You knew it was coming ever since Audi released the V10-powered R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI. Now it's official. Ingolstadt's rag-top supercar will soon be available with the coupe's entry-level 4.2-liter V8 powerhouse that churns out 430HP launching the R8 Spyder to 100km/h (62mph) in 4.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 299km/h or 186mph.
In comparison, the 525HP R8 Spyder 5.2 V10 goes from zero to 100km/h in 4.1 sec and achieves a top speed of 313 km/h (195 mph).
The V8 engine is available with either a six-speed manual gearbox or the R tronic semi-automatic while quattro permanent all-wheel drive is standard on all models. Audi said that the V8-powered R8 Spyder consumes on average 14.9lt / 100 km (15.8 US mpg) with the manual gearbox, and 13.9lt / 100 km (16.9 US mpg) with the R-Tronic.