Audi unveils soft-top R8 GT Spyder

Audi has opened registration for a limited-edition run of its R8 Spyder.

The new soft-top Audi R8 GT Spyder model was unveiled June 3 and will be delivered to just 333 customers worldwide early next year, although customers can register their interest online or at a dealership now and pre-order this summer.

The high-performance revamp of the R8 is 85 kg lighter than the Audi R8 V10 Spyder, thanks the removal of the roof and the addition of carbon fibre reinforced polymer body parts.

With the reduced weight (just 1,640 kg), it can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 3.8 seconds and hits a top speed of 197 mph using a 5.2-liter V10 engine developing 560 PS.

Despite that, Audi says that the R8 GT Spyder's lightweight fabric soft-top is extremely quiet, even at motorway speeds, and can be raised or lowered in 19 seconds at speeds of up to 50 km/h.

Inside, the two-seater offers room for up to 100 liters of cargo and can be finished in Fine Nappa quality leather, with white dials and R8 GT logos, while the car's technology includes a Bang & Olufsen stereo system, DVD-based satellite navigation and a driver information system featuring a built-in lap times.

It will debut, alongside models expected from other automakers such as Porsche, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

http://www.audi.com