Audi R8 GT Spyder Revealed

Update: June 6 - Australian availability confirmed. See below.

Audi has pulled the covers back from the convertible version of its hardcore R8 GT supercar, just two months after its coming was signalled by a handful of teaser illustrations.

Like its hardtop sibling, the R8 GT Spyder is powered by a retuned version of the regular R8 V10's 5.2 litre engine, lifting power to 418kW and 540Nm of torque.

Power is transferred to all four wheels through Audi's R tronic sequential automatically-controlled manual transmission and quattro all-wheel-drive system.

The 0-100km/h sprint is knocked over in 3.8 seconds, compared to 3.6 for the hardtop R8 GT and 3.9 seconds for the regular R8 5.2 FSI V10. 

The R8 GT's performance figures come not just from its uprated engine, but also through a range of weight-saving measures.

Compared to the regular R8 5.2 FSI Spyder, the topless R8 GT is around 85kg lighter - thanks in part to the 32kg saving in the race-style seats.

The R8 GT Spyder gets a number of titanium grey highlights, along with a front splitter, canards on the front bumper, red GT badging, circular exhaust tips in a larger diffuser, and tinted LED taillights. 

Australia

Like the coupe, the R8 GT Spyder will be limited to just 333 cars. Audi Australia has confirmed that just five of the special Spyders will make their  way to Australia, with deliveries to begin in the second half of this year.  

Pricing and specifications will be announced closer to the Australian launch.