In what seems likes a war brewing between car manufacturers in Germany, Carupdate has come across an artists impression of the Audi R8 open-air convertible due to be released in 2009.
Our guess is that this picture is not far off what the production version will look like. Reports indicate that this very attractive machine will give up the conventional drop top up in favour of lift off targa panels, a decision that will help reduce overall weight of the vehicle and will also ensure that people within range of sight will have a sore neck.
Other news on the Audi front is that there are plans for a 4 door coupe style competitor aimed for the niche Mercedes CLS market, named the A7 it will most likely share its platform with the current A6.
To ensure Audi are well and truly pissing off the bigwigs at BMW and Mercedes, there are also plans for a Mini rival. Dubbed the A1, it will be available in a range of body styles.
Darcy
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Now that is one R8 that I CAN appreciate! Nicely done. Very interesting profile - a dynamic design where the brushed aluminum separator actually works.
I’m not sure on this one…. looks and practicality wise. Firstly, the decision to give up the conventional drop top in favour of lightweight leaves it for those who can actually be bothered with it, and, how often and why would you need the car to be so light weight unless you’re on an open road on a regular basis (but then again “cushiness” and ease is my lifestyle choice), and secondly, i prefer audii’s previous more streamlined look…. but then again, this could shake up it’s image. I’m yet to be convinced:) Would love to see it in the flesh first….
I have to say Gunnar that I am leaning Angelica’s way on this one. This rendition of the R8 Spider doesn’t really do it for me and its the brushed aluminium separator that upsets it the most IMO, its also the one aspect of the conventional Audi R8’s styling that I am quietly unsure about. I’d prefer to see a proper drop-top.
Darcy on the other hand thinks it’s a bit of alright so I’ll leave him to defend it if he so desires.
Angelica, if the artist is correct the Audi R8 spider is clearly aimed at the enthusiast. A serious performance car that will most likely be lighter in weight and will look hot (in my humble opinion anyway!). Many european manufacturers have experienced success from this method. This R8 Spider is probably a step up from the cushier relaxing sunday drive down on beach road in a convertible Audi TT.
If it is daily driving to the hair dressers or Cafe that intrests you then perhaps an early MX5 would be more your cup of tea, but if it is a well designed mid-rear engined spider that will put a smile on your face everytime you see it and drive it then you know what to do
Hi
I am one of the first people in the country to recieve the audi r8 spider and my spot in the queue is up for sale, so if anyone is interested then give me a e mail on snake_number1@hotmail.com, im looking for offers of 20 grand + due to how exclusive its going to be and that your be one of the first to get your hands on it thanks
jake