Audi launched the second generation R8 in 2015 and even though there were a lot of speculations that they will stop producing this car, the R8 Spyder will keep going strong at least in the next couple of years. In March, spy cameras caught the R8 coupe and now, there is the Spyder model as well. And it is more than the just a facelift.
2019 Audi R8 Spyder Exterior
If this test car is indeed the facelifted model, it means that Audi really puts a lot of effort into improving this car. The front end has received The Singleframe grille which immediately draws attention, while generally speaking the front end of the vehicle is more aggressive. The headlamps will remain the same in terms of shape and size, but the outlets are completely different. Below, there is a small splitter that has winglets on the sides which peak out from under the apron.
The sides of the new revamped model are identical to the current R8 Spyder, although there are some minor changes if you get a closer look. Meanwhile, the differences at the rear end are major just like on the front. First of all, the spoiler is larger and there are no two separate grilles to flank the license plates. The diffuser has been changed as well and the scoops are gone completely, whereas new massive oval outlets lurk beneath.
The Cabin
It was hard for the photographers to get a look at what is inside, but there is no reason for us to doubt that the layout is going to change. Minor modifications to the trip and upholstery are expected. This means that the 2018 Audi R8 Spyder is going to have the same race-inspired dash design with the identical 12.3-inch instrument cluster.
The Alcantara and Nappa leather combination will keep decorating the interior, but the buyers would have the option of a full Nappa leather upholstery and diamond-quilted stitching. As for technology, there will be MMI Navigation, the MMI touch wheel and the Audi connect module. Considering that the Spyder is a cabriolet, headroom will not be an issue.
Under the hood
The new facelifted version of the Spyder is still going to use the identical 5.2-liter V10 engine which is the same unit that powers the Lamborghini Huracan. This powerplant delivers 540 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque currently, but don’t expect it to reach 610 horsepower-mark as it is the case with the V10 Plus model. We expect a little engine boost, so the unit in the new Spyder will deliver around 560 horses and 420 lb-ft of torque.
With these numbers, the Spyder will be able to reach 62 mph in just 3.5 seconds, which is 0.1 seconds faster than the current car. Of course, the S Tronic dual-clutch transmission will be mated to the engine, whereas the Audi will have a Quattro all-wheel-drive configuration.
We don’t believe that the test vehicle was an RS or GT model with the V10 Plus since that engine generates more than 600 hp. There are some rumors which claim that the German manufacturer is actually producing a version which would have between 650 and 700 horsepower. However, not a word has come from Audi on that matter.
2019 Audi R8 Spyder Price
Since this is a facelift, no matter the drastic changes, the pricing will remain more or less the same. That being said, the 2019 Audi R8 Spyder will start below the $180,000 mark. The current model starts at $177,100, which is almost $40,000 more expensive than the coupe. Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet and McLaren 570S Spider will be fierce competitors to the Audi R8 Spyder.
