8 Spyder, call Audi at 1-800-822-2834 to have the fuel line inspected and replaced, if necessary.